In the United States, 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 children experience some form of mental illness annually.¹    According to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) less than half of adults received mental health treatment in 2021. Only 65.4% of those with a serious disorder reported receiving treatment.²

Getting help with your mental health is not a weakness and is just as important as your physical health. The ripple effects of untreated mental illness extend to the workplace, families, communities, and schools, damaging our social and financial wellbeing.

When to ask for help

Many people put off getting help but seeking care earlier can help prevent issues from worsening. There is no one easy test that can tell you when to get help, so it is important to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of mental illness.³

• Major life changes, both positive and negative experiences.
• Unable to perform daily tasks because of how you feel.
• Withdrawing and isolating yourself from friends and family.
• Declining performance at work or school.
• Constant feelings of worry or fear.
• Poor sleep quality and negative changes to appetite.
• Overuse of alcohol or other substances to cope or dull how you feel.
• Unexplainable physical symptoms, like headaches, stomachaches, aches, and pains.
• Thinking about self-harm, hurting other, or suicide.

Navigating Mental Health Resources

Mental health resources provide tools and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges. Professional treatment facilitates better self-awareness, healthier coping strategies, and reduced stigma.

Talk with your doctor. Reaching out to your primary care provider (PCP) is the first step. They are your advocate and there to help. They may ask you to complete screening tools to gauge how you are feeling so you are both on the same page.

Check your benefits. Mental health and substance use disorder services are required to be covered by most insurance plans. Reach out to your insurance provider to find out what options are available and to learn more about your coverage. If you do not have coverage, there are still affordable and accessible options through local and national organizations.

Choose the provider and setting. The world of mental health treatment is no longer “one size fits all.” With more variety comes better options for individuals to choose the care that is right for them.

In-person or telehealth treatment: Telehealth treatment is popular because it offers flexibility and a sense of safety for people who may not feel comfortable with visiting an office.

Mental health providers offer different services and resources depending on training and licensing. From Psychologists to Licensed Mental Health Counselors to Psychiatrists, there are providers with the skillset to best meet your needs.⁴

Make the Appointment. It is ok to be hesitant about getting help, but making that appointment is a brave, necessary step. Try out these tips to prepare and to get the most out of your sessions.

• Test drive to the office beforehand so you are comfortable with the route.
• Keep a journal of how you are feeling and reacting.
• Bring a comfort item, like a favorite sweater or even a blanket,
• Arrive early.
• Bring a list of current prescribed and OTC medications.
• Take notes so you can review your session.
• Remember it is ok to ask questions.
• You do not have to talk about everything right away if you are not comfortable.
• Give yourself time to decompress after appointments.

Getting Help in a Crisis

A mental health crisis is when someone’s emotions or actions are so extreme they are a risk to themselves or another. These situations are stressful and scary. Mental health crisis services vary depending on the area, but there is help available if someone is experiencing a true mental health crisis.

• Call a 24-Hour Crisis line, like 988 or the Veteran’s Crisis Line and speak with a trained responder about deescalating the situation and finding resources.
• Call 911 and communicate that this is a mental health issue so they can mobilize a crisis team.
• Talk with a provider about voluntary or involuntary hospitalization for treatment.

There is no easy fix when it comes to our mental health, and it is frustrating to not feel better right away. Putting the effort into improving our coping skills, building resilience, and bolstering our mental health is vital to our wellbeing.

For more information, visit the websites and resources below. By prioritizing our mental health, we can build stronger connections with those around us and live healthier, happier lives.

Mental Health Resources

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text or chat 988, available 24/7.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA): Call 877-SAMHSA-7 (877-726-4727)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or text “HelpLine” to 62640 

FindTreatment.gov: search for mental health and substance use resources in your area, connect with providers.

United Way 211 Hotline: Call 211 to connect with expert, caring, and local help, sponsored by the United Way. Visit www.211.org/ for more information.

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¹ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP22-07-01-005, NSDUH Series H-57). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-annual-national-report

² Ibid.

³ “Warning Signs and Symptoms.” NAMI, 12 Feb. 2024, www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/warning-signs-and-symptoms/.

⁴ “Types of Mental Health Professionals.” NAMI, 12 Feb. 2024, www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/types-of-mental-health-professionals/.