When Your Mind Needs Care: Recognizing Mental Health Decline and Finding the Right Support

Understanding and Enforcing Your Rights: Becoming Your Own Advocate

Knowing our rights in the mental health system is essential, especially when we may face unique challenges or even biases as patients. People of color, for example, are statistically more likely to be misdiagnosed, overmedicated, or even ignored altogether. In fact, studies have found that Black patients are overprescribed certain antipsychotic medications at a rate nearly 30% higher than their white counterparts. When medical professionals make assumptions or dismiss our experiences, it’s essential to know how to advocate for ourselves.

This truth hit home for me when I first started my journey with mental health care. My initial psychiatrist prescribed me Seroquel as a sleeping aid. This medication is quite powerful, typically used as a mood stabilizer for conditions like bipolar disorder. At the time, I didn’t question the prescription, assuming it was the best option. But soon, I found myself hospitalized for a 51/50 hold, only to be informed that the dosage I’d been prescribed was far too low to act as a mood stabilizer—its primary function—and was instead mildly sedating me as a sleeping aid.

Once my prescription was set to the appropriate dose I absolutely loved how well it was working for me. However over time, the Seroquel began causing severe side effects, including rapid weight gain, which put me at risk for diabetes. Knowing this wasn’t sustainable for my health,my psychiatrist switched me to a different medication called Geodon. I noticed right away that this medication wasn't as effective as Seroquel had been for me so I returned to my psychiatrist, expressing my concerns and asking to switch medications. However, my concerns were brushed aside, and I was advised to give it more time. I felt unheard and invalidated, which is, unfortunately, a common experience for many people in my community.

Determined to take charge of my care, I learned about Latuda, a newer medication at the time often used for similar mental health needs, and asked my psychiatrist if I could try it instead. Her response was disheartening: she cautioned against it—not because of potential side effects, but because of its cost. In that moment, I felt my value as a patient reduced to a financial judgment, an experience I know too many others have faced. I insisted on trying Latuda, feeling that my comfort and mental well-being should come before concerns about cost. I’m grateful I stood my ground because, for the past six years, Latuda has worked well for me.

This experience reinforced an essential lesson: you are the expert on your own needs. It’s critical to ask questions, request different options, and advocate for treatment that respects your experience. No one knows better than you what feels right or wrong for your body and mind. And if a provider doesn’t respect that, you have every right to find one who will.

I’m now working with a psychiatrist who honors my voice, takes my concerns seriously, and understands the cultural nuances that impact my mental health journey. Switching providers was one of the best decisions I made for my wellness, and I encourage others to seek out professionals who value them fully.

8 Common Warning Signs of Mental Health Decline

1.Persistent Fatigue and Low Energy
Unexplained exhaustion can be one of the earliest signs of mental health decline. This kind of fatigue is different from feeling tired after a long day; it’s the kind that rest doesn’t seem to fix and can be linked to emotional strain.

2.Sleep Disturbances
Struggling to sleep, waking up frequently, or feeling unrefreshed can be linked to stress, anxiety, or depression. If these disruptions continue for two weeks or more, it’s worth seeking help.

3.Increased Irritability or Mood Swings
If you notice yourself feeling more irritable or experiencing mood swings, this may be a sign of deeper emotional stress. In our community, there’s often a pressure to “keep it together,” but addressing these changes early can make a difference.

4.Social Withdrawal
Avoiding friends, family, or activities you once loved may indicate feelings of depression or isolation. Social withdrawal that lasts longer than a few weeks can make mental health challenges harder to manage.

5.Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions
Constant trouble with focus or decision-making can be a sign of mental fatigue. If you find that it’s impacting your work or daily life, it might be time to reach out for support.

6.Changes in Appetite or Eating Habits
Sudden shifts in eating habits, like overeating or losing interest in food, can reflect emotional distress. These changes can affect your physical health as well, which only adds to stress.

7.Persistent Feelings of Hopelessness or Worry
Feelings of hopelessness, worry, or a general sense of dread that last longer than two weeks should be taken seriously. Talking to a professional about these feelings can provide support and guidance.

8.Unexplained Physical Symptoms
Headaches, stomach pain, or muscle tension with no clear cause could be your body’s way of communicating stress. If you’re experiencing these physical symptoms frequently, it’s worth considering emotional factors as well.

Overcoming Stigma and Prioritizing Your Mental Health

In many communities of color, mental health issues are often misunderstood or stigmatized. There’s a long-standing belief that we need to “stay strong” or “handle it ourselves.” But seeking help for your mental health doesn’t make you weak; it’s an act of strength and resilience.

It’s important to remember that mental health is a part of overall health. We wouldn’t ignore physical pain, and we shouldn’t ignore emotional pain either. And while finding quality mental health care can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, especially when dealing with biases and systemic barriers, it’s worth it. Your mental health matters, and you don’t have to accept subpar care.

Steps to Take if You Notice These Signs

Educate Yourself on Mental Health Resources
Look for mental health professionals who understand your cultural background and lived experiences. Resources like Therapy for Black Girls, Inclusive Therapists, and the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network are good places to start.

Reach Out to Your Support Network
Talk to someone you trust. Opening up can relieve some of the emotional weight, and loved ones can help you access further support.

Advocate for Your Needs in Care Settings
If a provider isn’t listening or treating you with respect, seek a second opinion. You deserve a professional who values you and your experience.

Prioritize Self-Care and Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Regular self-care, like physical exercise, mindfulness, and creative outlets, can improve mood and help reduce stress.

Set Clear Boundaries
Protecting your mental well-being may require saying “no” more often. Boundaries are a way to protect your energy and prevent burnout.

Seek Professional Help When Needed
Talking to family and friends is helpful, but professional support can provide more comprehensive guidance. Therapy and, when necessary, medication can be life-changing tools on your journey to mental health.

Your Mental Health is Worth Fighting For

Yes, seeking mental health support in a system that isn’t always designed with our needs in mind can be discouraging. But you’re not alone, and you’re worthy of compassionate, culturally aware care. Prioritize your well-being, stand up for what feels right, and remember that taking care of your mind is just as important as any other part of your health. You have the strength to advocate for yourself—and your mental health is worth every ounce of that strength.