Living With a Behavioral Health Disorder

Living with a behavioral health disorder, particularly a chronic one such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, can be difficult and challenging for both the individual and his or her loved ones. However, there is hope.

In many ways, a behavioral health disorder is much the same as any other medical condition. While frightening and confusing for both the individual and those around them, especially at the onset, the reality is that many behavioral health disorders can be successfully treated through therapy, medication or a combination of both. If individuals participate in their treatment, in many cases they can and will recover or at least resume a normal life.

Even many individuals with chronic and severe mental illnesses like Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder can manage their conditions effectively long term. Just like people with diabetes or heart disease, many individuals with chronic mental health disorders can successfully maintain their health and independence if they take their medications as prescribed and work with their provider to catch any issues before they become crises.

For those individuals for whom mental health recovery is more of a challenge, there are resources available to assist them and their families. Here are just a few:

If your loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, and you can’t get a hold of their regular provider or they don’t have one, King County has a great resource called the Crisis Clinic. Their staff are specially trained to deal with immediate crises, including suicide issues, and help people get both the immediate help they need and/or refer them to long-term assistance. Their phone number is 206-461-3222, or they can be reached via the web at www.crisisclinic.org.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Seattle chapter, in addition to providing excellent support groups and other services for individuals with mental illnesses and their families, publishes a thorough guide to the Washington mental health system. Called “Connections,” this guide is filled with helpful information about how Washington’s mental health systems work, the various agencies that provide services, commonly prescribed medications, benefits for individuals with mental health disabilities and more. The guide costs $30 ($25 for members) and can be ordered online or by mail at www.nami-greaterseattle.org.
CPC runs a Family and Friends Support Program to provide education, information, and emotional support to families and friends of those suffering from severe and persistent mental illness.
The King County Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division maintains an excellent website useful to clients, family members, and providers. It includes a resource section, FAQs, lists of agencies providing mental health and chemical dependency services and more.
Individuals with severe and persistent mental illness are frequently eligible for state and federal financial assistance, particularly if they are unable to work due to the effects of their illness and experience functional restrictions that impair their daily lives.