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Fulton County provides comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment services to all residents, regardless of their ability to pay. We serve uninsured adults and veterans, including those with Medicaid or Medicare. We offer state-of-the-art facilities conveniently located throughout Fulton County, including Atlanta, North Fulton and South Fulton. Therapy services for common behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, addiction, and other emotional and behavioral health concerns are free or offered on a sliding scale, based on income and family size.
According to Mental Health America, an estimated 54 million Americans suffer from some form of mental disorder in a given year. A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life's ordinary demands and routines. There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. Some of the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, personal habits and/or social withdrawal.
Mental health problems may be related to excessive stress due to a particular situation or series of events. Mental illnesses may be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances or a combination of these. With proper care and treatment, many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental illness or emotional disorder.
Despite the different symptoms and types of mental illnesses, many families who have a loved one with mental illness, share similar experiences. You may find yourself denying the warning signs, worrying what other people will think because of the stigma, or wondering what caused your loved one to become ill. Accept that these feelings are normal and common among families going through similar situations. Find out all you can about your loved one's illness by reading and talking with mental health professionals. Share what you have learned with others.
The outward signs of a mental illness are often behavioral. Individuals may be extremely quiet or withdrawn. Conversely, he or she may burst into tears or have outbursts of anger. Even after treatment has started, individuals with a mental illness can exhibit anti-social behaviors. When in public, these behaviors can be disruptive and difficult to accept. The next time you and your family member visit your doctor or mental health professional, discuss these behaviors and develop a strategy for coping.
Whenever possible, seek support from friends and family members. If you feel you cannot discuss your situation with friends or other family members, find a self-help or support group. These groups provide an opportunity for you to talk to other people who are experiencing the same type of problems. They can listen and offer valuable advice.
Therapy can be beneficial for both the individual with mental illness and other family members. A mental health professional can suggest ways to cope and better understand your loved one's illness. When looking for a therapist, be patient and talk to a few professionals so you can choose the person that is right for you and your family. It may take time until you are comfortable, but in the long-run, you will be happy to have sought help.