Mental Health: Practical Advice, Treatments, and When to Get Help

If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or mood swings, you don’t have to guess what to do next. This page collects clear, practical info on common conditions, signs to watch for, treatment options, safety steps, and reliable next steps. Use these short guides to figure out whether you should try self care, see a clinician, or seek urgent help.

Quick signs and when to act

Sleep, appetite, energy, motivation and concentration often change with mental health problems. Watch for sudden withdrawal, talk about hopelessness, increased risk taking, or giving away possessions. If someone talks about death, has a plan, or becomes suddenly calm after a period of deep despair, treat that as an emergency and contact local crisis services or emergency care right away.

Treatment choices that actually help

Therapy and medication both work for many people. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps with anxiety and depression by changing unhelpful thinking and behavior. Medications, like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or stimulants, can reduce symptoms when used the right way. Some medicines help anxiety for some people but can make it worse for others. For example, atomoxetine is mainly prescribed for ADHD but has mixed effects on anxiety. Some patients report less worry, others report more nervousness. Talk to the prescriber about past reactions and side effects.

Start with one change at a time. Track symptoms for two to six weeks after a new drug or dose change, and keep an updated list of all medicines and supplements. Ask your clinician about common side effects and interactions with alcohol or other drugs. Never stop a psychiatric medicine suddenly without medical advice. If a medication seems to increase anxiety or suicidal thoughts, contact your provider immediately.

Create a simple safety plan. Write down warning signs, coping steps you can do alone, people to contact, and professional numbers. Put crisis hotlines and your clinician’s phone where you can find them. Removing sharp objects, extra pills, or guns from home can reduce risk while you get help.

Small daily steps can change how you feel. Aim for regular sleep, short walks, balanced meals, and limits on alcohol. Try five minutes of focused breathing when anxiety spikes. Keep a short mood log to track what helps and what hurts. Lean on a friend or support group, and be honest about what you need. Small habits stack into steady improvement over weeks. Reach out early, not later, for help.

Read more on this page: The Link Between Depression and Suicide: Warning Signs and Prevention — a guide on recognizing risks and protecting someone in crisis. Atomoxetine and Anxiety: Can it Help or Hurt? — an honest look at how this ADHD medication can affect anxiety and what to ask your prescriber.

If you are unsure what to do next, book an appointment with your doctor, a local mental health clinic, or a telehealth provider. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services or your local crisis line now.