When to seek help

As part of Singing River Health System (SRHS) Behavioral Health Services’ recent recognition of Counseling Awareness Month, SRHS is distributing information regarding the benefits of counseling and what signs you might need to seek help.

There are times throughout our lives when we may need help addressing problems that are distressing or overwhelming. Most people develop coping skills that serve them well throughout their lives. However, sometimes, for whatever reason, those coping skills can fail us. This is when we begin to feel the distress of mental or emotional upheaval. These problems may include but are not limited to:

• Anxiety or depression
• Job stress
• Marital conflict
• Sexual or domestic violence or abuse
• Career change or job stress
• Social anxiety
• Difficulty adapting to life transitions
• Death of a loved one
• Problems with your children
• Low self esteem

When these problems become so overwhelming that you have difficulty sleeping, eating, controlling your anger, concentrating, turning your brain off or on or generally feel irritable or “at the end of your rope,” you could probably benefit from professional help. If someone thinks they could benefit from counseling, this is the best indicator that they should seek counseling.

Counseling can provide you with an unbiased view of your world. Sometimes it is easier to see the problem when you have to speak it out loud to someone. A counselor can help you look at the situation realistically, weigh out your options and come to some decision about what to do. A counselor can help you examine the behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are causing you difficulties in your life. You will learn effective ways to deal with your problems by building upon your strengths.

Based on the depth and duration of the problem, therapy may be brief or ongoing for a longer period of time. All members of the American Counseling Association subscribe to the code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which require counselors to protect the confidentiality of their clients.

Needing help is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw.  Actually, seeking help is a sign of strength demonstrating a willingness to look inside oneself and do what is necessary to make improvements.

If you feel you need immediate assistance from our Behavioral Health Services, please all 809-2273. To schedule an appointment with our Behavioral Health Services Physicians’ Outpatient Practice call 696-9224.