WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s probably warranted to talk with someone. That might look like talking to a loved one you trust or practicing stress reduction techniques. If the distress persists, maybe it is time to look for someone with mental health expertise. Your Assistance Program can help you express your concerns and find solutions to existing stressors. It can also help you obtain additional referrals or support. IMPLICATIONS FOR TREATMENT AND SUPPORT Addressing mental health concerns related to symptoms rather than relying solely on a mental health diagnosis allows for early intervention and prevention. People are more likely to talk about their own experiences with mental health struggles if mental health is discussed more openly, without stigma. In addition, the continuum approach encourages personalized treatment approaches. A diagnosis can be very helpful in treating mental health concerns that have pronounced and pervasive impacts on functioning. But prior to diagnosable mental illness, there are usually signs and symptoms of mental health challenges. If those signs and symptoms are addressed early, with attention to an individual’s symptoms, challenges, needs, and strengths, there is an improved opportunity for the prevention of worsening symptoms. Once action steps are identified to help a person with their mental health challenges, it is important to continue to monitor the support as well as conduct regular self-check-ins to ensure the opportunity for early intervention if mental health symptoms occur. Lastly, engage people you trust to communicate with you about external changes they see. For example, ask a friend to check in with you if they don’t hear from you for two weeks – a possible sign that depression might be taking hold. Or ask your spouse to give you a gentle nudge to call your therapist if they notice you are avoiding social interactions more than usual. FINAL THOUGHTS Although mental health and mental illness are often thought to be a black-or-white issue, there is actually a lot of gray. A person with a mental health disorder can experience varying degrees of distress. The extent to which a person’s life is impaired by given symptoms varies a great deal as well. People can experience functional impairment without a diagnosis. In addition, people with mental illness, even severe mental illness, are said to have periods of flourishing or languishing. It is important to open up communication about mental health to include all of these experiences. If you are experiencing mental health concerns or distress, your Assistance Program can be a great place to start. Visit allonehealth.com/member-support