When to seek
professional help

Recognising when to seek professional help is crucial in managing your mental health effectively. If relaxation techniques and self-care strategies aren't alleviating your symptoms, consider additional support.
Here's how you can decide when to reach out to a professional.
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Signs and symptoms it's time to seek help:

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Persistent feelings of sadness or despair:

If you feel overwhelmed by persistent sadness or a sense of despair that doesn't seem to improve, it's important to seek professional advice.

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Difficulty functioning in daily life:

When emotional or mental difficulties start to significantly affect your ability to work, study, or engage in social activities, this is a clear sign that you should reach out for help.

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Physical symptoms:

Mental issues can also manifest physically. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you experience persistent headaches, unexplained aches, or sleep disturbances.

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Increased anxiety or irritability:

If you feel unusually anxious, agitated, or irritable, and these feelings are hard to control, talking to a professional can help you explore the underlying causes and develop strategies to manage them.

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Reliance on substances:

Turning to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to cope with stress or emotions is a serious indicator that professional support is needed.

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Multiple complaints:

If you sense multiple signs and symptoms such as sadness, despair, anxiety, irritability, other emotional difficulties, physical symptoms, abuse of drugs, and dysfunction, you do need to seek help.

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How to Seek Help:

  • Contact your general practitioner (GP): Start with your GP. They can assess your symptoms and refer you to a mental health specialist if needed.
  • Mental health professionals: Consider contacting a psychologist, psychiatrist. These professionals can offer therapies and treatments that provide relief and promote recovery.
  • Support services and helplines: If you're not ready to speak with a healthcare provider directly, consider contacting a mental health helpline. These services respect anonymity and can offer immediate support and guide you to the necessary resources.

Samaritans

Confidential non-judgemental emotional support 24h a day: 116 123

Emergency services Ireland

Urgent help for any mental health issue: 112, 999

Childline

Chat facilities for children in need of support in Ireland 24 hours a day: 1800666666
Text: "Talk" to: 50101
Online chat: www.childline.ie

Don't hesitate to seek help if you're struggling. Reaching out for professional support is a strong and positive step towards taking control of your mental health. Remember, you're not alone, and help is available. Taking care of your mental health is as important as your physical health.