When To Talk to a Provider About Anxiety or Depression

Many people may struggle with mental health challenges at different times in their lives. If these mental health conditions sound like things you’re dealing with, you may want to talk to a professional:

Anxiety

Feeling nervous or anxious may seem like a regular part of life. But when it interrupts your daily activities, it may be a bigger issue. Anxiety has become a common topic of conversation. That’s likely because many people may have experienced at least some anxiety at one time or another. Anxiety might happen as a reaction to relationships, health, school, work, finances, unexpected changes, big life events — any number of things. At times, anxiety may be considered a healthy emotion — in some moments, it may alert you to pay better attention to your mental health. 

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety That May Signal a Need for Help                                

• A hard time focusing or concentrating                   
• Avoiding certain situations out of worry
• Using substances (alcohol, drugs, tobacco) to cope
• Eating more or less than usual
• Experiencing a sense of perceived danger or doom
• Feeling nervous or on edge
• Feeling weak or fatigued
• Increased heart rate
• Fast breathing
• Headaches, dizziness, stomach upset
• Muscle pain
• Not being able to sleep
• Thoughts that won’t go away

Depression 

Depression may feel like something you may want to hide or even pretend is not there. Depression is much more than just feeling down. Giving your mental health proper care and attention may be a healthy path toward helping you get better. There are treatment and ways to cope and feel better. Recognizing signs and being honest with yourself about how you’re feeling may help you navigate true depression or even certain days when you may feel down. 

Signs and Symptoms of Depression That May Signal a Need for Help

• Feeling sad, anxious, or “empty”
• Loss of interest in your favorite activities
• Overeating or not wanting to eat at all
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Feeling really tired
• Aches, pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that may not get better with treatment
• Thoughts of death or suicide

How Should I Seek Professional Help?

It takes courage to ask for help but finding a mental health provider is an important first step. Check with your benefit provider for mental health resources available to you.

You may also consider mental health virtual therapy for addressing anxiety and depression by meeting with a psychologist, counselor or coach at a time and place that’s convenient for you.

If you or a loved one has suicidal thoughts or plans, call 911 right away. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is also available 24/7, providing confidential support and prevention and crisis resources. Call 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat. For TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

For more information regarding Mental Health, visit www.myuhc.com 

Related to: 

• Mental Health