Skip to main content

The Importance of Community in Mental Health Treatment

community-mental-health

Human beings are social creatures, and the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives. We flourish when we can build connections with others. We see new perspectives, we learn, and we grow. Mental health disorders, on the other hand, create and feed upon isolation. Depression and personality disorders thrive in the dark spaces of those afflicted and create an ever-worsening spiral for them. To combat this, Creative Care has established itself as an oasis for those struggling with mental health conditions. It is a community in which these folks can work through their disorders with a team of experts, deepening and expanding their recovery in a safe, supportive environment. 

Community is One of the Best Tools Available for Improving Mental Health

A study by Vanhalst et al. found that depressive symptoms at age 20 were significantly higher in a group of young adults experiencing chronically high loneliness from the ages from 15 to 20 compared to the high and moderate decreasing, low increasing and stable low loneliness groups of the same ages. Additionally, intolerance to loneliness is a core feature of borderline personality disorder. It can also increase the likelihood and severity of symptoms like reckless behavior, wide mood swings, and intense anger. Furthermore, isolation has also been linked to cognitive decline. A study by Sutin et al. found that loneliness is associated with a 40% increase in risk of dementia. Clearly, fostering a sense of community is one of the best tools available for improving mental health.

The community at Creative Care offers clients the chance to become part of something larger than themselves. In controlled settings such as group therapy and with the guidance of trained professionals, clients begin to build connections with those who are going through similar struggles. They realize they’re not alone, they’re not defective, and they are not their disease. Clients learn to trust again and become able to rely on others. Additionally, as they progress through the program, they begin to see how to use their personal experiences to help the newcomers. Finally, they start to live life with a new sense of purpose and contentment.

Treat the Whole Person

Creative Care has been providing compassionate, innovative treatment since 1989. Furthermore, while we nurture a sense of community in our program, our care team designs individualized plans to meet each client’s specific needs. Every client receives a comprehensive psychological assessment upon admission, ensuring a complete diagnostic snapshot. We treat the whole person, as a person. For example, a personalized treatment plan may include:

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Psychiatric visits
  • Medications
  • Family or couples therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Nutrition group
  • Equine group
  • Yoga and other relaxation therapy

Innovative, Creative Care

With over 30 years of experience treating mental health disorders, Creative Care has become the premier facility for individuals who need cutting-edge care with the extra support, understanding, and accountability to heal. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, please consider giving Creative Care a call and begin your journey to a new life today.