You know you need therapy for your addiction or mental health problems, but you’re putting it off. Perhaps you’ve tried before and had a negative experience, or you’re too afraid of the stigma, or the expense seems excessive. There are many obstacles in the way of people getting the help they need. The good news is that there are ways to overcome them, and Acqua Recovery in Utah is here to support you through the journey.
At Acqua Recovery, we offer specialized treatment options and strategies to address specific challenges. We work with insurance providers to make treatment more accessible and have many addiction and recovery resources available to individuals and their families.
What are the Possible Barriers to Treatment?
Barriers to treatment for mental health and addiction issues can vary widely, presenting multifaceted challenges that may hinder individuals from seeking or continuing medical care or therapy. The obstacles are diverse, encompassing external factors such as insurance limitations and restricted clinic hours as well as internal barriers like fear or anxiety that emanate from personal perspectives and experiences.
Internal Barriers
Internal barriers are obstacles within yourself that prevent you from seeking treatment. Some of the biggest internal barriers include:
Fear and Anxiety
Fear and anxiety are major internal barriers. The unknown can be scary, whether it’s a medical procedure, a diagnosis, or starting therapy. However, avoiding care will likely only increase anxiety and cause greater health issues down the line. The best way to overcome fear is through education. Learn about your condition and the different fear and anxiety treatment options so you know what to expect.
- Remind yourself that seeking help is a sign of strength.
- Meet with a few therapists to find one you feel comfortable with.
- Take it slowly and know you can stop at any time.
Stigma and Embarrassment
There is still stigma around mental health issues and treatment. You may see it as a sign of weakness or feel ashamed. But mental health conditions are legitimate medical issues, and treatment can help you live a happier, healthier life.
- Challenge any negative views you hold about mental health conditions and treatment.
- Don’t let what others might think stop you from doing what is right for you.
- Talk to others who have sought treatment to help overcome feelings of stigma.
Lack of Motivation
When you’re struggling with your mental health, it can be hard to motivate yourself to seek treatment. But allowing issues to persist without help often makes them worse over time.
- Start with small steps, like researching therapists or making an initial call. Momentum builds from there.
- Seek the support of a friend or loved one to hold you responsible. Allow them to uplift and help you.
- Remember that you deserve to live a happy, fulfilling life. Seeking help is the best way to make that possible.
Overcoming internal barriers isn’t easy, but with time and effort, you can move past them to get the comprehensive addiction treatment you need. You don’t have to navigate this obstacle alone—there are caring professionals and support systems to help you along the way.
External Barriers
External barriers are things outside of your control that can prevent you from seeking or following through with treatment. These obstacles are frustrating, but know that there are ways to work around them.
Lack of Insurance
Not having health insurance is a major barrier for many people. Treatment and services can be expensive, and paying high out-of-pocket costs deters some from getting the help they need. If you’re uninsured, look into free or low-cost options in your area, like community health centers, support groups, or nonprofit organizations. You may also qualify for programs like Medicaid or subsidies to help pay for insurance. We also work with insurance providers, so you treatment may be covered by your health plan. Don’t lose hope – affordable solutions are out there!
Transportation Problems
Difficulty getting to appointments is another external barrier. If you lack reliable transportation, ask a friend or family member for a ride. Public transit, ride-sharing, or medical transport services are other options. You can also inquire about phone or online counseling and treatment options so you can access help from home.
Lack of Childcare
For parents, finding childcare during appointments can be challenging. Ask a spouse, friend, or relative to watch your kids. You may need to bring children to appointments in some cases, so choose providers who allow this and pack snacks, toys, and other distractions to keep them occupied. As a last resort, you may need to schedule visits when childcare is available, even if the times aren’t optimal.
The path to treatment isn’t always straightforward, but persistence and creativity can help overcome even the biggest obstacles. Don’t lose hope – there are usually solutions and alternatives if you seek them out. Stay determined, ask for help if you need it, and keep your eyes on the goal ahead. Barriers are only temporary, but the benefits of treatment can last a lifetime.
What are Some Tips for Overcoming Internal Barriers?
Internal barriers can be some of the hardest to overcome when seeking treatment. Here are a few tips to help push past them:
It’s normal to feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help, but your mental health is too important. Remind yourself that seeking treatment shows immense courage and strength. Talk to others who have been in your position – their stories can help motivate you and ease feelings of being alone.
If you think treatment won’t work or that you don’t deserve to feel better, challenge those thoughts. They are not based on fact. Treatment has helped millions of people, and you absolutely deserve to live a happy, healthy life. Try writing down negative beliefs and finding evidence that contradicts them. Speak to a professional about tools to help reframe negative thinking.
It’s easy to put your own needs last, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make the time to focus on yourself and your mental health. Say no when you need to, limit distractions, and do small things each day that boost your wellbeing, like exercising or engaging in a hobby. You will feel better and be better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Don’t go through this alone. Connecting to supportive friends and family members can help keep you accountable and lift you up on difficult days. Consider joining an online support group to find solidarity in shared experiences. Let others help motivate you – together, you’ve got this!
The path to wellness is challenging, but by addressing internal barriers directly with self-compassion and support, you can absolutely overcome them. Have hope, be kind to yourself, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You will get there, and it will be worth it.
How Can One Find Support to Overcome External Barriers?
External barriers like a lack of insurance or transportation can make it difficult to get mental health treatment. But there are ways to overcome these obstacles.
Your community likely offers resources to help. Check with local clinics, social services, places of faith, or support groups. They may offer low-cost or free counseling, help finding doctors, or assistance getting to appointments.
- Call your local health department, community health center or social services to ask about mental health resources in your area.
- Search online for “low-income mental health” along with your city name. Many non-profits offer treatment on a sliding-scale basis.
- Ask your doctor for referrals to counselors or psychiatrists who offer lower-cost treatment options. Some therapists provide lower fees or a “sliding scale” depending on your income.
Embark on a virtual tour of accessible mental health support! Teletherapy, telepsychiatry, and online groups erase barriers, offering help from anywhere and addressing transportation or mobility challenges.
Don’t isolate yourself. Talk to people you trust about what you’re going through and ask them for support. Let them know specific ways they can assist you in accessing treatment. Whether it’s providing transportation, helping find resources, or simply offering a listening ear, your close ones will likely want to see you live a happier, healthier life.
Communicate specific ways they can assist you in accessing treatment
Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment at Acqua Recovery
Acqua Recovery is committed to providing a supportive, individualized, and holistic approach to help individuals overcome both internal and external barriers to mental health and addiction treatment. By addressing these barriers, Acqua Recovery aims to empower individuals on their journey to lasting recovery and well-being. Get in touch with us right now to learn more about our offerings.
