Seek Out Mental Health Professionals for Guidance and Assistance

Seek Professional Guidance for Mental Health Concerns and Emotional Wellbeing

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and it's important to seek help when needed. Here are some signs that it may be time to reach out: thoughts of suicide or self-harm, domestic or sexual violence, new trauma or inability to cope with past trauma, substance use concerns, prolonged grief, panic attacks, sudden and intense shifts in moods, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, persistent sadness, anger, or anxiety, intrusive thoughts, moving or talking more slowly than usual, trouble sitting still and speaking quickly, low energy and fatigue, lack of motivation, losing interest in things you used to enjoy or feeling withdrawn, inability to function or concentrate in your daily life, sleep disturbances, and relationship difficulties or conflict.

If you're in an emergency, your local emergency room or psychiatric care centre can provide immediate help. For those experiencing suicidal thoughts or in crisis, there are various helplines available. In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat at 988Lifeline.org, or text "HOME" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Befrienders Worldwide offers a helpline in your country, and Suicide Stop provides an online chat service.

For those seeking therapy, the first step is reaching out. Psych Central's How to Find Mental Health Support resource can help you learn more about starting therapy. When preparing for your first session, it can be helpful to bring a list of conversation points, such as symptoms or experiences you'd like to address, current and past medications, family's mental health or medical history, questions about the therapist's training, license, or specialties.

Online therapy options are becoming increasingly popular, with many therapists offering phone, video chat, and text services. Some popular online therapy platforms include Talkspace, BetterHelp, and Amwell. Services like ReGain specialize in specific types of therapy, such as couples' therapy.

Mental health professionals come in various forms, each with different educational backgrounds and specialties. These include mental health counselors, therapists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric pharmacists, and pastoral counselors.

Mental health counselors and therapists typically have a master's degree in psychology or a related field. They are trained to evaluate a person's mental health and provide therapy or counseling. Clinical social workers have a master's degree in social work (MSW) and are trained to evaluate a person's mental health and provide therapy or case management.

Psychiatric nurse practitioners may have either a master's or doctoral degree specializing in psychiatry. They can diagnose, assess, and offer therapy, and in some states, they can prescribe medications. Psychiatric pharmacists specialize in mental healthcare and medication management. Depending on their state of practice, they may be able to prescribe medications.

In Germany, organisations like "meine-gesunde-seele.de," Caritas, and the nationwide Terminservicestelle (TSS) via 116117 can help find therapy services.

Mental health apps can also provide support. Examples include TalkLife, Bearable, MindShift, The Safe Place, Headspace, Calm, and various meditation apps. These apps can help track moods, learn cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, or provide community.

Remember, anyone can benefit from seeking therapy, regardless of whether they have a mental health condition or diagnosis. The first step is reaching out, and with this guide, you're one step closer to finding support.