Mental Health Warning Signs: When to Seek Help

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Knowing when to seek help can make a huge difference in your wellbeing and recovery.

Common Warning Signs

Changes in Mood
- Persistent sadness lasting more than 2 weeks
- Extreme mood swings from very high to very low
- Increased irritability or anger over small things
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy

Changes in Behavior
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Eating much more or much less than usual
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope
- Risky or reckless behavior

Physical Symptoms
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Frequent headaches
- Stomach problems without clear cause
- Feeling tired all the time
- Getting sick more often

Thinking and Concentration
- Trouble making decisions
- Difficulty concentrating at work or school
- Memory problems
- Confused thinking
- Thoughts of death or suicide

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek Help Soon If:
- Symptoms last more than 2 weeks
- Problems interfere with work, school, or relationships
- Family or friends express concern
- You're using alcohol or drugs to cope
- You feel overwhelmed most days

Seek Help Immediately If:
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Thoughts of hurting others
- Hearing voices or seeing things others don't
- Severe confusion or disorientation
- Unable to care for yourself

Types of Mental Health Professionals

Primary Care Doctor
- Good first step for mental health concerns
- Can prescribe medications
- Provide referrals to specialists

Therapist/Counselor
- Talk therapy to work through problems
- Teach coping skills
- Different types: CBT, family therapy, group therapy

Psychiatrist
- Medical doctor specializing in mental health
- Can prescribe medications
- Treat severe mental health conditions

Social Worker
- Help with practical problems
- Connect you to community resources
- Provide counseling

How to Find Help

Start With:
1. Your primary care doctor
2. Your insurance company for covered providers
3. Employee assistance programs at work
4. Community mental health centers

Online Resources:
- Psychology Today: Find therapists in your area
- NAMI.org: National Alliance on Mental Illness
- MentalHealth.gov: Government mental health resources

Crisis Resources

If You're in Crisis:
- Call 988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
- Text "HELLO" to 741741: Crisis Text Line
- Call 911 for immediate danger
- Go to nearest emergency room

For Specific Populations:
- LGBTQ+ Crisis Line: 1-866-488-7386
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
- SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Preparing for Your First Appointment

What to Bring:
- List of current medications
- Insurance information
- List of symptoms and when they started
- Questions you want to ask

What to Expect:
- Questions about your symptoms
- Discussion of your medical history
- Talk about treatment options
- Development of a treatment plan

Supporting Someone Else

How to Help:
- Listen without judgment
- Encourage professional help
- Offer to help find resources
- Stay connected and check in regularly
- Take care of yourself too

What Not to Say:
- "Just think positive"
- "Others have it worse"
- "Snap out of it"
- "It's all in your head"

Remember: Seeking help for mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health conditions are treatable, and recovery is possible with the right support.