Tuesday, March 20, 2018

How to Take Care of Your Mental Health Without Breaking the Bank

I'm a huge proponent of taking care of your mental health. But I, as well as many other people know, that mental health care is not cheap, not by a long shot, especially if your insurance isn't willing to pay for it. Here's a post by Gemma with suggestions of ways that you can take care of your mental health without blowing your budget. Yes, some of the suggestions aren't free, but you're worth it. You're worth taking care of and getting better, even if it means needing to cut things out of your budget in other ways to be able to afford to take care of your mental health.

Your mental health is important. Seriously, if you don't take care of your mental health and you need to, that will lead you to being non functional and that's not a good idea. But why does it have to cost so much to see a psychiatrist for treatment? How can you keep your peace of mind if you have to spend all your money to do it? Rest assured, there are ways to get around this problem. Some of them are obvious and others are seriously cunning and even a bit brilliant if I do say so myself.

Basic Feel Good Methods

If you do not think you need to talk to someone yet or you are uncomfortable doing so, there are some self-help methods that can be beneficial for you. These include:

  • Eat healthy
  • Get enough sleep
  • Exercise more
  • Get a hobby
  • Take a bubble bath
  • Take a nap
  • Talk to your friends and family

Talk is Cheap (Free)

First of all, you have probably heard the saying “talk is cheap” right? Well, that is a lie. Talk is not cheap, it is free. You do not have to pay anyone to listen to you unless you want to. You have some friends, right? If not (I am sorry), you have family, right? If not, no wonder you need mental health care. Really, though, you do not have to pay for therapy if you just want to talk to someone. There are plenty of free chat rooms or support groups on mental health source websites such as https://www.betterhelp.com/online-counseling. No cost to you, no need to make an appointment or even leave your home! Perfect!

When You Need Professional Help

However, if you are really feeling depressed or anxious and need to talk to a professional, there are free therapy sessions for those who need it. In fact, betterhelp.com also offers free online therapy. No appointment needed and no need to leave the house for that either. They have over 2,000 licensed professional trained in every category of mental health there is from anxiety to depression and ADHD to PTSD. And if you decide you need to talk to a therapist on a regular basis, online therapy is much less expensive than traditional face to face therapy and also much more convenient.

Why Online Therapy Is Less Expensive Than Traditional Therapy

The reason online therapy is so much less expensive is because the cost to the therapist is so much cheaper. The therapist does not have the cost of leasing an office, paying office personnel, utilities and insurance costs, and they save a lot on transportation costs as well. So, they pass that savings along to their patients. Also, the therapist is able to work at their leisure, giving them more freedom to help multiple patients.

What is the Cost of Online Therapy?

If you want to be able to talk to a therapist online or by phone any time a day, seven days a week, the cost is approximately $35 to $70 per week. In contrast, the cost for traditional face to face therapy is between $150 and $250 per session. Using online therapy is also cheaper for you because you do not have to find a sitter, take off work, or pay for gas or other transportation. Not to mention it is convenient and you do not have to leave the house.

See my disclaimer.