Skip to main content

Transforming the understanding
and treatment of mental illnesses.

Celebrating 75 Years! Learn More >>

My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?

First, determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.

Do I have mild symptoms that have lasted for less than 2 weeks?

  • Feeling a little down
  • Feeling down, but still able to do job, schoolwork, or housework
  • Some trouble sleeping
  • Feeling down, but still able to take care of yourself or take care of others

If so, here are some self-care activities that can help:

  • Exercising (e.g., aerobics, yoga)
  • Engaging in social contact (virtual or in person)
  • Getting adequate sleep on a regular schedule
  • Eating healthy
  • Talking to a trusted friend or family member
  • Practicing meditation, relaxation, and mindfulness

If the symptoms above do not improve or seem to be worsening despite self-care efforts, talk to your health care provider.

Do I have severe symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more?

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes
  • Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
  • Unable to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities
  • Thoughts of death or self-harm

Seek professional help:

  • Psychotherapy (talk therapy)—virtual or in person; individual, group, or family
  • Medications
  • Brain stimulation therapies

For help finding treatment, visit the NIMH Help for Mental Illnesses webpage.

If you are in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org , or text the Crisis Text Line  (text HELLO to 741741).

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
NIH Publication No. 22-MH-8134

Share the Infographic on Social Media

Presents information about how to assess your mental health and determine if you need help. It provides examples of mild and severe symptoms, self-care activities, and options for professional help. Points to nimh.nih.gov/findhelp.

My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?

Disponible en español

Do you need help with your mental health? If you don't know where to start, this infographic may help guide you. https://go.usa.gov/xGfxz  #shareNIMH

Find more resources to share on social media.

Reprints

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy images. Please cite the National Institute of Mental Health as the source. Read our copyright policy to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content.