Knowing When to Seek Help

Everyone feels sad, anxious, overwhelmed or out-of-control at times. So, if you or a loved one has these feelings, how do you know when it’s time to seek help?

For most people, feeling upset is a reaction to a stressful situation or negative event. The feeling typically lifts after a few hours or days. However, people with behavioral health disorders may experience thoughts and feelings that are out of control more often; they can last for months or even years. They may not even have a clear cause. 

The National Institute for Mental Health estimates about 1 in 5 adults will experience some form of behavioral illness in their lifetime. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that I in 13 people age 12 or older need substance abuse treatment, yet only 10% of those people receive treatment. The good news is that behavioral health and substance use disorders are treatable. Early intervention can help reduce the severity of a serious behavioral health illness, as well as prevent tragic consequences such as homelessness, unemployment, and even suicide. Most people who seek help get better, and many recover completely.

Warning Signs of Behavioral Health Risk

The symptoms of behavioral illness vary depending on the disorder. One or two symptoms alone can’t predict a behavioral illness. However, if you or a loved one are experiencing several of the following common signs, it’s time to seek help from a behavioral health professional: 

• Disruption of daily activities, functioning
• Feeling disconnected
• Illogical thinking
• Lack of self-care or concern over appearance
• Loss of interest in activity
• Mood changes, including dramatic shifts in feelings
• Nervousness, fear, or suspiciousness of others
• Problems with concentration, thinking
• Risky behaviors, including abusing alcohol, drugs, or sex
• Sleep or appetite changes
• Unusual or uncharacteristic behavior
• Withdrawal and social isolation

Warning Signs of Substance Abuse Disorder:

• Disruption of daily activities, functioning related to use of alcohol or drugs
• Inability to control use of alcohol or drugs
• Negative Changes or loss in job, school, relationships
• Legal consequences related to alcohol/drug use
• Lack of self-care or concern over appearance
• Loss of interest in activity
• Mood changes, including dramatic shifts in feelings
• Problems with concentration, thinking
• Risky behaviors, including abusing alcohol, drugs, or sex
• Sleep or appetite changes
• Unusual or uncharacteristic behavior
• Withdrawal symptoms

Munson Healthcare’s behavioral health services — together with our expert team of behavioral health professionals — will help you to focus on your wellness in a manner that makes sense to you.  We’re here to support you on the path to well-being.

Crisis Hotlines

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 now. 

Community Crisis Number | 833-295-0616
A service supported by your local Community Mental Health.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline | Call or text 988
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline gives free, confidential, and 24/7 support for people facing distress, plus prevention and crisis resources.

Click here for additional resources.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule a behavioral health appointment, or for help determining the available services and right care for you or a loved one, please call us at one of our convenient locations.