Just as physical health changes as we get older and go through certain circumstances, our mental health can change, too. If you have undergone an impactful life event, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, diagnosis of a chronic illness, or the loss of a job, it may be time to seek a mental health professional.
A mental health counselor knows how to help you stabilize your thoughts and feelings, and to help you be well-functioning in your life again. Here’s how to know whether you need to see a mental health professional, and where you can go in Danville and other locations across Virginia for outstanding professional counseling help – so you can get back on track.
Mental Health Problems Affect Many People
First of all, seeing a mental health counselor isn’t an unusual initiative. About one out of every five individuals in the United States will go through some kind of mental health problem that warrants professional counseling.
Whether the problem is anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or addiction, you are far from alone in needing a trained, compassionate, listening ear. No one should hesitate to seek real help from a specialist in the mental health field.
Trained mental health care professionals can help with a variety of conditions – whether mild, moderate, or severe in their symptoms. These professionals include:
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Clinical social workers
- Counselors
Why Would I Need to See a Mental Health Professional?
Behavioral health issues are very real. They are not just “in your head.” They can indeed cause physical symptoms, and they rarely improve by themselves.
So, look over the list below, and consider whether one or more of these things apply to you (be honest with yourself):
- You have just experienced the loss of a loved one, a job, or a long-term relationship.
- Your relationship or marriage is in trouble.
- You feel anxious and agitated most of the time.
- You have trouble sleeping, or you sleep a lot more than you used to.
- You are frequently angry and irritable, and friends and family are starting to tell you so.
- Your appetite is poor, or you eat excessively for comfort.
- You constantly feel negative about yourself, your life, and the decisions you have made.
- Your job performance has declined, or you have missed a lot of work.
- You are smoking more, drinking excessively, or using (or thinking of using) illegal substances to feel better.
- You have a history of physical or sexual abuse.
- You think of harming yourself or others.
Professional Mental Health Counselors Throughout Virginia
The time is now to seek help from a mental health professional who will help you pinpoint your problem, recommend solutions – such as therapy, medication, and/or lifestyle adjustments – and assist you in developing the self-monitoring and coping skills you need to get yourself back into life.
As always, if you or a loved one is contemplating any kind of self-harm, including suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to 741-741. Trained counselors are there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
At Epic Health Partners, our team of professional counselors and social workers are highly skilled, experienced, and compassionate. Your provider will help you be stronger, healthier, and more confident in your day-to-day life.
If you would like to set up a consultation, call our office in Richmond at (804) 914-1392, in Martinsville at (276) 336-8032, or in Danville at (434) 835-4601. You can also fill out our Request an appointment form online now. We look forward to helping you take charge of yourself!
