Very often many people have difficulty distinguishing differences when it come to co-occurring & co-morbid diagnoses. First, let’s examine how physical health can impact mental health. If someone has an auto-immune disease that has caused chronic issues, you can certainly expect their mental health has been impacted in some way. Maybe this individual has trouble walking, breathing, bathing, or making decisions. There can also be other restraints physical health conditions can impact someone’s mental health. When left untreated, people can develop mental health disorders. This is why it is important to have a primary care physician to assist you in tackling any physical health conditions that may need monitoring or management of medications. As a result of having a physical health condition and mental health disorder, a person would fall under the co-morbidity descriptor.
Persons who fall under the co-occurring umbrella are those who have more than one presenting disorder impacted by substance use (e.g., an individual may be diagnosed with Bipolar ll disorder and use cannabis). As a result, this individual would be said to have a co-occurring disorder. Also, keep in mind someone can have more than one psychological disorder and have a substance use diagnosis. If you believe you have a co-morbid or co-occurring diagnosis, please seek assistance from a mental health professional. And as always, I am more than willing to provide you with services to help you become more physically, spiritually, and MENTALLY FIT!
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