When to Seek Help

When Life's Problems Become Serious

Everybody struggles from time to time. Anyone who says they never, stress, feel sad or worry is really not telling you the truth. However, not all of life's challenges will necessarily cause you long-term harm. So here is one important question:

At what point does stress and anxiety pile up to where you need to take it more seriously?

According to the DSM 5, emotional distress becomes harmful not only when you develop symptoms. It is when your symptoms cause "clinically significant distress" ... "in important areas of functioning".

So you might have some of the symptoms I will be listing below, but if it does not have a big impact on your marriage, relationship with your kids and/or friends, or work performance (important areas of functioning), then it may not be crossing over the line to causing serious harm to your life.

Here are a few examples of symptoms of life's problems leading to serious outcomes.

• When you're having difficulty concentrating AND it causes your work or school performance to suffer.
• When your problems causes a lack of sleep and you wake up groggy and grumpy AND you get in more fights with your spouse
• When you worry so much about your children AND it causes unresolvable fights with them
• When you're so sad, you stop enjoying things, that normally brings you joy or pleasure.

Some Common Symptoms You Might be Experiencing

Feeling sad, worthless and/or hopeless

Being easily fatigued

Difficulty concentrating

Irritability

Muscle Tension

Trouble Sleeping

Significant weight loss or gain

Even if your "Important Areas of Functioning" are Not Effected"

Ultimately, you are the decision maker of when to seek help. Even if your relationships, work or school are not suffering, if you are suffering to the pointe, where you think you need help, it might be helpful to take advantage of our free 15 minute phone consultation.

Contact Us

If you would like to set up an appointment please or if you still have questions, I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. We can either set up an appointment or just simply set up a free 15 minute phone consultation with no obligation.

Contact Tim


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