Knowing the signs
When to Seek Mental Health Help
Mental health shapes our moods, emotions, and private thoughts. When it suffers, it can wreak havoc on a person's life and the lives of the people who love them — and recognizing the signs is harder than it sounds. Here is what to look for and how to find help.
About this guide
When to seek help
The National Institutes of Health defines a mental disorder as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, with impact ranging from none to severe impairment. Roughly one in five U.S. adults — more than 50 million people — have some form of mental health condition.
Most mental health disorders are not triggered by any one event. Genetics, brain chemistry, habits, ongoing medical conditions, and stressful environments all come into play, alongside experiences like childhood abuse, isolation, discrimination, poverty, loss, and trauma. What is certain is that stress makes any mental health disorder worse — and that these disorders are extremely difficult to manage alone. Bottling up thoughts and feelings makes things worse; a strong support network, and professional help, make them better.
Ambrosia provides outpatient mental health care through the Neuroscience Institute in West Palm Beach, where assessment, therapy, and psychiatry run under one roof.
Warning signs of a mental health disorder
Warning signs are unique to each person, and they often start subtle. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, tell someone now — call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and be connected with a trained counselor.
Mood changes
Feeling sad or “down” for prolonged periods without a specific reason, noticeable swings from euphoria to deep sadness, excessive worrying, apathy, or outbursts of rage.
Behavioral changes
Suicidal thoughts or self-injury, large gaps in memory, withdrawal from friends and family, or delusions and hallucinations.
Physical changes
Episodes of sweating, nausea, racing heart, or trouble breathing; changes in eating or sleeping patterns; noticeable changes in sex drive or risky behavior.
Common mental health disorders
There are many diagnosable and treatable mental health disorders, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. A person can experience poor mental health without a diagnosable disorder — and someone living with a disorder can show no obvious symptoms at all.
Depression
Low mood, loss of interest and pleasure, and reduced energy. Some types of depression can lead to thoughts of suicide.
Anxiety disorders
A group that includes generalized anxiety, social phobia, specific phobias, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD.
Bipolar disorder
Episodes of intense elation followed by depression, influenced by environmental stressors and genetic predisposition.
Dissociative disorders
Mental processes where a person 'leaves' their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity.
Substance use disorder
A mental disorder affecting brain and behavior that leads to an inability to control use of alcohol, medications, or drugs.
Eating disorders
Anorexia, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and ARFID — with serious physical and psychological consequences.
Why people avoid seeking treatment
Research from Sapien Labs' Mental Health Million Project found that less than half of people in the U.S. with a clinical-level mental health problem seek professional help. Access is part of the story — but even with the growth of telehealth, people still hold back, usually for one of four reasons.
Stigma
The fear of being seen as weak or vulnerable keeps people quiet. In fact, seeking help is courageous.
Doubt
People choose to suffer in silence, believing no one could possibly understand what they are going through.
Pride
Many people — particularly older adults — consider mental health a private matter, best managed alone.
Fear
Fear of change, of the unknown, of treatment altering who they are. But mental health disorders are progressive, and they worsen when left untreated.
How to find treatment
A primary care provider is an excellent first step — they can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. If you have private insurance, your insurer's online directory lists in-network mental health providers. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also helps people locate affordable providers and facilities, and eligible veterans can receive care through the VA or a private facility.
If left untreated, a mental health disorder can wreak havoc. Knowing when to seek help is a crucial first step toward recovery — and help is available whether you are living with a disorder or simply need someone to talk to.
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Admissions is available 24/7 to answer questions about mental health and substance use treatment options.