When is the best time to seek help?

When you are experiencing emotional distress, access to support and guidance can be life changing.

It can be difficult for some to recognise when they are experiencing a ‘downturn’ in their mental health. Often the changes are gradual and subtle. It may begin with feeling slightly disconnected from others, more stressed than usual, or less interested in some aspects of your life. When these changes occur over time it may take months before you realise you have drastically shifted from your ‘normal’. There may be small ‘triggers’, which seem insufficient to warrant such a shift in mood when seen in isolation, however their cumulative effect can be profound.

For some, these changes can occur quickly, following a stressful life event. These events differ for everyone but common stressors include financial stress, losing a job or long term unemployment, relationship breakdowns and loneliness, chronic health problems, role transitions such as becoming a parent or children moving away, stress/pressure at work or home, and grief.

Traumatic events may also lead to mental health problems, such as a natural disaster, being a victim of crime, major car accidents, abuse, and even infidelity. The onset of symptoms is usually sudden and profound. Individuals may experience problems with their mood, anxiety, sleep, appetite, or relationship breakdown.

Recognising you are in need of support can be a challenge. Taking the steps to reach out takes strength and courage. Many people wait till their symptoms are severe to seek help from a psychologist- as they believe they should be able to sort things out on their own, or asking for help means admitting weakness. However seeking help early may provide significant benefits. Often it is easier for individuals to gain treatment benefits when their symptoms are mild or moderate. It is easier to adapt new strategies when your mind feels clear and you feel in control of your actions. Seeking help early may also prevent negative life cycles from taking hold- such as relationship discord or job performance issues.

I like the analogy of an athlete and his coach. An athlete has a coach with him from the very early days of his career. The coach provides him with opportunities to grow and learn. He picks up on performance issues early and helps to rectify them. He gives encouragement at every step. Contrast that to an athlete looking for a coach only when he’s been cut from the team. Yes, it could only help, but will be a steeper hill to climb.

With that being said-it is never too late to seek help. No matter how challenging things have become, having support from a professional may be the catalyst to other positive changes in your life. For many, the first phone call, email or session can be the hardest. There is a lot of uncertainty as to whether this path is right for you, whether the psychologist will be a good fit, or whether you will benefit from treatment at all. Most peoples concerns are quickly alleviated after discussing them with their psychologist. In fact, a study in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that 88% of people reported improvements after just 1 session.

So to answer the question ‘when is it best to seek help?’- the answer is most likely, right now. You can always improve from where you are, you can always benefit from insights and strategies, you can always learn something new.

References
Atkins, D. C., Bedics, J. D., Mcglinchey, J. B., & Beauchaine, T. P. (2005). Assessing clinical significance: Does it matter which method we use? Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73(5), 982-989.