May is Mental Health Month: Local Psychiatrist Discusses Common Illnesses, Importance of Receiving Treatment

Jessica Wuest, DO, is an Ann Arbor-based psychiatrist with Trinity Health IHA Medical Group. To commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Dr. Wuest discusses some of the common mental illnesses in the community, the signs and symptoms associated with them, and how to effectively treat them.

Q: What are some of the mental illnesses you see in the community?

Dr. Wuest: I regularly treat patients who struggle with mood disorders, such as bipolar and depression, as well as anxiety disorders, phobias, and schizophrenia. We also care for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), drug addictions, and eating disorders. As you can see, psychiatrists see a wide range of mental illnesses.

Q: What are some of the common signs and symptoms for these mental illnesses?

Dr. Wuest: Symptoms can include changes in mood, energy, concentration, sleep and/or appetite. We all experience some of these symptoms or changes from time to time when dealing with life stress, but when symptoms become severe enough that they impair our functioning in interpersonal relationships, at home, or at work, that is a good indicator that someone may benefit from assistance from a psychiatrist or mental health professional.

Q: How important of a role does therapy play in treating a mental illness?

Dr. Wuest: Speaking with a trusted professional therapist on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do, regardless of if you are dealing with a mental illness or not. Going to therapy can help you understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, while also promoting positive change and growth in your life.

There are a few common types of therapies to be aware of.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps reframe overly negative, automatic thoughts into more realistic, healthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Psychodynamic Therapy explores how past experiences have shaped the lens in which we view current experiences.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy helps people learn how to handle their emotions and relationships better by focusing on both acceptance and change.  

No matter which therapy is best suited for you, there are mental health professionals available within Trinity Health Michigan and IHA Medical Group who can help recommend personalized treatments so you can be the best version of yourself.

Q: According to a study conducted earlier this year, 49.4 percent of people with mental illnesses in Michigan don’t receive treatment for it — which equates to roughly 870,000 people. Why do you think that is?

Dr. Wuest: There are many reasons people don’t get the help they need. Some people may be limited by location. Additionally, some people are unaware how impactful different treatments can be on their mental well-being. On top of that, some mental illnesses may cause people to not be able to see problems that are occurring or ways they are suffering, so they may not believe they need help.

At the end of the day, professional medical help is available, whether it be in-person, over the phone or online. And if you don’t feel you are ready for that, you can dip your toe in the water by talking to loved ones — having support from family members or friends is crucial as well.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like people to know?

Dr. Wuest: If you think you may be suffering from a mental illness, I strongly urge you to seek professional help. At Trinity Health Michigan and IHA Medical Group, we are here for you every step of the way in your journey towards becoming mentally healthier. With inpatient, outpatient, and substance use disorder services, among others, we are a one-stop shop to get to and sustain a mentally healthy and fulfilling life.

To learn more, please visit trinityhealthmichigan.org/mentalhealth.