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5 Signs That You Need A Mental Health Counselor

5/3/2021

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By Chou Hallegra, MA, CFTP, CCFP, CGCS
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It can be challenging to know when to seek professional help. While it may be obvious when to do it for medical ailments, mental health concerns can feel more ambiguous.

So, how can you best determine if you need the help of a mental health counselor?

One great tip is when you are experiencing emotional distress, it is the right time to consider seeking help. But, what if you are too used to the “distress” that you don’t consider it as a problem? How can you tell yourself, “Hey, you need help!”
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Mental health awareness is important, and it’s something not to be taken lightly. Here are five common signs that emotionally distressed people experience. Any of these can be your light bulb to go ahead and see a mental health counselor.  
A Feeling of Excessive Sadness​ 
​The National Alliance on Mental Illness suggests that while there are several warning signs linked to mental health-related issues, feeling excessively sad for extended periods indicates a problem. While you may not have clinical depression, sadness can become an issue when it is not recognized and appropriately managed. Feeling overwhelmed and too tired to leave bed are also possible indications that you are experiencing excessive sadness. One thing you have to remember, though, is that sadness does not necessarily mean excessive crying.
​Family Members or Friends Noticed a Significant Personality Change 
​Mental health issues, especially depression, can happen in the most subtle ways and can continue for long periods. This- the manner by which the problem is being manifested- is precisely why cases happen without treatment. More often than not, people in this circumstance don’t recognize the problem because they have become accustomed to the emotion. A number of reasons can trigger the gradual onset of depression and many other mental health issues, but friends and family notice everyday habits such as avoidance, a change in sleeping patterns, and either a significant increase or decrease in energy.
Expressions of Distress in Many Forms
​Change that stems from not-so-pleasant circumstances can be a significant reason people seek mental health counseling each year. Distress can include ruminating on either the past or possible future outcomes. Shame or guilt also may occur from an unpleasant event from the past, especially if it has not been resolved. Distress consumes the mind in anticipation of a probable fear, embarrassment, and anxiety that may never happen even happen at all. 
Difficult Relationships
​Human beings are wired to be social creatures, and most of us need to form relationships to feel that we are not alone. Many issues can get in the way of finding and maintaining healthy relationships. With the right mental health counselor, you will adapt to the “norm” of the relationship and eventually learn to deal with the more challenging days calmly and compassionately. The sooner you are in mental health counseling, the sooner you’ll get the idea of where you’d like to go with the situation you are in now. 
Watch this Video
Turn Mental Illness to Mental Wellness 
From Mental Illness to Mental Wellness with Author Jeanne Cesena
Physical Ailments that Medical Doctors Can’t Address
​The mind and body work together in unison that when one feels pain, the other does too. Multiple, unexplained physical pain or conditions can be the result of an underlying mental health issue. Frequent physical pain from a mental health side effect may include a queasy stomach, migraines, and even general aches. These physical ailments can distract or, worse, prevent us from living a “full” life if not properly managed. 
Many symptoms can stem from mental health issues. Some may involve more abstract problems like staying in bed for days for reasons you can’t seem to figure out or concrete issues as multiple failed relationships.
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While some may find it difficult to understand that their problems are “bad enough” to see a counselor, one thing is sure- mental health needs professional management. Feeling perpetually sad, tired, fearful, or ashamed for any reason, needs prompt attention.

If you are emotionally distressed, we are here for you. Reach out today!
​I’d like to help you unpack, process, and start recovering from those distressing emotions.
Click the link below and let's get you started today!
Free Consultation

Book features this week: 
Made to Overcome - Mental Health Edition: Powerful Stories Of People Rising Above Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Sexual Abuse & Other Traumas
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Sixteen (16) men and women from different walks of life united created this collaboration to let their readers know that (1) there is hope, (2) you are not alone, and (3) help is available. 
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Related Blog Posts
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  • How to Build Emotional Resilience
  • 6 Amazing Benefits of Loving Yourself
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    Chou is a best-selling Author, a Transformational Speaker,  Certified Life Coach, Counselor and Consultant on a mission to inspire people to rise above their circumstances. She is passionate about helping others achieve emotional wellness, reach their full potential, and live fulfilling lives. You can contact Chou at chou@graceandhopeconsulting.com

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  • Home
  • ABOUT
    • Meet Our Founder - Chou Hallegra
    • Blog
  • INDIVIDUALS
    • Therapeutic Groups
    • Coaching
  • ORGANIZATIONS
    • Professional Development
    • Inclusion Support
    • Mental Health Consultation
  • BOOKS
    • Books by Chou & Friends
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