It’s no secret that the pandemic has raised the levels of anxiety and depression in people across this country. But, when do anxiety and depression become something more? When should someone seek professional help?
People seek the assistance of a mental health professional for many reasons. These are some of the most common:
- You feel unhappy much of the time.
- You worry much of the time and are unable to find solutions to your problems.
- You feel extremely sad and helpless.
- You feel nervous, anxious and worried much of the time.
- You have a hard time concentrating.
- Your emotional state is affecting your daily life: your sleep, eating habits, job and relationships.
- You are having a hard time functioning from day to day. Your emotional state is affecting your performance at work or school.
- Your behavior is harmful to yourself or to others.
- You are having problems with your family members or in other important relationships.
- You or someone you care about has problems with substance abuse or other addictions.
- You are the victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence.
- You have an eating disorder.
- You are having trouble getting over the death of someone you loved.
- You or someone you love has a serious illness and you are having a hard time with it.
- You feel lonely and isolated.
There is help available.
If you are struggling with a mental health issue and need support or assistance finding a provider, the MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help. You can reach the MCPS in-house EAP at 240-314-1040, or the external EAP, KEPRO, at 866-496-9599. The company code is mcps.
