Why Getting Mental Health Help in New Jersey Matters
Far too many of us live in silence with depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges. We may tell ourselves “I’m just moody” or “I need to toughen up”. Others might worry they’ll be a burden on others or be seen as “weak” for seeking help.
Blue Star Mental Health is here to tell you that all of that is nonsense. You deserve good mental health. You deserve to be as happy and healthy as you can. Part of our job here is helping people in New Jersey get help for mental health disorders. Whether it’s PTSD or OCD or another condition, we are here to help. Getting mental health help matters. You matter.
8 Signs You May Need Mental Health Treatment
Recognizing mental health symptoms early can make recovery feel less overwhelming. If you notice any of the following, it may be time to reach out for support:
- Feeling overwhelmed or stuck in negative thoughts
- Struggling to manage daily responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or mood that don’t go away
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities you once enjoyed
- Constant worry, racing thoughts, or feeling on edge (anxiety symptoms)
- Sudden flashbacks, nightmares, or being easily startled (PTSD symptoms)
- Using drugs or drinking or unhealthy habits to cope with stress
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Getting help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re taking an important step toward feeling better and regaining balance in your life. Asking for mental health help takes courage.
Step 1: Talk to Someone About Your Mental Health
Sure, we know this isn’t always easy. But, no one can help you with your mental health if they don’t know what you’re struggling with. People with depression and other conditions are often good at hiding the signs from others. Sometimes people just aren’t observant enough to pick up on signs, even though they care about you.
Either way: Talk to someone. If you’re not ready to talk to a mental health professional in New Jersey at Blue Star, then open up to someone you trust. The important thing is that you pierce that bubble of isolation and share what you’re struggling with.
Step 2: Get a Mental Health Assessment
Online mental health quizzes and depression self-tests can help you narrow down and describe your symptoms. They may even raise your awareness. But, to get mental health help, you’ll want a clinical diagnosis. Talking to a mental health professional in New Jersey at Blue Star can get you one step closer to the mental health treatment you need and deserve.
Step 3: Explore Choices for Mental Health Treatment in NJ
Once you’ve been diagnosed, you’ll likely feel some relief. At least there’s a name for what’s troubling you and you’re not keeping your depression, anxiety or compulsion bottled up anymore. You’re on your way. The next step is to decide what type or mental health treatment to begin with.
Outpatient Programs (OP):
Weekly therapy sessions. You’ll see a therapist either one-on-one or in a group setting. For some people this is enough, if you’re still functioning well, but just bothered by symptoms, you might consider starting with standard outpatient care. If you’re already seeing a therapist weekly or biweekly and you feel stuck, then it may be time for more help.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP):
Several sessions per week for more support. Mental health IOP hits the ‘sweet spot’ for many people because it doesn’t require you to put your whole life on pause. You sleep at home in your own bed. You have time for work, school or other responsibilities.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment:
If drug and/or alcohol use are part of your struggle, then dual diagnosis treatment will likely be a better fit for you. In a New Jersey dual diagnosis program, both mental health and addiction are treated together. These are what are known as co-occurring disorders.
It’s very important to treat both together, because if one or the other is overlooked, recovery is incomplete and it makes sliding backwards a lot more likely. Our sister program, Blue Star Recovery offers dual diagnosis treatment here in New Jersey.
Step 4: Maintain and Grow
Your work isn’t done after you finish mental health treatment in NJ. It’s important to have structures and habits in place that will help you effectively manage your mental health condition and continue to grow and progress.
The better NJ mental health programs, like Blue Star, will provide you with an aftercare plan when you finish treatment. This plan will include recommendations and resources. Think of it as a road map for your mental health journey ahead.
Blue Star: Outpatient Mental Health Treatment in New Jersey
Getting help for mental health doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right support, recovery is possible and life can feel balanced again. At Blue Star Mental Health, our outpatient and intensive outpatient programs in New Jersey are designed to meet you where you are and guide you forward. If you’re ready to take the first step, let’s talk today. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and walk with you on the path to better days.
Let’s Talk: (732) 686-0007
Check if we work with your insurance
SOURCES:
- Dual Diagnoses: The Challenge of Serving People with Concurrent Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Problems — NCBI (NIH)
- Dual Diagnosis — Medline (.gov)
