Mental health problems can affect thinking, mood, and behavior. They can affect people in all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Mental health problems are common and help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and some recover completely.
Recognizing the signs and knowing when to seek help is important. Below are three signs that it’s time to involve a mental health professional.
Experiencing Distress
Everyone has ups and downs in their mood. Feelings of distress …show more content…
However, when distress is experienced without any identifiable cause, this may be a sign to consult a mental health care professional.
Examples of this are:
Crying frequently without knowing why
Experiencing outbursts of anger towards others for no apparent reason
Feeling anxious in situations that are normally considered to be non-threatening
The Reaction is Often Out of Proportion to the Circumstances.
Reacting to a negative event is normal. The intensity of the reaction is usually dependent on the severity of the event. When the reactions is often out of proportion to the current circumstance, it may be time to seek help.
These reactions may include:
Feeling worthless or helpless after performing poorly on an exam
Anger outbursts over small problems
Avoiding classes or social situations because they cause anxiety
The Distress Continues for Weeks, Months, or Years
Typical distress will usually begin to subside within a few hours or days of the negative event. If distress continues for prolonged periods of time and/or does not improve when something good happens, it may be a sign that professional mental health care may be required.
2. Inability to Complete Activities of Daily …show more content…
3. Demonstrating Severe, Out-of-Control Behavior That Can Hurt Self or Others.
Most people take the ability to think before acting, to control their impulses or urges, for granted. This is not as easy for people who have problems controlling their impulses.
Impulses that are uncontrolled can often bring harm to the individual or others.
Just before the impulsive behavior a person feels increasing tension or arousal. Often the action will help the person feel immediate relief or pleasure. Regret or shame may be experienced after the incident, but this is not always the case.
These out-of-control behaviors are usually not planned, but are rather an act to fill an immediate, conscious wish.
Seek look out for include:
A pattern of explosive temper tantrums resulting in dangerous behavior
Physical attacks that can harm others
Threats or attempts to hurt