We have come a long way surrounding the stigma and barriers to mental health care. In 2024, almost 53% of adult with mental illness sought help to cope with a range of personal problems and to treat the underlying conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior (NAMI).  The path to seeking and receiving help in mental health isn’t linear, it’s a lifelong journey for people seeking stability and wellness. As we move through life some phases present more challenges and problems that can benefit from a helping hand in our mental wellbeing. 

Counseling has for a longtime been characterized through pop culture and media in ways that have deterred people from seeking help that can make a genuine impact in their lives. Whether it be monotoned “shrink” sessions, inkblot tests, or extreme images of institutions- these stereotypes don’t tell the whole story. As defined by the American Psychological Association, “Counseling is the professional assistance in coping with personal problems, including: 

• Emotional

• Behavioral

• vocational

• marital

• educational

• rehabilitation

• and life-stage (e.g., retirement) problems. 

The counselor makes use of such techniques as active listening, guidance, advice, discussion, clarification, and the administration of tests.” Counseling encompasses a broad continuum of care to meet people’s needs across all stages and aspect of life. People often wait until things have gotten to their extremes before seeking out help, here are some signs it may be the right time for counseling. 

Emotional Signs You May Need Support

This may look like struggling with loss of enjoyment in life and heightened experiences of emotions like sadness, frustration, anxiety, anger, and even euphoria suddenly and in extremes. 

Behavioral Changes to Notice in Yourself or Others 

For yourself, friends, family, and children, you may notice sudden changes in social behaviors such as isolation and confrontations. It can be increasingly difficult to get daily chores and work done. Some may seek out more high-risk activities that endanger their health and safety.

Physical Symptoms Connected to Mental Health 

Changes in your mental wellness like stress, anxiety, and depression can have a big impact on your physical health as well in symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, racing heartbeat, chronic pains, weight change, and gastrointestinal problems. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing challenges in your everyday life, including grief, loss, or depression, please reach out to learn more about our specialized services for adults, children, teens, and families. Center For Family Services offers a range of counseling and behavioral health services if support is needed. These resources can be found by visiting, https://www.centerffs.org/our-services/counseling-behavioral-health

Call 877.922.2377 or email access@centerffs.org to learn more about resources available to you and to schedule an appointment.