Can self-care replace professional mental health treatment?
Written by
Natalie Hamilton
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.Self-care practices help with mental health, but they can't replace professional care for diagnosed conditions. This distinction is crucial to ensure that people are aware of the potential gap that may lead to suboptimal patient care. Disorders resulting from identified causative biological factors, chemical imbalances, or trauma patterns aren't treated by self-care methods. This boundary must be delineated for appropriate overall mental care for individuals.
Self-Care Functions
- Maintains daily emotional balance and stress resilience
- Prevents burnout through consistent routines
- Supports treatment compliance and progress
- Builds healthy coping mechanisms long-term
Professional Treatment Functions
- Diagnoses clinical conditions using standardized criteria
- Provides evidence-based interventions like CBT or EMDR
- Manages medication for biochemical imbalances
- Addresses complex trauma and personality disorders
Integration Approach
- Self-care sustains gains made in therapy sessions
- Therapists assign targeted self-care as homework
- Medication compliance enables self-care consistency
- Regular check-ins adjust both components as needed
In my counseling work, I have observed this distinction. Clients with depression fared better when taking medication and undertaking self-care than when self-care was their only approach to their clinical conditions. Self-care clients would plateau. The important connection between professional treatment and self-care strategies creates healing opportunities that include both.
Red flags indicate when professional assistance becomes necessary. Continuing hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, or inability to function indicate a necessity for professional help. Examples of self-treatment during the time of treatment may include reminders to take medications or journal about feelings involving therapy. These special self-care methods supplement, rather than replace, the need for professional mental health assistance from licensed professionals.
Plan prudently for your mental health support. Practice self-responsibility for daily maintenance and preventive care. Seek expert measurement in case of persistent or serious symptoms. This combined approach will yield the best overall protection for your mental health results.
Read the full article: 7 Essential Self Care Steps for Mental Health
