Understanding Psychoeducational Groups

Understanding Psychoeducational Groups

Are you struggling with a mental health disorder and trying to manage symptoms while going about your everyday life? If so, perhaps psychoeducational groups can help you on your journey toward improved mental health. Millions try to cope with mental illness or a substance use disorder (SUD) daily. Thankfully, we now have more options for mental health treatment than ever before. Unfortunately, that also means many people are easily overwhelmed when considering all the available mental health care options.

Psychoeducational groups have many benefits, including the ability to help you learn and reduce overwhelming feelings while improving mental health. Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention offers various evidence-based treatments and holistic healing. This is in addition to psychoeducational groups focused on teaching and educating about mental health conditions and related behaviors. Knowledge is power, and learning more about your mental health offers the chance to change your life in ways conducive to mental health today.

Common Mental Health Conditions

Learning about the mental health condition you struggle with is vital to treating it, healing from it, and maintaining mental health long-term. That goes for any mental illness you may be diagnosed with. Ten of the most common mental health conditions we seem to see individuals struggle with include:

  1. Anxiety disorders
  2. Depression
  3. Bipolar disorder
  4. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  5. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  6. Eating disorders
  7. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  8. Schizophrenia
  9. Dissociative disorders
  10. SUD and addiction-related disorders

These are just a few mental health conditions you or a loved one may be experiencing. Unfortunately, we are still unsure about the direct causes of mental illness. However, we know the factors that can contribute to the development of mental disorders, including:

  • Genetics, biological factors like a chemical imbalance in the brain, and having a family history of mental illness
  • Life experiences, such as childhood trauma, stress, neglect, or abuse
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals or substances when pregnant
  • Excessive alcohol consumption or using illicit drugs recreationally
  • Experiencing intense isolation and loneliness
  • Chronic physical conditions, such as a type of cancer

Factors such as these can contribute to or increase the prevalence of developing a mental health condition at some point in your life. Understanding this and pinpointing the factors contributing to your mental health condition development is crucial for healing.

Treating Mental Health Conditions

As mentioned, the mental health treatment options available today are endless. While this an excellent in terms of the evolution of mental health care, it can also be overwhelming.

You may benefit from the following methods of mental health treatment:

  1. Evidence-based treatment focuses on treating clients through techniques that have been clinically studied and are shown to be effective. Some practices include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing.
  2. Whole-Person Wellness is an approach to improving every area of your life, including emotional, social, physical, intellectual, spiritual, and occupational wellness.
  3. Family and community support are vital components to improving and maintaining mental health. Surrounding yourself with family, friends, and supportive community members is crucial for recovery during treatment and afterward. These connections can be lifesavers for years to come upon leaving treatment.

Treatments like these are invaluable to improving mental health and maintaining overall wellness. However, education is just as necessary. Especially if this is your first time seeking treatment and accepting your mental illness, educating yourself is vital to know what to expect and how to maintain your mental health post-treatment. Psychoeducational groups can help you do this.

What Are Psychoeducational Groups?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes psychoeducational groups – in the context of substance abuse treatment – as being “designed to educate clients about substance abuse, and related behaviors and consequences.” They “provide information designed to have a direct application to clients’ lives.” This information is meant to increase self-awareness, provide growth and change options, identify resources, and motivate individuals to enter treatment options or take other actions beneficial to them.

Regarding any mental illness, psychoeducational groups increase awareness about the behavioral, medical, and psychological consequences of a mental health condition or SUD. It also focuses on helping individuals find the motivation to enter treatment and recovery.

How Can You Benefit From Psychoeducational Groups Today?

Our psychoeducational groups can help you as you embark on your recovery journey today. They can provide:

  • Motivation to enter into treatment and maintain recovery
  • Education that will you improve your overall being
  • Resources you can utilize in your community
  • A community to learn from and lean on in times of duress
  • Teach about your disorder and help you learn more about yourself during the process
  • Help your families understand more about your mental health condition

We encourage you to contact us to learn more about the benefits of psychoeducational groups. Our 24/7 intensive psychiatric centers of San Diego La Mesa and medical care programs can help you in your journey today.

Million across the United States struggle with a mental health condition or substance use disorder (SUD). Unfortunately, many do not seek treatment despite the number of treatment options available today. One reason people may avoid treatment is that they do not know which program or therapeutic practice is most effective. Having so many options is a blessing but also overwhelming. Psychoeducational groups can help you navigate these options. These groups educate you and your family about your condition and provide community resources you can utilize. They also focus on motivating you to seek treatment. To learn more about Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention and the psychoeducational group we offer, call (866) 986-1481 today.