Millions of people experience mental health issues every year, leaving many to ask how they can get help. Mental health problems are common conditions that affect how you feel, think and behave. A situation is often isolating and embarrassing, and knowing when to seek help and whom to talk to is challenging.
Helping someone with mental health issues can be one of the most complex and rewarding things you ever do, and it can also be incredibly frustrating at times. You don’t have to go at this alone. This guide is meant to help those looking for help or whose family members or friends may be dealing with mental health problems and might need some guidance.
Table of Contents
Call a hotline.
You can call a hotline for free and private emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hotlines are staffed by trained professionals who can advise on where to go for help and how to get there. They can also help with immediate problems such as suicide or domestic violence.
Some hotlines specialize in specific issues (for example, suicide), while others offer general emotional support and referrals to local services. Many will provide crisis intervention and counselling over the phone, while some offer online chat or text messaging options.
Ask your doctor.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need help knowing where to begin, it can be hard to know what support is available.
If you’re worried about your mental health or someone else’s, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They will be able to help you find the proper treatment for your needs.
They may also mention you to a mental health expert, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist who works with people with depression or anxiety disorders. Or they might recommend that you see a counsellor who can help with any problems that may be going on in your life at the moment.
Mental health professionals are trained to help people deal with common issues such as stress, depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties. There are usually no charges for seeing these professionals, and their services are confidential (meaning nobody else will find out about them).
Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
Don’t be afraid to admit you’re struggling. If you don’t feel uncomfortable discussing your mental health with your family, consider reaching out to a close friend or loved one who might help.
Speaking to someone you trust can help you feel better, especially if they know what to say and when. This can also help them understand what you’re going through so they can provide the best advice possible, especially if they’ve been through something similar.
Find a support group.
Support groups provide a safe space for people to share their experiences, learn from each other, and help participants feel more in control of their situation. If you’re looking for help with your mental health, here are some places you can start:
Online support groups – These forums often focus on a particular issue or topic. For example, they may focus on anxiety or depression or other common mental health issues. An online platform allows you to connect with others going through similar experiences to offer each other advice and comfort during difficult times.
Local support groups – Local support groups typically meet at least once per week and often have multiple meetings per month and additional events throughout the year, such as picnics or movie nights. These groups offer face-to-face interactions with other people going through similar struggles so that they can offer advice and comfort in person rather than just over text messages or email threads.
Find a therapist near me.
If you’re looking for a mental health therapist, many mental health professionals in your area specialize in different treatments.
Final Thoughts
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. It can be challenging to admit that you have an issue, but it’s necessary if you’re thinking about killing yourself or attempting to harm others. The more we talk about mental health and the more familiar we are with the available resources, the more likely it is that more people will get the help they need while they still can.
