Mental health is an essential pillar of our overall well-being, but it is often overlooked or underestimated. Recognising the signs that indicate the need for professional support can be a challenge, as mental health problems can manifest themselves in different ways.
When Should I Seek Professional Help?#
It's not always easy to recognise that you need help, but there are common signs that indicate that you may need to seek professional support:
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Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Anxiety: We all feel sad or anxious from time to time, but if these feelings persist for weeks or even months, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
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Changes in Appetite or Sleep: Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits, such as insomnia, excessive sleeping, unexplained weight loss or gain, may be indicative of emotional imbalances or mental health problems.
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Difficulty Carrying Out Daily Activities: If everyday tasks, such as working, taking care of the house or getting along with other people, become difficult, it is important to consider seeking help.
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Self- or Heteroinjurious Behaviours: Behaviours such as excessive substance use, self-harm, or thoughts of suicide are serious signs that require immediate professional intervention.
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Relationship Problems: Frequent difficulties in personal or professional relationships, or social isolation, may indicate that something is not right on an emotional level.
Where to Find Professional Help?#
If you are considering seeking professional support, there are options available to begin that process:
Start with a doctor#
A GP or family doctor is usually the best first point of contact. They can carry out an initial assessment, talk through the options with you and refer you to specialist mental health services. In England you can also refer yourself directly to NHS talking therapies without going through your GP, and several other countries have similar self-referral routes.
If you need help urgently#
In the UK, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option; it is open 24 hours a day. In the United States and Canada, call or text 988. In Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In New Zealand, call or text 1737.
If life is at risk, call your local emergency number: 999 in the UK, 112 in Ireland and across the EU, 911 in the United States and Canada, 000 in Australia, 111 in New Zealand, 10111 in South Africa.
Free, confidential helplines#
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United Kingdom: Samaritans on 116 123, free from any phone, 24 hours a day; jo@samaritans.org; or text SHOUT to 85258
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Ireland: Samaritans on 116 123, free, 24 hours a day; or Text About It, text HELLO to 50808
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United States: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988, free and confidential, 24 hours a day
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Canada: 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline, call or text 988, 24 hours a day
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Australia: Lifeline on 13 11 14, 24 hours a day; or text 0477 13 11 14
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New Zealand: Need to talk? call or text 1737, free, 24 hours a day
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South Africa: SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567, 24 hours a day
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India: Tele-MANAS on 14416, free, 24 hours a day, in English and twenty other languages
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Portugal: SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24, option 4, 24 hours a day
Anywhere else#
findahelpline.com lists free, confidential services country by country, wherever you are.
Conclusion#
Recognising the need for professional help is a courageous and essential step in taking care of your mental health. There are resources available to support you regardless of your financial situation or location. The important thing is not to hesitate in seeking the support you need to live a more balanced and healthy life.
References#
Kirkbride, J. B., Anglin, D. M., Colman, I., Dykxhoorn, J., Jones, P. B., Patalay, P., Pitman, A., Soneson, E., Steare, T., Wright, T., & Griffiths, S. L. (2024). The social determinants of mental health and disorder: Evidence, prevention and recommendations. World Psychiatry, 23(1), 58–90. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21160
