World Mental Health Day: 3 of the Most Common Mental Health Diagnoses, and Tips for Clinicians Working with Them

 

World Mental Health Day: 3 of the Most Common Mental Health Diagnoses, and Tips for Clinicians Working with Them


Written by Kelsey Someliana-Lauer, Therapy Practice Solutions Virtual Assistant


World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for better mental health care around the world. It was initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in 1992, with the goal of promoting global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy. Founded by Richard Hunter, the then Deputy Secretary General of WFMH, the day was created to combat stigma and highlight the importance of recognizing mental health as a universal human right, while encouraging countries worldwide to prioritize mental health in their public health agendas.

World Mental Health Day is an important reminder for mental health professionals and the community to reflect on the challenges individuals face when managing their mental well-being. Every year, millions of people worldwide are diagnosed with mental health conditions, and as clinicians, we are entrusted with helping them navigate these difficulties. 

Want some tips on working with anxiety, depression, and PTSD in the therapy space? The pros at Therapy Practice Solutions are here to help! Read on for tangible tips on working with three of the most common diagnosed mental health concerns worldwide.

1. Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most widespread mental health conditions, affecting millions globally. They encompass a range of diagnoses, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety. Working with clients struggling with anxiety requires a balance of empathy and evidence-based interventions.

Here are a few techniques you can use with clients with anxiety:

  • Normalize and validate anxiety: Help clients understand that anxiety is a normal response, and it doesn’t define their worth or capabilities.

  • Teach grounding techniques: In moments of heightened anxiety, grounding exercises such as deep breathing or the 5-4-3-2-1 technique can help reduce immediate distress.

  • Gradual exposure therapy: For clients avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, exposure in a controlled, gradual manner can increase tolerance and reduce avoidance behavior.

  • Cognitive restructuring: Assist clients in identifying irrational fears and replacing them with realistic, balanced thoughts.

  • Incorporate mindfulness: Practices such as mindfulness meditation can promote present-focused awareness and decrease anxious rumination.

2. Depressive Disorders

Depression, characterized by persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, and changes in sleep or appetite, is another common mental health condition. Working with depression requires understanding the complexities behind its onset, whether situational or chemical, and fostering a supportive therapeutic environment.

Here are some techniques you can utilize with clients with depression:

  • Encourage routine: A structured daily routine, even in small increments, can provide clients with a sense of normalcy and purpose.

  • Behavioral activation: Motivate clients to engage in activities that bring them joy or a sense of accomplishment, even when motivation is low.

  • Monitor negative self-talk: Teach clients how to challenge self-critical thoughts, replacing them with affirming or neutral statements.

  • Utilize solution-focused techniques: Help clients identify moments when they felt more in control of their mood and explore how they can recreate those conditions.

  • Address lifestyle factors: Encourage habits that support mood stabilization, such as exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet.

3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD develops following exposure to a traumatic event and can manifest as flashbacks, avoidance, hyperarousal, and intrusive thoughts. Trauma-informed care is essential when working with clients who have PTSD, ensuring they feel safe and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.

Here are a few ways to work with clients with PTSD:

Implementation tips:

  • Establish safety and trust: From the first session, foster a therapeutic relationship where the client feels secure and understood.

  • Teach relaxation skills: Grounding techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, and breathing exercises can help regulate the nervous system during trauma processing.

  • Encourage gradual trauma processing: Work with clients to discuss their trauma at their own pace, using techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Brainspotting, ART, or trauma-focused CBT.

  • Integrate body-based interventions: Trauma can be stored in the body, so modalities like somatic experiencing or yoga can be helpful in releasing trauma from physical tension.

  • Help with future orientation: Assist clients in focusing on goals and values that promote recovery and healing beyond the trauma.

We hope this post gave you some practical tips for working with the world’s most common mental health diagnoses: anxiety, depression, and trauma! At Therapy Practice Solutions, we know how important it is for you to use your time and energy in ensuring high quality care for your clients. If you’d like to offload tasks to make time for providing great care to your clients, reach out to us today. The pros at Therapy Practice Solutions would love to help you help others. We look forward to hearing from you!

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