- Comedian Pete Davidson has checked into a rehab facility to deal with mental health disorders including PTSD.
- Davidson has long been open about having mental health issues.
- Celebrities talking about mental health can help dispel stigma, experts say.
Pete Davidson has checked into a rehab facility to receive care for post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder, according to People Magazine.
The Saturday Night Live alum has been a long-outspoken advocate of mental health treatment.
Davidson has talked about being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, following the death of his father who was killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. Davidson also suffers from
“The more we talk about [mental health], the more we normalize it,” said Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health. “It is so amazing that we can have these conversations as if someone has a sickness or illness that they are getting treatment for. We don’t blame someone for their physical health, but we put a personal onus or pressure on mental health.”
According to the
Experts say that anyone can seek help for mental health and that people do not need to wait until they are suffering in order to seek mental health treatment.
More than 20% of adults in the U.S.
“So many people suffer in silence and their quality of life is impacted negatively,” said Gallagher. “If you’re suffering and struggling, it’s important to get the help you need, and you may need it more than once at different seasons of life and different times of life.”
Mental health is something that affects a huge number of people. But many people may still feel stigmatized for discussing mental health issues, which is why experts say it is so helpful to have public figures and celebrities be open about their own mental health.
“We need to continue to destigmatize it. We see that mental health is not a young people problem, but it’s less stigmatized in young people,” said Gallagher. “The truth is, there are a lot of older individuals who need mental health treatment and resources, but because it’s stigmatized, it might be difficult for them to seek out treatment.”
While rehab or a mental health facility is an option for people, not everyone has to check themselves into a separate facility in order to care for their mental health. There is a wide variety of mental health options available.
One of the most popular forms of treatment is psychotherapy, which is an overarching term that covers a huge spectrum of different methods and styles. The underlying concept involves exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a licensed, trained professional.
Some mental illnesses can be treated with medications. While medication does not cure a mental illness, it can help with the management of symptoms.
Support groups are other methods of treatment, where members guide each other toward a mutual goal of recovery. The groups are made up of non-mental health professionals but are usually guided by someone with a license.
In a minority of cases, hospitalization or rehab may be required in order for an individual to be more closely monitored or if a person is a danger to themselves or to the community.
Talking with your doctor or speaking with a psychologist or psychiatrist can be a great first step into determining which treatment may be right for you.
“One thing I always say is if you’re asking the question ‘Do I need mental health treatment?’ get an evaluation,” said Gallagher. “If it’s anything you’re feeling, from settling unfinished business to maybe drinking more than you want, unresolved anger — if you’re curious about it, just ask.”
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