How to Ask for Help

mental health buttons (4)

What is mental health therapy?

Mental Health Therapy is often considered interchangeable with counseling, but specifically it is a mental health practice done by a professional counselor, clinical social worker, or psychologist where sessions focus on you, your thoughts, behaviors and actions. 

When do I seek mental health therapy?

Anyone can seek mental health therapy! Therapy allows you to open up to a professional about the things happening in your life, and they can then provide suggestions and guidance on how to overcome obstacles and meet your goals. 

What is counseling? 

Counseling is defined as a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. 

When do I seek counseling?

  • Feeling sad, angry, or otherwise "not yourself" 
  • You can't stop thinking about a traumatic event
  • You are going through a major change

Physical symptoms appear: fatigue, headaches, sleeping too little/too much, backpain, GI problems, weight change, joint pain and racing heartbeat. 

Asking for help can be difficult especially when you may not be able to put into words what you're feeling. Here are a few steps you can take to begin your journey to better mental health: 

  • Take an online mental health screening quiz. This may help you figure out next steps and what to ask a doctor about. 
  • Springfield has a lot of mental health care providers that may be in-network through your health insurance plan. If the list of providers are too daunting, try calling your primary care physician and inquire about references or if they can help you at their office. 
  • If you don't have health insurance, there are financial assistance options available at mental health provider offices that can alleviate the financial burden of seeking help. For example, Burrell Behavioral Health has a few listed on their website here.

Mental Health Button

Early warning signs that you are beginning to struggle: 

  • Eating or sleeping too much or too little
  • Pulling away from people and usual activities 
  • Having low or no energy
  • Feeling numb or like nothing matters
  • Having unexplained aches and pains
  • Feeling helpless or hopeless
  • Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
  • Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
  • Yelling or fighting with family and friends
  • Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships