Should I Talk to Someone About My Mental Health?
By Holly Phillips, MD•
Mental Health
woman facing therapist on couch and talking to therapist
If you’re wondering whether to seek help from therapist or other mental health professional. The answer is unequivocally yes.
Your mental health is your health. And while few of us would hesitate to call the doctor for a stomach ache or broken arm. When it comes to our mental health, studies suggest people suffer months or years before reaching out or seeking treatment…and many never people do.
Although we’ve got a ways to go, thankfully it feels like the stigma related to mental health issues is gradually being lifted every day. While taking that first step to reach out to a professional is understandably daunting - Taking care of your whole self is nothing to feel ashamed of.
Also, know you don’t have to suffer from a severe psychiatric condition to benefit. Professional mental Health support can also make life-changing events like moving cities, grief, or retirement weigh less heavily on your mind.
Your Primary Care Doctor can be a great resource for recommendations of who to see, making reimbursement, and insurance coverage easier. Friends and family may also have provider suggestions.
Regardless, make sure you prioritize getting help…and caring for your whole self - mind, body, and spirit.
Holly Phillips, MD
Dr. Holly Phillips, a Board-Certified General Internist in private practice, is a journalist, author, television contributor, and medical expert for RxSaver. Featured regularly across multiple media outlets, Dr. Phillips first gained nationwide recognition as a Medical Contributor to CBS News and “Core Member” of the Dr. Oz Show. Frequently quoted in print, she has been a contributing editor for Prevention, and appeared in feature articles for Vogue, Self, and others. Dr. Phillips is the author of the book, “The Exhaustion Breakthrough,” published by Rodale. Dr. Phillips obtained her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and trained at Lenox Hill Hospital. In practice, she addresses all Internal Medicine Conditions with a focus on preventive women’s health. Dr. Phillips is well versed in the foundations of complementary and alternative medicine and views these ideas as integral to the practice of medicine today. She lives in Manhattan with her husband, two young daughters and Pug.
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If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
