You Must Be MOTIVATED to Get Better
Dr. Chris Stroble/ Published January 22, 2025
When you begin outpatient treatment, you receive a treatment plan within a week. This plan includes your list of current problems, stressors in your life, patient strengths, and patient treatment goals. Basically, the plan lets you know that this is where you are struggling, this is where we want to be in the allotted time (10 days), and this is the treatment we are going to give you in those 10 days to help you get better. You sign your commitment - With God's help, I will do my part to get better.
Under Patient Strengths, these are the assets that work in this patient's corner. The first on the list, and always one of my strengths, was Motivated for Treatment. I was motivated to get better- for myself and because I wanted to get better to take care of my son!
This is what I am telling you. You have to be motivated to get better. If you are struggling, overwhelmed and stressed with anxiety (worrying about the future) and depression (dwelling on the past), in an abusive relationship, dealing with an addiction (sex, drugs, alcohol), you have to be motivated to get better.
Once you make the decision that "I want to change my situation," an abundance of resources is available to help you improve your life. The purpose of this blog is to provide you with a list of some local, national, federal/state, resources that can assist you. Some with links.
Health & Wellness
- The YMCA - The YMCA is a great place to achieve health and wellness. 2-3 days of physical activity will improve your mental, emotional and physical health. If you are unemployed or earning a low wage, the Y has financial scholarships. They want to support you on your health and wellness journey.
- Child Care - To illustrate just how much the YMCA wants to support moms, they provide childcare while you work out. If you are dealing with anxiety (worrying about the future), depression (dwelling on the past), and/or an addiction, exercise will help to alleviate your symptoms.
- Isolation - When a person is depressed, they often isolate themselves. Isolation is the worst thing to do when dealing with depression because it fuels the depression. You need to connect with others who are positive. Taking a class at your local YMCA is a great way to connect with a positive support network!
- Diet - What we put into our bodies affects our mood. Observe how you feel after eating a meal that is high in protein (seafood, chicken, nuts, yogurt) as opposed to a meal that is low in protein (chips, soda, lots of pizza). Consider how you feel after eating and if it has increased your energy, that is a sign of what your body needs.
- 988 Lifeline - At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, they understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, their caring counselors are there for you. You are not alone.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline - You do not have to face domestic violence alone. There is help. 1.800.799. SAFE (7233)
- Community-based support groups - can be a great source of encouragement and a safe place to connect with others who share your experience. There is no cost to participate in these support groups--Teen Moms Anonymous, Codependents Anonymous, Alcoholic Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery.

Medical Professionals
- A Doula - is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. Doulas are not medical professionals, but they can help ensure that a birthing mother's needs are met.
- Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) - is a national program that provides free home visits to first-time mothers and their families. NFP nurses can help with pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care.
- Lactation consultant - is a health professional who specializes in breastfeeding. They provide information, education, and support to new and expectant parents. If you are having trouble lactating, a lactation consultant can help. I didn't know such a person existed until I needed help with breastfeeding. Talk to them. They can help you.
- Pediatrician - Focuses primarily on your child, making sure they reach their milestones, are up to date on immunizations, and treating a sick child.
- OBGYN - focuses on you as a woman. Depression is high among teen mothers. Depression can occur before, during, and after childbirth. If you are feeling down during your pregnancy, there are certain antidepressants that are FDA approved for use during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about this because it is not healthy for the baby if the mother is depressed. Many new mothers have the baby blues, but if you are feeling down for more than 2-3 weeks, it is time to talk to your OBGYN about possible postpartum depression (this is real).
- Primary Care Physician. Everyone needs an established relationship with a primary care physician. This person will do your annual physical, order lab work to make sure your blood levels are within range. If you are sick, you can call them and make an appointment because you are already an established patient.
- Vitamin D levels - Your primary care physician can also check your vitamin D levels. Low levels of vitamin D can affect your mood, causing you to have low energy and feel tired.
- Therapist/Counselor - Depression is high among teen mothers. It is helpful to talk to someone who will not share what you tell them, who is trained to help you deal with uncomfortable emotions, and who can teach you how to manage grief. I saw a therapist throughout my pregnancy.
Federal/State Support
- Department of Social Services (DSS)
- WIC - Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
- TNAF - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - provides temporary financial assistance to eligible families with dependent children.
- Child Care Scholarships - helps families afford childcare so parents can work, go to school, or get a job.
Child Support
- You need child support. Your son or daughter deserves financial support from both parents. Some states are more committed than others to pursuing support for the child. North Carolina, for example, makes it super easy to get child support, and they maintain strict enforcement for the sake of the child. If the non-custodial parent is at least one month behind, his/her federal income taxes will be taken to cover the back amount. Their motto is to do their due diligence to ensure support for the minor child.
This is a list of some resources. A plethora of other resources is available to help you improve your situation, but you must be motivated to get better. Make a commitment to yourself: With God's help, I will do my part to get better. Do this for a better life for yourself and because what your child needs most is a healed mother. Go get well! You CAN do It!
In your corner,
Dr. Chris