Kaitlyn Bruneau (Seeking Mental Support)
Licensed clinical social worker Kaitlyn explains when to seek mental health support and how to access it. Learn to recognise signs such as social withdrawal, sleep changes, difficu...
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How can you proactively identify changes in your mental health?
To start a general mindfulness and emotional check-in practise can be really helpful to best identify how your symptoms and functioning are changing over time. Tracking your mood each day or taking time to journal about your experiences may shed some light on any changes that are occurring. This can also be a great way to notice these changes earlier on instead of only once it becomes too intense. You can also pay attention for any insights into what brought these changes about. As a therapist, there is one consistent piece of guidance that I like to offer. Many people seek out therapy once they are in crisis, using it as a tool and resource to regain their functioning and improve their mood. However, there is no rule stating that therapy is only for the people with the most intense or debilitating mental health concerns. It can also be there proactively in order to help you prepare for potential future struggles and build up your own arsenal of coping skills. That being said, if you anticipate future challenges that may be enough to consider beginning working with a mental health provider.
How do you find a therapist?
So if you notice similar changes to your functioning relationships or emotions, it may be time to begin looking for a therapist that feels like a good fit for you. You can start by going through your health insurance to see who is covered. Looking into providers that specialise in your specific area of concern, speaking with family and friends who may have someone to recommend, or even just reading profiles of therapists located in your area. It is okay not to know what you specifically need from a mental health provider or therapist. The beginning of your work together will be time to further explore your goals and learn more about what treatment might look like.
What can you do to prepare for potential future struggles?
I know that seeking help or reaching out to professionals or crisis resources can feel intimidating, but it's important to remember that these resources are there to help you if and when you need them. They are there so that you and your loved ones don't have to go through unnecessary challenges and strife, offering a possibility of feeling better sooner and with less effort or trial and error. If you are someone that you think could be prone to worsening mental health or mental health crises, I want to encourage you to take some time to set up a plan for yourself in the case that you think you need more support. This may involve researching therapists or psychiatrists ahead of time, saving the number for a crisis hotline, or writing down the closest psychiatric er. Hopefully these steps will not take too long, but can make a big difference if you need that information in the future.