Anxiety
Anxiety is more than ordinary worry. It can show up as worrying excessively about everyday things, trouble controlling the worry, feeling restless or "on edge," difficulty concentrating or sleeping, and physical signs like muscle tension or an upset stomach. Anxiety disorders are very common and very treatable, often with therapy, medication, or both. If anxiety starts to interfere with your work, school, or relationships, that is a good time to reach out.
Depression
Depression is more than a passing low mood. It can look like a persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feeling, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, fatigue, trouble sleeping (or sleeping too much), changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. The good news: depression is treatable, and most people improve with therapy, medication, or both. If these feelings last most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more, talk with a provider. (If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988.)
Grief and loss
Grief is a natural response to loss, and it can bring a wide range of emotions (sadness, anger, even exhaustion) along with physical effects. All of these are normal. There is no "right" way to grieve and no fixed timeline, and your experience may look different from someone else's. Support from people you trust helps. If grief gets more intense over time instead of gradually easing, or it keeps you from functioning, it is worth reaching out to a grief counselor.
Stress and burnout
Short bursts of stress are a normal part of life, but long-term stress can take a real toll on body and mind. Burnout is a kind of work-related stress: feeling worn out, becoming cynical or detached from your job, and feeling less effective than you used to. If stress feels constant or overwhelming, or it is affecting your sleep, health, or relationships, that is a signal to reach out for support.
Sleep
Trouble falling asleep, waking through the night, or feeling tired after a full night's sleep are all common, and they often go hand in hand with mental health, each making the other worse. Many sleep problems improve with steadier habits (see While You Wait). But if poor sleep is persistent and draining your days, it is worth talking with a provider.
Trauma
Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or frightening event (or events). Reactions vary widely and can include flashbacks, trouble sleeping, feeling on guard, or avoiding reminders, and they can show up right away or much later. These responses are understandable, and effective treatments exist. If trauma is affecting your daily life, a mental-health professional can help; see therapy approaches.
Coping skills
Practical, do-today tools (grounding, paced breathing, sleep and movement basics, staying connected, and more) live on our While You Wait page. They are simple supports you can use any time, not a replacement for care.
For families and the people who support them
Supporting someone you love can be hard, and your own well-being matters too. A few starting points: listen without rushing to fix it, learn the basics of what they are going through, gently encourage (do not force) professional help, take care of yourself, and know the crisis options: 988, or 911 in an emergency. NAMI offers free family education and support groups; see Support groups.