If you are struggling with mental health issues in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone. Millions of Americans are experiencing mental health issues at alarming rates due to the uncertain times we are living in. From high unemployment rates to dealing with illness or loss of a loved one, there are a variety of reasons why a growing number of people are turning to counseling for help.

 The fact is that mental illness has long been a national health issue. Mental health problems are common, with as many as 1 in 4 people experiencing symptoms of mental illness at some point in their lifetime.

 It’s important to note that mental illness is something that can happen gradually. Rarely do symptoms come to a head overnight. Rather, your mental health issues may manifest in small, gradual changes affecting your thoughts, emotions, and behavior over time. It’s possible that these changes can begin negatively affecting your everyday life. Once this happens, it may be time to seek help.

Stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues can manifest physically as well as emotionally. If you are experiencing the following symptoms or recognize these in a loved one, consider whether therapy may help you:

• Feelings of anxiousness or irritability
• Changes in mood
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering things
• A prolonged change in sleep patterns (sleeping too little or too much)
• Trouble managing basic activities such as cooking or bathing regularly
• Paranoia or suspiciousness
• Feelings of isolation
• Becoming emotionally or physically withdrawn
• Believing that friends or family want to harm you
• Believing that organizations or companies may be out to get you
• Excessive or erratic spending
• Experiencing hallucinations
• Suicidal thoughts

   

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, we urge you to seek help. It’s never too late to begin a path to healing. Contact us to schedule your consultation.