My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? [downloadable]

First, determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.  This fact sheet from the National Institute of Mental Health offers some guidance and next steps.

My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?

Do I have mild symptoms that have lasted for less than 2 weeks?

  • Feeling a little down
  • Feeling down, but still able to do job, schoolwork, or housework
  • Some trouble sleeping
  • Feeling down, but still able to take care of yourself or take care of others

If so, here are some self-care activities that can help:

  • Exercising (e.g., aerobics, yoga)
  • Engaging in social contact (virtual or in person)
  • Getting adequate sleep on a regular schedule
  • Eating healthy
  • Talking to a trusted friend or family member
  • Practicing meditation, relaxation, and mindfulness

If the symptoms above do not improve or seem to be worsening despite self-care efforts, talk to your health care provider.

Do I have severe symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more?

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes
  • Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
  • Unable to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities
  • Thoughts of death or self-harm

Seek professional help:

  • Psychotherapy (talk therapy)—virtual or in person; individual, group, or family
  • Medications
  • Brain stimulation therapies
If you are in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

Download a PDF of the fact sheet.

Source: National Institute for Mental Health | My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/my-mental-health-do-i-need-help/index.shtml | public domain. Retrieved April 5, 2021. Last reviewed December 2022.
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A screening can help you determine if you or someone you care about should contact a mental health professional. Care Managers can arrange a free 30-minute Care Consultation so you can explore options with an expert. Call or email our Care Managers at 650.688.3625 or careteam@testing.chconline.org to set up an initial Consultation appointment.

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