When Should I See a Mental Health Professional?

depressed woman.

These days we seem to live with continuous anxiety, and many of us think it’s the “new normal.” Are you constantly “down in the dumps?” In the course of a week, how many days are good days vs not so good? If you are sad and depressed most days, maybe you should find out why and get some help. When is it time to see a mental health professional?

Prolonged Sadness

Someone who wakes up every morning feeling sad or depressed might need some professional help. Is sadness preventing you from normal activities or socializing? Is it causing you to miss work or school? Is it affecting your relationships or caring for your children?

These are questions a mental health professional might be able to answer. If you know someone like this, don’t be reticent. Suggest they get help. If it’s you, follow your own advice.

When Stress Dominates Your Life

There are many legitimate reasons for stress in today’s world. Recovering from isolation during the pandemic, inflation making money issues a daily problem, crises in the world and in our communities, and so much more can all trigger stress for individuals.

Most people have some level of stress in their daily life, but they carry on. They go to work, do their job, raise their family, and have found a way to cope. On the other hand, others are stuck in stress. Some can’t even get out of bed. Others are paralyzed and see no future, have no will to move forward, and just give up. If this is you or someone you know, don’t let them drown in the stress. Encourage them to seek help.

Out of Control Mood Swings

One minute you are feeling OK, and the next you are angry and irritated. If you find yourself going back and forth from euphoria to depression, it’s time to act. This isn’t normal behavior.

Some Signs You May Need Therapy or a Mental Health Professional

  • When you continuously feel overwhelmed and thinking you can’t do it all. This type of anxiety can affect your physical health.
  • Always feeling fatigued, but there is no real medical issue.
  • Feeling apathetic and losing all interest in life, friends, your job, and all activities you once loved.
  • Feeling so lost, you are having thoughts about harming yourself.

Your mental health matters. If you’re experiencing the above signs, call us today or book an appointment so we can support you on your path to well-being. We serve patients via telehealth in California, Nevada, South Carolina, Washington, Oregon, and New York.

Sources: 

10 Signs You Need To Talk To A Mental Health Professional (mfine.co)

10 Signs You May Need Mental Health Treatment [Find Help] | Sandstone Care

GoodTherapy | Why Should I Go to Therapy? 8 Signs It’s Time to See a Therapist