Top-Rated Mental Health Treatment AT Optimum Wellness
Brandy Eichelberger, FNP
Nurse Practitioner
I am Brandy, the founder of Optimum Mental Health Healing. I am a highly respected board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) and psychiatric nurse practitioner based in Illinois. I have 20+ years of experience in mental health, including 14 years as a registered nurse and 8 years as a nurse practitioner.
I have a broad background in providing mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults, working in both inpatient and outpatient environments. Throughout my career, I’ve developed a specialization in helping individuals with a variety of challenges, including:
Types Of Treatments
Many individuals living with mental health challenges find strength and recovery through personalized individual or group therapy. With a variety of treatment options available, we recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You have the flexibility to choose the treatment or combination of treatments that best suits your unique needs and journey to healing.
Medication Management
Understanding the advantages of prescribed medications, as well as their possible side effects, is crucial. It’s equally important to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor. Being informed about medication can help you make the best decisions for your health.
Medications are designed to manage symptoms, not to provide cures.
If you stop taking them, the symptoms may resurface. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider how long you should expect to be on medication.
Every medication carries both benefits and risks.
The decision to take medication involves weighing the potential positive effects against any possible side effects. Sometimes, it can be difficult to predict how a medication will affect you until you try it.
Medications are often most effective when they are part of a broader treatment plan.
This might include therapy, support groups, and rehabilitation services to address issues that medication alone cannot resolve.
Improvement can take time.
Some medications may take several weeks to show their full effects, and side effects can appear before the benefits do. It’s also possible that you may need to try different medications to find the one that works best for you, but many people find that the effort is worthwhile.
Types Of Medication
Antidepressants are helpful for easing feelings of sadness, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, though they don’t create happiness or alter one’s personality. While the older tricyclic antidepressants were once commonly used, modern medications like SSRIs and SNRIs are more frequently prescribed due to their reduced side effects.
Mood stabilizers are designed to reduce or eliminate extreme mood swings and related symptoms, helping individuals manage both highs and lows without dulling normal emotional experiences. Tranquilizers and sleep aids can alleviate anxiety and insomnia, promoting relaxation and restful sleep. However, these medications are typically used for short-term relief, as prolonged use can lead to dependency.
Antipsychotic medications can be effective in reducing or, in some cases, eliminating symptoms such as hearing voices or experiencing overwhelming, fearful thoughts. They help promote clearer thinking, focus on reality, and bring a sense of calm and organization. These medications are available in oral form, typically taken daily, or as injections that provide effects for 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the specific medication.
Stimulants and similar medications can have a calming effect, improving concentration, attention, and the ability to follow instructions, while also reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness, benefiting both children and adults.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a form of treatment for mental health issues conducted by a licensed mental health professional. It focuses on exploring thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to enhance a person’s overall well-being. When combined with medication, psychotherapy is one of the most powerful approaches to supporting recovery.
Here are some powerful ways therapy can enhance your motivation, boost your self-esteem, and improve your overall mental health:
Break Free from Harmful Behaviors
Therapists work with you to identify negative thought patterns and destructive habits, providing you with the tools to break free from them. This is especially helpful for those struggling with issues like self-harm, eating disorders, or suicidal thoughts.
Recognize Your Triggers
Negative behaviors are often triggered by specific external factors or situations that spark unpleasant emotions. Therapy helps you pinpoint these triggers and develop effective strategies to manage your responses.
Adopt Healthy Coping Strategies
In stressful situations, you may have developed ineffective or harmful ways of coping. Therapy helps you replace these reactions with healthier, more productive coping mechanisms, allowing you to stay grounded and emotionally balanced.
Repair Damaged Relationships
Strong, healthy relationships are key to mental well-being. Therapy provides valuable tools for improving communication, resolving conflicts, and rebuilding relationships with friends and family, fostering stronger, more supportive connections.
Enhance Your Physical Health
Research has shown that individuals who engage in therapy tend to take fewer sick days and experience fewer health problems overall. Positive changes have also been observed in the brain and body as a result of therapeutic work.
Build Greater Self-Reliance
Through therapy, you’ll develop problem-solving skills, boost your self-confidence, and become more self-aware. This empowers you to take control of your mental health, fostering long-term resilience and personal growth.
At Optimum Wellness, we understand that life’s challenges, whether related to depression or difficulties in relationships, can be overwhelming. Our psychotherapy services are designed to help you uncover the underlying causes of your struggles and work toward meaningful solutions. With our supportive and compassionate approach, we are committed to helping you navigate through life’s challenges. To schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members, give us a call today.
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