Controversial review? Perhaps. With mental health problems still holding a stigma, I admit that…read moreI've suffered from depression and anxiety for many years. As such, a long time ago I chose to put my feelings aside and seek help. Through random chance, I chose North Shore Wellness Center. Because of the way some people view this, I did not seek guidance but rather searched for which doctors were covered by my insurance plan, checked a few medical website to learn about the doctors and chose one of the psychiatrists here.
As the person facing challenges, you don't always recognize the signs. It is only when others tell you something is wrong, which can be embarrassing and insulting, do you know you should seek someone out.
Over the years, the doctors I have seen at Northshore Wellness have been of tremendous help. Yes, Psychiatrists primarily dispense and manage medication. Northshore Wellness also offers counseling services with Psychologists and Social Workers. I have had an off and on again relationship with a therapist, too, who has helped me get through some tough times.
In the middle of a tough time, I was transferred by my company out of the area. I found help in my new city - actually I tried several Psychiatrists and Psychologists but none were able to help. Things degraded. I moved back to Chicagoland and went back do see the doctors here.
Without their services and support, I'm not sure where I would be today. The practice has about a dozen or so doctors and therapists. I believe they have two locations. I go to their Northbrook clinic.
As I sit in the waiting room, people are clearly nervous, worried that someone will recognize them - the stigma associated with mental health sucks. They have a wide variety of therapists with differing specialties - parents bring their young children, adolescents show up for help and many adults. If you are worried and need help, they are in a business park off the beaten path where you walk down a narrow walkway between buildings to get to the door. So, the chance of being seen by prying eyes is very minimal.
Personally, I hate that people don't understand that mental illness is typically something people don't recognize or have any direct control over. The reality is, with help, you can learn coping strategies. With medication, any chemical cause can be alleviated or minimized. The first step and the hardest part is recognizing and understanding you need help.
Once you seek help and you meet the doctors, you learn they are compassionate, understanding, available, and well worth your time. If you suspect you may have a problem, or more importantly, others suggest you should talk to someone, seek their advice. Northshore Wellness is the first place I would recommend to others.