Signs and Symptoms of a Mental Health Concern and How to Connect to Care

American Psychiatric Association Foundation

When you’re feeling low, or when things don’t feel right, you may wonder if you are struggling with a potential mental health concern. There are a number of signs and symptoms used to diagnose mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, but they don’t show up in isolation, they typically last for more than a couple of weeks, and they impact your daily life and routines. If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms below for more than two weeks, reach out for help.  

Signs and Symptoms of a Potential Mental Health Concern

  • Increase or decrease in sleep or appetite
  • Withdrawing from social connections or losing interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
  • Decline in performance at school, or work
  • Problems concentrating, forgetting things, or disorganized thinking or speech that are hard to explain
  • Decline in personal care (such as dressing, bathing and other hygiene tasks)
  • Intense worries or fears, including sudden, overwhelming fear for no reason, or a strong nervous feeling that doesn’t go away

How to Connect to Care

  • Talk to your primary care physician (PCP) or another clinician that you have a relationship with. 
    • Your PCP may discuss your mental health needs with you before referring you to a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional.
  • If you don’t have a current relationship with a PCP or other clinician, reach out to your health insurance company to find a list of providers in your network.
    • Insurance companies are required by law to cover mental health services at the same level as physical health services.
  • If you don’t have health insurance, check out tips for accessing free and low-cost mental health support on mentalhealthcareworks.org

If you or a loved one is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or in another mental health crisis, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 via call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Seeking mental health care can feel difficult, but it one of the strongest choices you can make. It’s a sign that you’re ready to take control of your wellbeing. For many, it’s the start of meaningful change. If you’re struggling, don’t wait. Make the call.

This resource was written and reviewed by Vedrana Hodzic, M.D.

Find more resources at mentalhealthcareworks.org