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Signs You Need to See a Doctor for Mental Health
Maintaining mental health is essential to ensuring your overall well-being. The stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevents individuals from seeking the help they need.
The compassionate and knowledgeable team at Rapid City Healthcare in Irving, Texas, offers health care for common mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, as part of our primary care services.
Understanding the signs that indicate a need for professional help is the first step towards recovery and well-being. Here are some signs indicating it may be time to consult a doctor for mental health concerns:
Persistent feelings of sadness or despair
One of the most common signs that you may need to call us for an appointment is experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair. While it's normal to go through phases of feeling down, these emotions should not be constant companions.
If you find yourself feeling low most days for more than two weeks, it may be indicative of depression, a condition that can be effectively managed with professional help.
Excessive worrying or anxiety
Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but constant worry or anxiety that interferes with daily activities is a red flag. Symptoms may include restlessness, increased heart rate, difficulty concentrating, or insomnia.
If anxiety starts to take over your life, making it hard to function normally, it's time to seek medical advice. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet often go unrecognized.
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits can also signal the need for a mental health check. Sleeping too much or too little, or experiencing drastic changes in appetite or weight without trying, could indicate an underlying mental health issue such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
Withdrawal from social activities
If you're withdrawing from social activities that you once enjoyed, or you're finding it hard to perform daily tasks at work or home, it might be time to schedule an appointment. Social withdrawal can be a symptom of various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders.
Unexplained physical symptoms
Mental health issues can manifest physically. Common symptoms include unexplained aches and pains, headaches, and stomach issues. If these symptoms persist despite no clear physical cause, they may be linked to a mental health condition.
Experiencing trauma
If you've experienced a traumatic event, such as an accident, loss of a loved one, or abuse, and find yourself unable to cope with its aftermath, it's essential to seek professional help. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Using substances to cope
Turning to alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication to cope with emotions or stress, or to sleep better, is a sign that you may need help with your mental health. Substance use can mask underlying issues and often worsens mental health conditions over time.
Thoughts of harm
If you're experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, it's critical to seek help immediately. These thoughts can indicate severe underlying mental health issues that require urgent attention.
Take control of your mental health
Recognizing these signs is the first step towards maintaining positive mental health. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health conditions are common and treatable, and help is available. Consult the compassionate team at Rapid City Healthcare for treatment. Visit for walk-in service, call, or schedule an appointment online.
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