When to Seek Professional Support for Your Mental Health

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being. Just like we seek professional help for physical ailments, it's equally important to seek support for mental health issues. Many individuals hesitate to seek help due to stigma or fear of being judged, but it's important to remember that mental health issues are common and treatable.

Your care team at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital is here to provide you with comprehensive and compassionate mental health services should you be experiencing any of the following:

Depression and Anxiety Disorders

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders that people experience — with over 6.8 million Americans affected by Generalized Anxiety Disorder and nearly 17.3 million Americans living with major depressive disorder.

Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of
interest in daily activities. On the other hand, anxiety disorders involve excessive fear, worry, and apprehension. Both of these conditions can impact an individual's ability to function in their daily life.

It's normal to feel sad or anxious from time to time, but if these feelings persist for more than two weeks, it may be time to consider seeking professional help. Seeking help early on can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders involve the use of drugs or alcohol that negatively impact an
individual's physical and mental health. Substance use disorders can have a significant effect on a person's relationships, work, and daily activities.

If you're experiencing negative consequences due to your substance use, such as problems at work or school, relationship issues, or legal problems, it's time to seek professional help. Substance use disorders are treatable, and seeking help can prevent long-term physical and mental health complications.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders involve unhealthy eating behaviors, commonly manifesting as anorexia
nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

Eating disorders can lead to long-term physical complications, such as heart problems. This is why it is vital to seek professional help if you're experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, such as obsessive thoughts about food, fear of gaining weight, or purging behaviors.

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Trauma and PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, assault, or military combat. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of situations or activities that remind you of the traumatic event.

If you're experiencing symptoms of trauma or PTSD, seeking professional help in the form of therapy, medication, or a combination of both will allow you to better manage your day-to-day life.

When to Seek Professional Support

It's important to seek professional support when symptoms of mental health disorders start to interfere with your daily life. If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's time to reach out for help:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Excessive fear or worry
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Negative consequences due to substance use
• Obsessive thoughts or behaviors related to food
• Flashbacks, nightmares, or avoidance related to a traumatic event

Remember, seeking professional support for mental health issues is a sign of strength, not
weakness. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it's okay to ask for help when you need it. Seeking professional support can provide you with tools and strategies to manage symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

It's also important to remember that you don't have to wait until symptoms become severe to seek help. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve treatment outcomes. If you're not sure whether you need professional support, it's always a good idea to talk to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional if necessary.

Mental Health Care at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital

To improve your mental well-being and begin receiving the help you need and deserve, reach out to our team today.