Do I Have Continuum of Care for Lingering Effects of My Disorder?

A continuum of care for mental health disorders is a system of thorough and ongoing mental health services. Continuum care evolves with you according to your unique needs over time. It looks at the entire process of treating mental health, from preventive care all the way through the quality of life after treatment. 

In the early stages of diagnosis and treatment, you receive a higher level of care and support. As you work with your mental health team, you will find a treatment plan that works for you. You will expand your ability to adapt and become more empowered to deal with the challenges you face. As you become more confident in your abilities, you will be moved through different levels of care.

Continuum of care provides you with after-care support. Your mental health may be the most vulnerable when you move towards independence. Services are put in place so that you can find extra support when you need it most. Continuum care acts as a safety net. It can help you achieve your goals and continue to improve your quality of life. 

Do I Need Continuum Care?

Mental health should not be considered only in negative terms. There is more to mental health than just mental health disorders. Everybody will experience normal ups and downs in regard to their mental wellness and quality of life. Mental health and wellness are not limited to avoiding crises or treating a person in crisis. 

As with our physical health, there are things we can do to support thriving mental health. Mental health is not a stationary experience. Everyone falls on a spectrum that ranges from an excellent state of mental health to significant crises like depressive episodes. Continuum care provides support for you no matter what state of mind you may be experiencing.

It is vital to pay close attention to your unique mental health status at all times. No one knows how you are feeling or what you are thinking better than you. It is crucial to be mindful of your mental health status and watch for signs of challenges to your mental state. If you can recognize early warning signs and risks quickly, you can prevent the slippery slope of deteriorating mental health. Knowing that you have resources for support with continuum care will empower you to manage any mental health challenges that come your way before they become full-blown crises.

5 Early Warning Signs and When to Rely on Continuum Care Services

There are some common symptoms to watch for when considering if you need to rely on continuum care. You should not try to diagnose or treat mental health challenges on your own when looking at symptoms. Paying close attention to symptoms is solely to help you determine if you need to reach out about your concerns. 

Here are some early warning signs to pay attention to:

#1 High Levels of Anxiety

Experiencing worry or stress is normal for everyone. If you are experiencing constant anxiety and it is affecting your ability to function in your daily life, you may want to check in with continuum care services.

#2 Ongoing Depressive States

Feeling sad is a normal part of life, especially in response to things like loss or loneliness. If you find yourself feeling low, lacking motivation, or feeling overwhelmed, you should bring your concerns to the attention of your mental wellness team.

#3 Disturbances to Your Sleep Patterns

If you find that you can’t seem to get a good night’s sleep, this may be a symptom of something more serious. For example, depression may lead you to sleep a lot more than usual, and anxiety may prevent you from falling and staying asleep. You may want to utilize continuum care to see if there is an underlying issue affecting your sleep patterns.

#4 Changes in Appetite or Weight

For some people, changes in weight or eating habits can be a sign that you are dealing with underlying issues. If you notice you are stress eating or snacking a lot more than usual, it may be cause for concern. Abnormal weight loss can also be a cause for concern. If you determine that your appetite has changed drastically, you will want to reach out for input from continuum care services.

#5 Increase in Substance Use

When you find yourself struggling with your mental health, you might turn to substance use, such as alcohol, to help you cope. This is always a cause for concern because it masks any underlying issues and can turn into a co-occurring substance use disorder. Reach out to the mental health professionals in continuum care if you realize that you are attempting to self-medicate with substance use.

Continuum Care With Alter Wellness Care

At Alter Wellness Care, we offer a wide range of mental health services. We want to see you happy, confident, and thriving throughout your life. Our compassionate team can walk you through the diagnostic process. Once a proper diagnosis has been made, we will explore treatment options and support services with you. We will work as a team to put a plan in place that fits into your lifestyle and helps you meet your goals. We want to support you through any challenges you may face. 

At Alter Wellness Care, we have a specialized team that cares about your quality of life. We have a variety of services available to support you through the diagnosis and treatment process. Our team also understands that continuum care is crucial beyond your initial diagnosis and treatment. Continuum care can make the difference between struggling and thriving. Our goal is for our clients to thrive and achieve all their goals. We will support you in any way you need to help you build the confidence you need to navigate life’s challenges. Call us today at (866) 311-3510 to find out how the services we provide can support your healing journey.