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

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.

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.