Everyone at one point or another feels worried about their mental health and wonders if they should see someone for help.
Here are some questions to ask yourself.
Are my thoughts, feelings and behaviours:
Intense? These aren’t mild, everyday fluctuations. They’re stronger and more persistent thoughts, feelings and behaviours than the usual ups and downs of life. Thoughts of suicide or self-harm signal distress and you should seek help right away.
Long-lasting? They’re having a consistent or lingering presence over weeks, months or longer. Many professionals suggest that anything that’s lasted two weeks or longer can be cause for concern.
Having a big impact? They’re beginning to have negative consequences in one’s life, possibly interfering with someone’s ability to function and/or meet their everyday goals.
If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or have made a plan or have attempted to die by suicide - seek help from a mental health professional immediately
- Call 911, ROCK Crisis Line at 905-878-9785 is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week, or
-
KidsHelp Phone - Call a Counsellor: 1-800-668-6868; Text a Counsellor: 686868; Live Chat:
https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/ or
- contact your family physician or current therapist.
- You can also talk to your teacher or other staff member who will help get you support.
It is very common to feel awkward about asking for help and think, ‘is my problem too small?’ ‘Too big?’ You might be concerned about what others may think of you. You might even wonder where you can get help, and what help is available.
It’s best to reach out and talk to someone. We all have mental health and talking about things is one of the ways we can take care of it! Asking for help can be awkward but you’ll probably feel relieved after you do. See
No Problem Too Big or Too Small - Asking for Help for tips on how to start the conversation.