The pressures of modern living, coupled with social isolation, childhood trauma and neglect, as well as genetics are just some of the reasons more people are experiencing mental health problems in today’s world. According to the figures, just over one in four adults in the U.S. suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder each year and many of these people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a time.

The growing number of people in need of help has also resulted in a greater demand for licensed mental health professionals in a variety of different fields. This can range from services within the field of counseling, psychology and nurse psychiatry.
If you are looking to transition into a career in nursing, and becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), you can gain the qualification needed by undertaking an online direct entry masters nursing degree. If you are thinking of pursuing  a career in mental health this article will look more closely at some of the reasons to become a mental health professional.

Helping People

By entering this field, you will be helping people who are struggling with various mental health issues providing them with the assistance they need to live better lives. The support and service you offer can often be life-changing and gives people the comfort and hope they need to overcome their challenges.

Whether it is helping people through various therapies and medical treatments to facilitate their road to recovery or working together to create self-help plans and coping strategies that guide their recovery and wellness, working in this area will allow you to direct your skills and talents toward making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Learning Opportunities

From bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia, the range of mental health disorders is extensive and continues to grow all the time. Keeping up to date with various treatments, therapies, and advances in scientific and psychological research makes this a  stimulating field with plenty of opportunities to learn and expand on your knowledge. 

Whether it’s courses in psychology and the inner workings of the mind or studying the effects of various medications and therapies in improving symptoms, entering the field of mental health can open the doors to life-long learning in areas and subject matters that you are passionate about. 

Rewarding Career

A career in mental health will allow you to put your training and skills toward changing people’s lives as well as bettering your community. The services you offer can make a valuable contribution to people’s lives helping them to manage or overcome their issues as well as the ability to find and enjoy their work, look after their families and develop the life skills they need to interact with and socialize with others. 

Seeing those you serve make progress with their mental health and regain their confidence and independence also makes this one of the most rewarding career paths a person can choose.

This rewarding and stimulating field which makes a positive difference in the lives of many are just some of the reasons to consider a career as a mental health professional.