Mental Health

Your mental health is an essential part of your overall well-being. It influences how you think, feel, and interact with others. At Resilience Behavioral Health in Pikesville, Maryland, Christiana Ikome, NP, PMHNP, and the team believe that taking care of your mental health is as important as your physical health. With the right support, therapy, and strategies, you can achieve balance, improve resilience, and live a fulfilling life. Book an evaluation today by phone or online. The team offers in-person and virtual appointments.

What is mental health?

Mental health refers to your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel, and act, as well as how you handle stress, relate to others and make choices.

Mental health is an essential component of overall health, influencing every aspect of your life. Just like physical health, mental health requires attention and care to maintain balance and well-being.

What causes mental health issues?

Mental health issues often develop from a combination of the following:

• Genetics (a family history of mental health conditions)
• Brain chemistry (imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine)
• Trauma (abuse, neglect, or a significant loss can trigger)
• Stress (chronic stress from work, relationships, or financial issues)
• Life circumstances (divorce, moving, or job loss)
• Substance use (misuse of alcohol or drugs)

In addition, chronic illness or significant medical conditions like chronic pain or neurological disorders can impact mental health.

What are mental health conditions of concern?

Several mental health conditions can significantly impact a person’s life. These include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Schizophrenia

Your practitioner can evaluate your mental health and provide a proper diagnosis for effective treatment.

How are mental health conditions treated?

At Resilience Behavioral Health, effective treatment often involves a combination of strategies, Including:

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic therapy, helps you understand your thoughts and behaviors, develop coping skills, and work through emotional challenges. 

Medications, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or mood stabilizers, may also be prescribed to manage symptoms effectively. 

Lifestyle changes, like regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques, are essential in improving mental well-being. 

Support networks help you build strong, connected relationships with friends, family, or groups where you can receive vital emotional support and encouragement during recovery. 

The team’s holistic approach combines therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, helping patients manage mental health conditions and lead fulfilling lives.

If you have concerns about a mental health condition, schedule an evaluation at Resilience Behavioral Health today. The team offers in-person and virtual appointments, so call the friendly office staff to check availability or use the online booking feature now.