You don't have to go it alone when faced
with serious mental illness (SMI).
At Fremont Counseling Service, you never have to go it alone. Severe mental illness is more than the usual ups and downs of daily life. If left unattended, symptoms can worsen to a point where a person’s usual coping skills aren’t as effective as they used to be, or are not effective at all. Treatment can help, and Fremont Counseling Service can help you choose the best mix of services for you or your family. Medication, talk therapy, peer support services, case management and other wrap around services can help a person get back on track.
For some, a severe mental illness can get in the way of living independently. For a client who qualifies, Fremont Counseling Service offers supported housing with services designed to help a person learn and maintain important living skills.
At Fremont Counseling Service, you never have to go it alone.
It is possible to live well with a severe mental illness.
Mental illnesses are disorders that affect a person’s thinking, mood, and/or behavior —and they can range from mild to severe. According to the National Institute on Mental Health, nearly one-in-five adults live with a mental illness. A mental illness that interferes with a person’s life and ability to function is called a serious mental illness (SMI). With the right treatment, people with SMI can live productive and enjoyable lives.
STICK TO A TREATMENT PLAN
Even if you feel better, don’t stop going to therapy or taking medication without a doctor’s guidance. Work with a doctor to safely adjust doses or medication if needed to continue a treatment plan.
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KEEP YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN UPDATED.
Primary care physicians are an important part of the long-term management of an SMI, even if you also see a psychiatrist or receive counseling services.
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LEARN ABOUT THE DISORDER.
Being educated can help you stick to your treatment plan. Education can also help your loved ones be more supportive and compassionate.
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PRACTICE SELF-CARE.
Your team at Fremont Counseling Service will help you develop a plan of action to care for yourself between visits. Eating healthy and getting enough exercise and sleep can help, too.
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REACH OUT TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Maintaining relationships with others is important. In times of crisis or rough spells, reach out to them for support and help.
Despite common misperceptions, having an SMI is not a choice, a weakness, or a character flaw. It is not something that just “passes” or can be “snapped out of” with willpower. The specific causes are unknown, but various factors can increase someone’s risk for mental illness including, family history, brain chemistry, and significant life events such as experiencing a trauma or death of a loved one.
