Mental Health Concern

There are several signs and symptoms of mental health concerns to be aware of, as they can manifest in various ways, both physically and emotionally. Emotional symptoms might include persistent sadness, anxiety, emptiness, excessive worry, extreme mood swings, irritability, or prolonged feelings of hopelessness. 

Behavioral signs can encompass changes in sleep patterns (either insomnia or sleeping too much), withdrawal from social interactions and activities you once enjoyed, neglect of personal care and hygiene, and significant changes in eating habits. 

Cognitive symptoms might involve:

• Persistent negative or distorted thinking
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Memory problems

In some cases, a person might also experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It’s beneficial to note that these signs aren’t exhaustive and can vary significantly from person to person based on many factors, including specific mental health conditions, individual differences, and cultural factors.

Recognizing these signs in oneself or others is beneficial in addressing mental health concerns. Early intervention⁴ is often key to effective treatment⁵ and recovery. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, approaching the situation with sensitivity and empathy can be helpful. 

If you notice warning signs of a mental illness in someone else, encourage open communication and active listening without judgment and suggest seeking help from a healthcare professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor. It’s often beneficial to approach the situation without blame or shame, as mental health concerns are a common and treatable aspect of human health. Many mental health conditions are treatable, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and other mental disorders. In addition, individuals do not have to be diagnosed with any mental health conditions to seek help.

For those with thoughts of suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Getting a diagnosis for a mental health concern can be a helpful step toward understanding and managing one's mental well-being. It typically involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. The process may begin with a visit to a primary care physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other healthcare provider. 

During this visit, the mental health provider may conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes a detailed discussion of the individual's symptoms, medical history, family history of mental health conditions, and any current stressors or life changes. This process may be complemented by physical examinations to check for health problems, laboratory tests, and/or psychological assessments to rule out other health conditions contributing to the symptoms and help pinpoint a specific diagnosis.

Once the initial assessment of potential mental illnesses and symptoms is complete, the healthcare professional may provide a diagnosis based on criteria established in diagnostic manuals such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) by the American Psychiatric Association or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). These manuals provide standardized criteria to diagnose various mental health conditions. 

It’s often helpful to approach a diagnosis as a tool for better understanding and managing one’s mental health rather than as a label that defines one’s identity. People with mental health conditions might use a diagnosis as a way to find support and understand their mental disorders or symptoms.

A diagnosis can guide treatment options, which might include psychotherapy (also known as counseling or talk therapy), medications, lifestyle changes, and other forms of treatment. It can also be helpful to remember that mental health diagnoses aren’t static; they can change over time as symptoms evolve or as more information becomes available. 

Open and honest communication with healthcare providers can be beneficial throughout this process, as can active participation in one’s care, asking questions, and seeking second opinions if necessary.

Medications

In addition to psychotherapy, medications can play a role in treating mental health concerns. Psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms. These can include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers among many others. Patients need to work closely with their healthcare providers to find the medication that’s helpful for them, as everyone’s body reacts differently to medications, and it may take time to find the most effective dose with the fewest side effects. 

Furthermore, lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs can also be significant components of a treatment plan. For some, complementary and alternative treatments, such as meditation, yoga, or acupuncture, may be beneficial as part of a holistic approach to mental health care.

Empathy and support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals are paramount during this process. It’s often helpful to approach treatment as a collaborative and evolving journey that may involve trying different approaches and adjusting as needed. 

Being patient can also be beneficial; recovery is often gradual, and finding a treatment approach you enjoy can take time.

Seeking help can be a positive and courageous step, and numerous resources are available to assist individuals on their path to improved mental well-being, from healthcare professionals to community support groups. It is important to consult with a doctor or medical professional before beginning or changing any medication plan. The information provided in this article is not intended as medical advice; please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Getting help for a mental health concern is a courageous and helpful step towards improved well-being, and there are several pathways one can take to receive the support they need. A common and effective starting point may be reaching out to a healthcare professional such as a primary care physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

These professionals can thoroughly evaluate, diagnose, and develop a treatment plan that may include psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications. For many, the primary care physician is the first point of contact; they can provide an initial assessment and refer patients to specialists. It's helpful to be open and honest with healthcare providers about the symptoms you may be experiencing; this information can help them develop an effective treatment plan.

In addition to traditional healthcare settings, online platforms like BetterHelp have emerged as valuable resources for mental health support. BetterHelp connects individuals with licensed therapists and counselors through an online platform. This service allows for flexible, convenient connections to mental health professionals from the comfort of one’s home, which can be particularly beneficial for those without widely available in-person services nearby. 

BetterHelp offers individual counseling, couples therapy, and teen counseling options, and clients can communicate with their therapists via messaging, live chat, phone, or video sessions, allowing for a tailored approach to mental health care.

Furthermore, community resources, such as local mental health clinics and community health centers, often offer services, including counseling and therapy, at low or no cost. Support groups, in-person or online, can also be invaluable resources, providing a safe and understanding environment for individuals to discuss their experiences and learn from others facing similar circumstances. 

School or college counseling services can be an excellent resource for those in educational settings. It's helpful to remember that help is available, and reaching out for support is a significant and positive action toward recovery and maintaining mental well-being. For more mental health information and support in finding a therapist, consider looking at the American Psychiatric Association website. The American Psychiatric Association publishes the DSM manual used to diagnose mental illness and offers various resources on its site.