Luis Fong. Photo courtesy of Denova Collaborative Health.
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By Luis Fong, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Daily stress doesn’t always look like a mental health crisis. It can look like lying awake thinking about bills, losing patience with the people you love after a long day or feeling tired no matter how much you sleep.
Maybe you’re juggling work and family responsibilities. Maybe groceries and gas cost more than you expected again this week. Maybe someone you care about is struggling, and you have quietly taken on the responsibility of helping them, too.
Over time, those pressures add up.
On Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day reminds us to check in with ourselves and the people around us when life starts to feel a little too heavy. But how can you tell when it may be time for more support?
Recognizing when stress is becoming something more
Stress is a normal part of life, but ongoing stress can sometimes develop into something more serious.
You may notice you’re sleeping differently, becoming more irritable or having a harder time concentrating. Things you normally enjoy may feel like more effort. You may even pull away from family and friends or just feel less like yourself.
One of the most helpful things you can do is ask yourself how long you’ve been feeling this way and whether it’s beginning to affect your work, relationships or everyday life.
You don’t have to wait for an official diagnosis to seek help.
Start with what’s realistic for you
Mental healthcare can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never tried therapy or spoken with a mental health provider before. It can also be difficult to fit into a day that’s already full or a budget that’s already tight.
The good news is there are different ways to get started depending on what works for you.
A good first step can be talking with your primary care doctor about resources that fit your needs, schedule and financial situation. Even an online search can help you find providers in your area for in-person care or telehealth appointments. Online therapy can be especially helpful when the nearest provider is far from home.
The first step does not need to solve everything. It only needs to move you toward the kind of support you need.
Finding care that feels comfortable matters
There can also be more personal reasons people hesitate to seek mental health support.
Maybe mental health wasn’t something your family talked about growing up. You may worry about what other people will think if they find out, especially in a smaller community. You may wonder whether a provider will understand your culture, family dynamics or experiences.
Those concerns are valid, and it’s OK to ask whether someone has experience working with people from your community or background. Feeling comfortable with the person providing your care matters.
If talking about mental health feels uncomfortable in general, consider starting with a loved one or someone you trust. You may be surprised by what that small conversation can open the door to.
Know when it may be time to reach out
One of the first signs you may need more support is simply noticing that you don’t feel like yourself. Stress may be lingering longer than usual, sleep may be harder to come by or everyday responsibilities may feel heavier than normal.
That might mean it’s a good time to check in with a loved one, healthcare provider or mental health professional and talk through what you’ve been experiencing. For those living in Northern Arizona, care may be available through local providers, telehealth or organizations like Denova Collaborative Health, which offers hybrid behavioral health services across the state.
World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental health deserves the same attention as any other part of your well-being. Checking in with yourself doesn’t have to mean making a major change. Sometimes it starts with one conversation and letting the rest fall into place.
— If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free and confidential.
Luis Fong, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a psychiatric supervisor at Denova Collaborative Health, Arizona’s largest outpatient behavioral healthcare provider.
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