My Life is Falling Apart
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What To Do When My Life Is Falling Apart?
Someone struggling with addiction and/or a mental health issue may sadly proclaim, “My Life is Falling Apart.”
When someone is suffering from a mental health disorder they may truly feel like their life is falling apart. The anguish that comes with the illness can be debilitating, and affects all aspects of daily life. It is easy to lose perspective when it seems there is no hope for things to get better.
Too many people don’t access the help that is out there, that can provide the treatment and support they need. Sadly, some may begin to self-medicate the mental health symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This can result in a co-occurring disorder, called dual diagnosis, with both a mental health and substance use disorder.
The NIH reports that only about 50% of people with a mental health disorder will access treatment for the illness. For those struggling with a substance use disorder, an abysmal 10% will seek treatment, states SAMHSA. Consider all the people thinking their life is falling apart who could be helped but aren’t, due to perceived barriers.
What Causes Feelings of Despair
Even the strongest among us can be so pummeled by life’s adversities that they can end up feeling hopeless. Despair sets in when someone feels they have no hope, that life will never get better.
In many cases, hopelessness and despair are symptoms of an existing mental health disorder. The symptoms lead them to isolate and withdraw. These disorders might include:
Depression.
Depression is a mood disorder that features low mood and a lack of energy. It affects more than 17 million people each year. Symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, and despairing.
- Sleep problems.
- Change in eating habits and weight changes.
- Fatigue
- Slowed motor movements and thinking.
- Feeling guilty or ashamed.
- Loss of interest.
- Trouble making decisions or paying attention.
- Thoughts of suicide.
Anxiety.
Anxiety disorders affect 40 million people each year. There are different types of anxiety, but some common symptoms include:
- Feelings of fear, dread, and worry that are out of proportion.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Isolation
- Feeling jumpy or restless.
- Shallow breathing, holding your breath.
- Racing heart.
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Muscle tension, always feeling on alert.
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating.
Bipolar Disorder.
Bipolar is a mood disorder that features extreme shifts in mood between mania and depression. There are four types of bipolar. It is a very difficult disorder to treat, and many with bipolar have a co-occurring substance use problem.
Addiction.
Drug and alcohol dependence or addiction can lead to a host of negative consequences. Someone with an addiction might loss their job, their family, their marriage, their home, their health, and their money. All of these can cause someone to feel that their life is falling apart.
Perceived Barriers to Treatment
There are reasons why so many people who need treatment do not ever seek it. Perceived roadblocks, which can all be overcome, stand in the way. It is often a lack of information and understanding that keeps someone stuck in their illness.
Some of the barriers to treatment include:
- Social stigma. There is still a stigma around mental illness and addiction. Someone who needs treatment may resist getting it out of fear of how others might respond. Employers, though, are not permitted to reveal an employees private health matters.
- Unable to take a leave from work. Some people have very demanding careers or have children at home, and can’t take an extended leave. This can be resolved by choosing an outpatient treatment program, which is more flexible.
- Fear of treatment or detox. Someone with a co-occurring substance use disorder may have a fear of the detox process. Remind them that the symptoms will be managed by meds during withdrawal and they will be closely monitored throughout.
- Can’t afford treatment. Most people assume that treatment is out of pocket and very expensive. Many health plans now cover at least a portion of the costs for mental health and addiction treatment. There are also payment programs and scholarships that can relieve some of the financial burden.
4 Ways You Can Help a Loved One Get Help
Far too many people who suffer with a mental health problem or addiction feel helpless. They know they need treatment, but don’t know how to take that first step. It can feel overwhelming and unfamiliar, so they feel stuck.
If your loved one is feeling like their life is falling apart, you can help guide them toward getting help. Here are 4 things you can do to help them:
- Do some research about different types of programs or rehabs to help the loved one better understand their treatment options.
- Suggest they request a leave of absence from work if they need more intensive inpatient treatment. Assure them that their job will still be there when they have finished treatment.
- Help them navigate their insurance plan. Plan to make a call to the insurer to discuss the amount of coverage and any out of pocket expense.
- Offer to go with them to meet with the mental health provider. They may just want someone to be there when they meet with the provider the first time.
Sometimes a person who is struggling with life just needs a helping hand to help them right their course. By offering them a little support and kindness, you might make a real difference in their lives. If you know someone who has stated, “My life is falling apart,” reach out to them and guide them toward treatment. You will never regret it.
Elevation Behavioral Health Residential Program
Elevation Behavioral Health offers expert and compassionate treatment for mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders. Within a gorgeous home setting you or a loved one will receive the highest standard of evidence-based care. Come heal with us. Call our team today at (888) 561-0868.
