How to Know When To Get Help

In recent years, a groundswell of information and advice for maintaining mental health has occurred. Many therapists and psychologists now share information and insight on social media. The stigma that once loomed over “getting help” is beginning to dissipate, which is great! However, it takes time, energy, and support … all things that may be in short supply. Here’s how to know when to get help (for your mental health).

While the availability and accessibility of high-quality mental health support are slowly increasing, admitting there might be a problem can still be difficult. One thing to keep in mind is that mental health issues are both common and treatable. And just like leaving a bad cough untreated can make recovery more difficult, leaving mental health issues untreated can lengthen the healing process. So how do you know if it’s time to seek out support for your mental health?

Is it Time to Get Help?

Signs that you may need additional support:

Confused or foggy thinking – Do you struggle to focus or complete tasks that used to be easy?
Prolonged depression – When was the last time you felt happy and light-hearted?
Feelings of extreme highs and lows – Do your emotions feel volatile and out of control?
Excessive anxiety and/or anger – Do you regularly feel rage or extremely fearful?
Social withdrawal – How connected do you feel to your friends, family, and loved ones?
Changes in eating, sleeping habits, or personality – Are you feeling and acting like yourself?
Increasing inability to cope with daily activities or problems – Do even small tasks feel overwhelming?
Harmful ideations – Are you thinking of harming yourself or others?
Denial of obvious problems – Are you able to acknowledge and address the problems you’re facing?
Unexplained aches and pains – Are you experiencing pain – seemingly for no reason?
Substance abuse – Has your use of substances recently increased?

When any of these issues increase gradually, it’s difficult to be objective. Journaling or creating a list to describe your feelings or out-of-character behaviors in the moment can be helpful for both yourself and your caregivers.

In between appointments?

Here are a few other resources to consider as supplements to mental health care:

Online and in-person support groups – Mental health struggles can be very isolating. These groups can offer assistance and also a sense of community.

Therapy apps – Technology can be a great help in the quest to make mental health care more accessible to those with busy lives. Many therapy apps also offer payment plans and discounts.

Integrated care – massage therapy, exercise, and acupuncture all hold a place in an integrated mental health care plan. Taking a holistic approach to mental health care creates a more robust plan for wholeness and healing that takes the entire body into account.

The important thing to note is that support does exist. If you find yourself or someone you love in need of mental health care support, remembering that the problem is both real and treatable can go a long way to empowering you to make changes and find help.

Living in the Eugene, OR area? Give Well Balanced Center for Integrated Care a call! Our providers collaborate to provide integrated care that supports both your mental and physical health.

Check Out The Following Links For More Information:

5 Keys for Emotional Balance

5 Signs You’re Battling Mental Illness(video)

Finding Help: When to Get It and Where to Go

Book Recommendations from a Trauma Expert

Disclaimer alert: The views expressed within this article are not meant to replace, contradict, or be substitution for the advice or guidance of licensed medical or mental health professionals.