Demi Lovato recently spoke of her mental health journey at the annual Center For Youth Mental Health benefit for NewYork-Presbyterian. Never one to hold back about struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and eating disorders, Lovato discussed critical insights from her five times inpatient treatment during her conversation with Dr. Charlie Shaffer. She spoke of finding hope and joy in life despite feeling defeated every time she returned to treatment.
Demi Lovato's Experience with Inpatient Treatment
"I have been to inpatient treatment five times, and every single time I walked back into a treatment center, I felt defeated," the publication quotes Lovato as explaining. She went on to explain the journey of transformation she underwent once she began working, attending programs, and building relationships with her treatment team. And, very slowly, that work brought her a shimmer of hope, a way to find and take joy in simple pleasures and emotions—a feeling she said had felt alien to her in the past.
Advantages of Inpatient Mental Health Treatment
Mental health disorders affect one in five adults, and some people learn to live with their conditions. Others require expert help. For such patients, inpatient mental health treatment can be a vital resource that provides them with the structured environment needed to address their mental health issues. Here are the main advantages of inpatient mental health treatment:
Controlled and Safe Environment
Inpatient treatment offers a controlled and safe environment—which is critical for patients suffering from acute mental health conditions. The setting ensures that the patients are safe and given total care under the watch of experienced professionals. The patient can solely concentrate on their treatment, without any environmental disruptions or danger, which provides a groundwork for recovery.
Space from Possible Triggers
One of the significant benefits of inpatient treatment is that it provides a trigger-free environment. Mental health triggers can aggravate the intensity of the symptoms and, consequently, cause a relapse. Separation from these triggers in an inpatient facility allows individuals to focus on learning about their conditions and how to develop coping mechanisms. This information is essential in managing these triggers and maintaining mental health post-treatment.
Full Support System
Inpatient facilities have an in-house team of staff with experience in handling different mental health cases. The professionals will offer this support 24/7, which is essential in guiding the patients in complexities arising from their conditions. Apart from these professionals, the patients usually have group therapy sessions, which can introduce them to others struggling with the same problems. This community support creates a sense of belonging and understanding, which is instrumental to their recovery.
Holistic Treatment Approach
Inpatient mental health treatment takes care of more than the mental illness but the whole individual. Many facilities include activities and hobbies in the treatment plan to teach the patient new ways of managing stress and general well-being. Physical healthcare providers in the hospital continue monitoring the patient's physical health to achieve a comprehensive approach to treatment that develops mental health and physical health.
Structured Routine and Stability
Inpatient treatment also avails a structured daily routine. The patient will be expected to follow a schedule that involves therapy sessions, recreational time, and also time for personal reflection. This is important in establishing stability, especially with patients whose lives have been put into disarray due to their mental health conditions. A predictable, supportive environment allows patients to create new habits and coping strategies for when they leave the facility and reintegrate into everyday life.
Conclusion
Demi Lovato's powerful journey through inpatient mental health treatment sheds light on the possibility of rediscovering hope and joy, even in the face of grave challenges. Inpatient treatment in a controlled environment with essential support and a focus on holistic health may bring about deep personal changes. Inpatient treatment can be what individuals with mental health disorders find as a critical step in reclaiming control over their lives and finding a path to lasting wellness.