Bezzy’s Guide to Mental Health Resources and Support

The following recommendations and resources have been compiled from information on Bezzy’s sister site, Psych Central.

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Understanding mental health

It’s not uncommon to feel varying levels of sadness, grief, and stress throughout life, but if these thoughts and feelings are consistently inhibiting your daily life, you may be experiencing depression or another mental health condition.

Individuals with chronic medical conditions are at an increased risk of having mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.

This resource guide exists to help you better understand common mental health conditions as well as when, and how, to get help.

Depression

Those with depression often experience prolonged feelings of emptiness and hopelessness that remain regardless of circumstance. Depression can be debilitating if not properly managed.

Depression can interfere with all aspects of day-to-day living including work or school, relationships, daily responsibilities, and overall attitude toward life.

Depression is one of the most widespread mental health conditions, affecting around 280 million people globally. It’s expected that 7 percent of the American adult population experiences depression.

Types of depression

• major depressive disorder (MDD)
• postpartum depression
• seasonal affective disorder (major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern)
• persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
• bipolar disorder

How do I know if I have depression?

It’s important to understand the distinction between sadness and depression in order to find the appropriate resources for your mental well-being.

If you’ve experienced most of the following symptoms every day over 2 or more weeks, you might meet the criteria for a depression diagnosis:

• a persistent feeling of loneliness or sadness
• lack of energy
• feelings of hopelessness
• getting too much or too little sleep
• eating too much or too little
• difficulties with concentration or attention
• loss of interest in enjoyable activities or socializing
• feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• thoughts of death or suicide

Diagnosing depression

You’ll likely speak with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who could diagnose your condition.

Though a general practitioner or family doctor can make an initial diagnosis, a specialist can provide you with a complete follow-up and help you develop a treatment plan.

Anxiety

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but if your anxiety is inhibiting your daily functioning, you may have an anxiety disorder.

While it is common to experience feelings of nervousness, fear, and worry in certain circumstances, people with anxiety disorders tend to experience these sensations on a consistent basis.

If you believe you may have an anxiety disorder, know you’re not alone. It’s estimated that nearly one-third of American adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lifetimes.

Types of anxiety disorders

• generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• panic disorder
• agoraphobia
• social anxiety disorder
• specific phobias
• separation anxiety disorder

While they’re not labeled as anxiety disorders under the DSM-5, the following conditions often feature symptoms of anxiety:

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

How do I know if I have anxiety?

Anxiety symptoms arise when the body feels under threat. Hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, increase to prepare the body for action, which makes the heart pump faster, speeds up breathing, and prepares muscles for movement.

Anxiety has both physical and mental effects, including:

• racing thoughts
• shortness of breath
• rapid heart rate or feeling like your heart is pounding hard
• upset stomach
• dry mouth
• dizziness
• feelings of dread or panic
• sweating
• tunnel vision
• restlessness
• muscle tension
• physical weakness
• poor memory
• confusion
• trouble concentrating
• constant worry
• dissociation

Most of these symptoms will feel familiar, even if you don’t have significant problems with anxiety. But when they’re severe, recurring, and upsetting enough to make you feel extremely uncomfortable, out of control, or helpless, this might signal an anxiety disorder.

Diagnosing anxiety

You’ll likely speak with a mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who could diagnose your condition.

Though a general practitioner or family doctor can make an initial diagnosis, a specialist can provide you with a complete follow-up and help you develop a treatment plan.

Traditional therapy

Finding a therapist can be a confusing and overwhelming process. Here are some tips and resources for finding the right mental health professional for your needs.

Remember, finding the right therapist can take some time, but it’s worth the effort.

You may meet therapists who aren’t the right match for your needs. While these experiences can be discouraging, don’t give up.

Therapy can be an important investment in your mental health. Finding the right therapist will benefit you immeasurably.

Affordable therapy alternatives

Therapy is often expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.

While traditional therapy can be an investment, the online therapy space is growing rapidly and access and affordability are at the forefront of that growth.

Online therapy makes sure there’s mental health help for every budget. While some services are similar in price to traditional therapy, some services are completely free.

Self-help

While self-help techniques are not recommended in lieu of professional support, they can serve as a great supplement to your mental health treatment plan.

Habits like journaling, exercising, and committing to a consistent sleep routine all benefit mental health.