Over 50 million Americans deal with some form of mental illness each year. Mental illnesses can produce mild interruptions in daily life or debilitating symptoms that affect every aspect of life. Regardless of the severity of the effects, every individual suffering from a mental health illness deserves treatment and a shot at a happier, healthier life. At Gateway Counseling Center, our therapists can help you by providing support, and guidance and offering a wide range of mental health treatments and therapies.

Affects of Trauma & Abuse

Recent research has indicated that experiencing prolonged trauma not only affects psychological and physiological health but actually changes the brain’s structure as well. Several types of abnormalities are incurred as a result of undergoing prolonged trauma.

The first of these occurs in the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for regulating emotions and our major drives, such as hunger and sex.

As a result of severe abuse and trauma, the left hemisphere of the brain underdevelops, increasing reliance on the right hemisphere.

The consequence of this is an increase in negative emotions, such as depression, as well as memory problems. Furthermore, the integration of the hemispheres of the brain is impaired contributing to frequent mood and personality shifts.

The human brain is designed to adapt to its environment. Recurrent instances of traumatic events in the developmental period cause the brain to go from a learning brain to a survival brain.

Such a brain is in a frequent or constant state of readiness to cope with an impending threat, which is not conducive to learning new experiences.

Effects of Trauma on Children

A number of children experience cognitive impairment, deficits in emotional development, and organic brain damage as an effect of abuse. However, many such children are currently misdiagnosed as suffering from ADHD, learning disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

The treatments prescribed to address these conditions will, in many cases exacerbate the traumatic symptoms they are experiencing.

Effects of Trauma on Adults

Adults who have undergone prolonged trauma in their developmental years associated at the hands of a caregiver or ostensibly responsible adult, such as a family member or trusted friend, typically exhibit difficulties in five major areas: difficulty in regulating emotions; somatization of emotions, such as panic attacks, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, etc.; impaired self-development, such as excessive negative, critical beliefs about oneself; and disorganized and disrupted interpersonal relationship patterns. This profile of symptoms is known as Complex PTSD, which differs from PTSD, although, at times, there is some degree of overlap.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is primarily indicated by several prominent types of symptoms: recurrent unwanted recollections of events, such as flashbacks, dreams, or intense emotions related to the traumatic event; persistent avoidance of anything associated with the event through behaviors, such as physical avoidance, emotional numbing, dissociation, or substance abuse; and a state of frequent or constant arousal or hypervigilance.

Types of Mental Illness

If you are looking for mental health counseling in Boynton Beach, you could be facing any number of mental Illnesses. The first thing you should know is that you are not alone. Over 50 million Americans deal with some form of mental illness each year. Life can be tough. Gateway Counseling Center is here to help.

Here are some common types of mental illness treated at Gateway Counseling Center:

• Depression: Depression is characterized by long periods of intense sadness. This may include feeling worthlessness or helplessness. Our mental health counseling in Boynton Beach can teach you how to deal with your emotions.
• Bipolar Disorder: This illness is characterized by intense mood swings that shift between highs and lows. Sometimes you may feel extraordinarily depressed and other times you may be beaming with euphoric happiness. Gateway’s mental health counseling in Boynton Beach can help you level your moods.
• Anxiety Disorders: These are a group of mental illnesses that cause sufferers to feel stressed, worried or scared in situations that do not warrant that level of emotion. Gateway Counseling can help you finally learn how to relax.
• Schizophrenia: Those who suffer from schizophrenia may have trouble distinguishing between fantasy and reality. This severe illness will affect the way how those who are inflicted experience the world.

Signs of Mental Illness

Are you concerned over a loved one who may be suffering from mental illness? Here are some warning signs:

• Social Withdrawal
• Changes in Eating Habits
• Changes in Sleeping Patterns
• Heightened Emotions
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Excessive Use of Drugs & Alcohol
• Unable to Deal with Daily Life
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Constantly Worried or Stressed
• Long Periods of Sadness
• Poor Grades in School
• Changes in School Behavior
• Nightmares
• Hyperactivity

If you think a loved one needs mental health counseling in Boynton Beach, Gateway Counseling Center can help.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS 

If you believe you’re suffering from a mental health illness but you’ve never seen a therapist or received a proper diagnosis, you may have questions and concerns about therapy and treatment. Below are some frequently asked questions about mental illness and mental health counseling. Always feel free to reach out to a therapist at Gateway Counseling Center to hear more about how we can help you.

How can mental health counseling benefit me?

Mental health therapy can benefit you in many meaningful ways. Regardless of whether you’re suffering from PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or any other mental health illness, you deserve the support of a mental health counselor. A mental health provider can design a treatment plan specific to your mental health illness and help you learn to manage your symptoms.

Therapy can provide benefits like:

• Learning to cope with symptoms
• Learning to identify triggers
• Understanding how to reframe negative thoughts
• Improving communication
• Managing disruptive emotions
• Decreasing anxiety
• Managing depression
• Processing traumatic memories
• Learning to live a healthier and more fulfilling life

What age groups can get mental health treatment in Boynton Beach?

Gateway Counseling Center works with young children, teens, young adults, adults, and the elderly. Early intervention can make a significant difference in young kids. If you have a child showing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or the effects of trauma, it’s important to speak with a counselor as soon as possible.

We also understand that many senior citizens may be dealing with a mental health illness that’s gone untreated for years. No matter your age, there is always an opportunity to heal. Our counselors are trained to work with patients of any age. Call us today to schedule your first therapy session with a mental health professional.

What type of mental health professional is right for me?

To find the right mental health professional for you, it’s essential to take the first step and schedule a consultation with a therapist. The easiest way to understand if a therapist is a good fit is to try a few therapy sessions. You can learn more about their personality, treatment methods, experience, communication style, and therapy training.

If you feel uncomfortable or unwilling to commit to a therapist, it’s perfectly fine to try another until you find the right counselor for you. At Gateway Counseling Center, we have a team of counselors that have trained in various areas of mental health. Give us a call today, and we can help you find the right therapist for you.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy will range according to things like the frequency of the sessions and the duration of the treatment. Contact our office today to speak with a representative to learn more about our pricing.

Seeking Mental Health Counseling

If you or someone you care about suffers from the symptoms related to trauma and abuse or PTSD, call and speak with one of our Mental Health Counseling therapists. These disorders will not remit on their own. You do not need to continue to live with the continued consequences of trauma and abuse. Treatment for these disorders is highly effective and can be life-altering. Please contact us today!