Referrals

First, determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.

Do I have mild symptoms that have lasted for less than 2 weeks?

• Feeling a little down

• Feeling down, but still able to do job, schoolwork, or housework

• Some trouble sleeping

• Feeling down, but still able to take care of yourself or take care of others

If so, here are some self-care activities that can help:

• Exercising (e.g., aerobics, yoga)

• Engaging in social contact (virtual or in person)

• Getting adequate sleep on a regular schedule

• Eating healthy

• Talking to a trusted friend or family member

• Practicing meditation, relaxation, and mindfulness

If the symptoms above do not improve or seem to be worsening despite self-care efforts, talk to your health care provider.

Do I have severe symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more?

• Difficulty sleeping

• Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes

• Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood

• Difficulty concentrating

• Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable

• Unable to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities

• Thoughts of death or self-harm

Seek professional help:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy)—virtual or in person; individual, group, or family

• Medications

• Brain stimulation therapies

For help finding treatment, visit the NIMH Help for Mental Illnesses webpage.

If you are in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
NIH Publication No. 22-MH-8134

Source: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/my-mental-health-do-i-need-help