Mental Health Disorder

Mental health disorder symptoms look different from person to person depending on a number of factors. The specific types of symptoms will vary based on the specific type of mental health disorder a person is suffering from, but there are some common signs that could indicate that something is wrong. Examples of these signs and symptoms are outlined below. 

Changes in mood and feelings 

• Sadness, hopelessness, or feelings of emptiness 

• Constant worry or fear that gets in the way of activities and responsibilities 

• Sudden, drastic mood swings 

• Feeling unusually irritable 

• Loss of interest in things that used to bring joy 

• Feeling worthless or carrying a heavy sense of guilt 

Changes in thinking 

• Trouble focusing, remembering things, or making decisions 

• Confused or racing thoughts 

• Seeing or hearing things others do not 

• Reliving painful memories through flashbacks and nightmares 

Changes in behavior and physical health 

• Pulling away from family and friends 

• Struggling to perform at work or school 

• Sleeping too much or too little 

• Noticeable changes in appetite and weight 

• Drinking alcohol or using substances to cope with distressing symptoms 

• Hurting oneself or thinking about suicide 

• Struggling to keep up with work, school, or daily routines 

If you or a loved one is displaying any of these signs and symptoms, it may be time to reach out to a reputable treatment center for help. 

Mental health disorders do not simply go away or get better on their own. When a person doesn’t receive professional mental health disorder treatment, their symptoms tend to get worse over time and can have a negative impact on nearly every part of their life. 

• Physical health can suffer: Ongoing stress, poor sleep, and emotional pain take a toll on the body. Untreated mental health disorders are linked to heart problems, weakened immune systems, chronic pain, and worsening of other medical issues. 

• Substance use can become a problem: Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to ease distressing symptoms. Over time, this can lead to the development of an addiction on top of the original mental health concern, making it harder to manage symptoms of both. 

• Relationships can fall apart: It is not uncommon for the symptoms of mental health disorders to cause strain on marriages, friendships, and family bonds. 

• Ability to manage daily responsibilities can decrease: Mental health disorder symptoms can make it difficult for a person to function appropriately, sometimes leading to missed work, job loss, money troubles, and a loss of independence. 

• Risk for self-harm and suicide increases: This is one of the most serious reasons not to wait to get help. Most people who die by suicide have a treatable mental health condition. Getting help early can save lives. 

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger or is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call 911 or reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for free, confidential help 24/7. You can also go to your nearest emergency room or come directly to our hospital at 150 Moon Bay Parkway in St. Augustine. 

Coastal Pines Behavioral Health offers comprehensive inpatient mental health disorder treatment on a 144-bed campus in St. Augustine, Florida. Our hospital is designed to be a place of healing, featuring unique artwork and intentional spaces that support the therapeutic process. We provide acute psychiatric stabilization for individuals who are experiencing severe mental health disorder symptoms that cannot be safely managed in a lower level of care. The typical length of stay in our inpatient program is seven to 10 days. 

Every person who receives mental health disorder treatment at our St. Augustine hospital is given an individualized treatment plan that outlines what they can expect while they are in our care. These treatment plans can vary based on a person’s needs, but the services we offer include: 

• Medication management services: Patients who are taking medication as part of their mental health disorder treatment plan meet with a psychiatrist a minimum of six out of seven days per week for medication management services. Nursing staff is on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist with administering and monitoring the effects of medications. 

• Basic medical care: Physicians and nurse practitioners are available to provide basic medical care on an as-needed basis. 

• Family therapy: Master’s-level clinicians can provide family therapy sessions when appropriate to help families build healthy communication skills, provide education, and support aftercare planning. 

• Group therapy: Group therapy is the main method of care we use at our mental health disorder treatment center, with multiple group sessions taking place each day. While in these sessions, patients have an opportunity to discuss a variety of topics, such as trauma, coping skills, self-esteem, and healthy boundaries. 

Our team uses multiple types of treatment modalities to ensure that our patients receive truly comprehensive care, including: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps patients notice unhelpful thinking patterns and learn new ways to respond to challenges 

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Teaches practical skills for managing strong emotions, handling stress, staying present in the moment, and building healthier relationships 

• Motivational interviewing: Supports patients as they work through mixed feelings about change and find their own reasons to move forward in the healing process 

• 12-Step facilitation: Available for patients who are also dealing with co-occurring addictions, drawing on the support of a recovery community 

For people who are in serious distress, inpatient treatment at a behavioral health hospital offers something traditional medical settings cannot. Below are reasons why getting tailored mental health disorder treatment is so beneficial. 

• Safety comes first: Trained staff is present 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, severe mood changes, or a break from reality, that constant support can be lifesaving. 

• Symptoms can improve quickly: Ongoing access to a psychiatrist means that medications can be started, adjusted, and fine-tuned right away. Many patients begin to feel relief from their symptoms within days. Throughout the course of treatment, patients learn how to best manage their symptoms so that they can be successful outside of the treatment setting. 

• Daily stressors are eliminated: Stepping away from work, school, family responsibilities, and technology gives patients the time and space they need to focus solely on getting better. 

• A steady routine supports healing: Scheduled meals, sleep, therapy sessions, and activities can help calm the mind and body. This kind of structure is hard to create and maintain at home, so having the time and space to focus on a routine can have a positive impact on the healing process. 

• Patients are not alone: Connecting with others who are facing similar struggles can help reduce feelings of shame and isolation, which often impact people who are suffering from mental health disorders. 

The team at our mental health disorder treatment center in St. Augustine, Florida, is highly experienced in helping individuals of all ages who are struggling with behavioral health concerns. These staff members come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds and include: 

• Social workers 

• Counselors 

• Psychiatrists 

• Psychologists 

• Registered nurses 

• Psychiatric nurse practitioners 

• Licensed practical nurses 

• Behavioral health technicians 

• Dietitians 

• Recreational therapists 

If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health disorder, you do not have to face it alone. Coastal Pines Behavioral Health is ready to help. Our St. Augustine hospital welcomes individuals from across Florida and southern Georgia, with admission available round-the-clock. 

To learn more about our inpatient mental health disorder treatment center or to start the admissions process, call our admissions team or visit us today.