Should I get Professional Help for Mental Health?

Questions about getting professional help come up to me frequently in the community so I want to address some of those questions here.

Should I get professional help for my mental health?

Spoiler alert: This is not a yes or no answer. Determining this is highly individual, but I want to discuss some principles to consider.

In assessing this I look at 5 big ideas:

• Safety

• Functioning

• Preference

• Duration

• Direction

What does this look like? Well, if someone's mental health is impacting their safety (such as suicidality, violence, or ability to care for themselves) then these individuals should get professional help, even in situations where they may not prefer it. At times, crisis resources are needed to provide help quickly and can be accessed in the U.S. by calling 911 (emergencies with medical services), 988 (behavioral emergencies without medical services), or going to your nearest emergency room. You may read more in this article called "What to Do In a Crisis" by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

If you are adequately safe, then we look at functioning, direction, duration, and preference. Regarding functioning, I look at if you can take care of yourself, complete work or school tasks, maintain relationships, and pursue valued activities. We also look at duration and direction. To likely overstate the point, sadness that occurs for one day and is getting better is different than sadness that occurs for 6 months and is getting worse. It's also crucial to account for personal preference, as autonomy is an important ethical value to retain. If you are having mental health struggles that are impacting your functioning, lasting longer than you would prefer, or heading in a direction you are finding difficult to change, then it sounds like time to consider talking to someone.

When in doubt, please reach out. Professionals can collaborate with you to assess whether or not ongoing professional help is warranted.

In my ideal world, everyone can episodically participate in psychotherapy when needed and have regular mental health check-ups, similar to seeing their medical doctor for annual wellness visits. I think an emphasis on preventive mental healthcare is important.

What does getting professional help look like?

Many types of professionals assist in caring for mental health concerns including physicians, physician associates, nurse practitioners, licensed therapists, counselors, and social workers. Who you see will determine in part what getting help looks like.

Professionals are trained in two large umbrellas which I will call assessment and treatment.

Assessment looks at the symptoms you are experiencing within the context of safety, functioning, duration, and direction (as discussed above), and uncovers the factors contributing to this.

Treatment involves collaboration with you regarding the consideration of appropriate treatment modalities including psychotherapy (working to change not-so-functional mental processes and patterns), medications, avoiding harmful substances, lifestyle recommendations (sleep, activities, nutrition, etc), social interventions (work assistance, social skills, access to food, income, etc), and treatment settings (groups, day programs, residential programs, hospitalization, etc).

In all of this, you are an expert in you, and it is important to remember to advocate for yourself by asking questions, for clarification when needed, and openly expressing your thoughts and preferences. A collaborative vibe between you and the professional is a goal worth the effort.

How can I find professional help?

This article by NAMI wrote almost everything I wanted to say so I will refer you there. NAMI has a HelpLine noted at the bottom of their page for you to reach out with questions. I would add emphasis on finding a situation that is a good fit. While I think it's helpful to try to be psychologically flexible, at some point pursuing alternatives is appropriate.

For perinatal (pregnancy-related) mental healthcare, I would refer you to Postpartum Support International (PSI). They also have a HelpLine that can direct you to professionals specializing in pregnancy-related mental health concerns in your area and have free online support groups.

For addiction-related mental healthcare, I would refer you to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which also has a HelpLine where you can get information and treatment referrals.

For additional resources, you can see this small collection I put together and update as needed.

Kaden Facer, MD is an Idaho psychiatrist specializing in perinatal and paternal mental health, which includes pre/postpartum depression and anxiety. Mental health concerns are often overlooked during this time, dismissed as a "normal", expected product of the circumstances, and he believes this perspective does a disservice to parents and their children. His virtual clinic is focused on providing access to treatment during these times of transition so that individuals can be well - you do not have to suffer through it.