Understanding Mental Health

Mental health is part of everyone’s health

Everyone experiences seasons of stress, sadness, or worry. When those feelings linger, deepen, or begin to affect daily life, it may be time to reach out for support. Mental health conditions are common, and they are treatable.

Common concerns

• Anxiety — persistent worry or fear that is hard to control.
• Depression — low mood or loss of interest lasting two weeks or more.
• Trauma — intrusive memories, nightmares, or feeling constantly on guard.
• Grief, relationship challenges, and major life transitions.
• Using alcohol or other substances to cope with difficult feelings.

When to seek professional help

• Distress has lasted more than two weeks or keeps returning.
• It’s hard to work, study, or care for yourself or your family.
• Symptoms are getting worse, not better.
• People close to you have expressed concern.

Who can help

• Licensed counselors and clinical social workers provide talk therapy.
• Psychologists provide therapy and psychological testing.
• Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners evaluate and can prescribe medication.
• Peer specialists and support groups offer encouragement from lived experience.