Mental health is just as important as physical health, but often overlooked. For some, there’s also shame or embarrassment around the topic, making it difficult to get care. Learning more about mental health can make it easier to take the first steps toward feeling better. So in this three-part blog series, we’ll go over when and how to get help; how to make the most of a mental health care visit; and an overview of common treatment options.

How we support our emotional, mental, and social well-being is crucial to our overall health. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It impacts how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Our mental health also impacts our physical health and vice versa.

It’s important to note that mental health conditions are very common. More than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime, and one in five will experience a mental illness in a given year.¹

What causes mental illness?

First, know that mental health conditions are never a sign of personal weakness. While causes vary, mental health conditions are typically caused by biological factors, stressful or traumatic life events, and/or ongoing physical health conditions.

Stress is an everyday part of life. Unfortunately, the pandemic has amplified stress levels; we’ve all faced a huge amount of change, uncertainty, loneliness, and grief. Another significant cause of stress and trauma is racism, whether it is systemic, interpersonal, or internalized.²

So if you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone.

How to know if you should see someone

Everyone has bad moods and goes through rough patches, so how do you know if you need help? The following are signs that you or a loved one may want to speak to a medical or mental health professional. When in doubt, talk with your primary doctor (see section below).

  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • Confused thinking
  • Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
  • Feelings of extreme highs and lows
  • Excessive fears, worries, and anxieties
  • Social withdrawal and/or loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Strong feelings of anger
  • Delusions or hallucinations
  • Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Denial of obvious problems
  • Numerous unexplained physical ailments
  • Substance abuse

Note: The above list is mostly for adults. For symptoms in adolescents and children, please see MHANational.org/finding-help-when-get-it-and-where-go.

Don’t wait to take action

Mental health conditions, just like physical health conditions, are best treated in the early stages. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll feel better. With the right treatment, most people show reduced symptoms and enjoy better quality of life.

Finding the right provider

If you are suicidal or in crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255, TTY 711. The call is toll-free and confidential.
If it’s not an emergency, you have several options:

  • Your regular doctor is a good place to start. They can assess whether your symptoms are related to a physical issue or drug side-effect and refer you to a mental health care professional if needed.
  • If you’re a PacificSource member, reach out to our Customer Service team (see contact info below).
  • If you or your spouse are employed, you may have access to an employee assistance program (EAP). These services are typically no-cost. Reach out to the human resources team to get more information.
  • Consider telehealth if available. This is a visit through your phone or computer. You will typically receive the same level of care at the same cost as an in-person visit. Many people prefer this option for the convenience and comfort of receiving care from their home.

Keep in mind you may need to try more than one provider to find the right fit. If possible, start by talking with a potential provider by phone. Ask about their approach and philosophy. We’ll go over this in more detail in Part 2 of this series.

You are not alone

Our Customer Service team is here to answer your benefit questions, help you find an in-network provider, or connect you to community resources. Contact us:

More Resources

For financial assistance, referrals, and a wealth of information about mental health, here are three reliable resources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CDC.gov/MentalHealth/Learn
2. Mental Health America, MHANational.org/racism-and-mental-health