What is mental health?
Many people associate mental health with a specific problem such as depression. But mental health encompasses every aspect of your daily life and general well-being.
Your emotional and behavioral health affect your success at work and school. At the same time, having a job you love, good friends, and a social life influence your mental health.
Your mental and physical health are also connected. Chronic diseases and sudden illnesses are causes of mental health problems, while psychological disorders increase your risk of getting sick.
What symptoms indicate a mental health problem?
Though symptoms vary widely depending on the mental health disorder, these are a few common warning signs that you or your child may need help:
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Avoiding people and places you used to enjoy
- Low energy
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Struggling with persistent anxiety and fear
- Drinking more than normal
- Using illegal drugs
- Having mood swings
- Experiencing unwanted thoughts or memories
- Feeling angry or aggressive
- Being unable to control your emotions
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
- Being unable to fulfill normal tasks at home, school, or work
- Hearing voices that aren’t real
- Acting impulsively
Many mental health disorders also cause physical symptoms, from headaches and nausea to excessive sweating and panic attacks.
When should I get help for mental health problems?
Many people hesitate to seek treatment for the most common mental health problems — stress, depression, and anxiety — because they believe the problem will eventually go away. But without professional help, these conditions seldom improve on their own.
As a general rule, you should consider calling 24/7 Doctor when a mental health problem affects daily life. For example, you or your child may avoid friends, change eating habits, sleep too much or too little, or struggle to succeed at work or school.
What mental health services can I receive through virtual consultations?
Mental health conditions are treated with medications and talk therapy, both of which are perfectly suited to telemedicine.
During your first virtual consultation, the team talks with you about your medical history and symptoms and screens for mental health conditions. Then they continue providing long-term virtual treatment for many mental health conditions.
If you or your child have worrisome symptoms or face a mental health issue, call 24/7 Doctor or schedule a virtual conference online.
