Caring for your mind is caring for your whole life.

Everyone has seasons of stress, sadness, or worry. Sometimes those feelings pass with rest, time, and the support of people we trust. Other times they linger, deepen, or begin to affect work, relationships, sleep, or a sense of hope. That is when it may be time to reach out for more support.

Mental health conditions are common, and they are treatable. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, many effective treatments exist — including psychotherapy, medication, and community support — and many people benefit from a combination.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a step toward healing.

• You have been feeling anxious, low, irritable, or numb for weeks rather than days.
• Stress, grief, or a major life change is making it hard to function the way you normally do.
• You are using alcohol or other substances to cope with difficult feelings.
• You are worried about a spouse, child, parent, friend, or member of your congregation.
• You want to understand the different kinds of professionals before choosing one.

Mental health conditions and substance use disorders frequently occur together. A person might use alcohol or drugs to cope with anxiety, depression, or trauma, and substance use can in turn worsen mental health symptoms.

SAMHSA recommends that people with co-occurring conditions receive care that addresses both at the same time. When you look for a provider, it is reasonable to ask: “Do you assess and treat both mental health and substance use?”

Learn more on our Substance Use Recovery page.

Consider reaching out to a doctor or licensed mental health professional if:

• Distress has lasted more than two weeks or keeps coming back.
• It is becoming hard to work, study, care for family, or keep up with daily tasks.
• Symptoms are getting worse instead of better.
• You have noticed major changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or interest in things you once enjoyed.
• You are relying on alcohol, drugs, or other behaviors to get through the day.
• People close to you have expressed concern.

Every provider works a little differently, but many people’s experience includes:

• A first conversation or assessment about what you’ve been experiencing, your history, and what you hope will change.
• A plan that may include therapy sessions, a referral for a psychiatric evaluation, medication, support groups, or lifestyle changes.
• Regular check-ins to see what is helping and adjust the plan.
• Involvement of family or other supports, with your permission, when it can help.

It is normal to try more than one clinician before finding a good fit. A trusting relationship with your provider is one of the most important parts of care.

• Talk with your primary care provider, who can check for physical causes and suggest referrals.
• Call the member services number on your insurance card to ask for in-network mental health providers.
• Search FindTreatment.gov for licensed providers near you.
• Ask a trusted pastor or faith leader whether they know of qualified local professionals.
• Contact FaithHavens with questions about where to begin.

If you’re worried about someone, start with a calm, private conversation. Share specific things you’ve noticed, listen without judgment, and let them know you care. Offer to help find information or go with them to an appointment.

You can’t force an adult to get help, but you can stay connected, take care of yourself, and know what to do in an emergency. Our Family & Caregiver Resources page has more guidance.

1. 1.National Institute of Mental Health — Health Topics (opens in a new tab)
2. 2.American Psychiatric Association — Patients & Families (opens in a new tab)
3. 3.CDC — Mental Health (opens in a new tab)
4. 4.SAMHSA — National Helpline (opens in a new tab)
5. 5.988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (opens in a new tab)