The top 5 signs of mental illness are: Change in personality, anxiety, moodiness, anger, being socially withdrawn, having a lack of self-care, feeling hopeless or overwhelmed

If you need mental health help, there are many options available. A great place to start is with your primary care provider. They can provide a mental health screening and may refer you to a therapist or psychiatrist to provide further treatment such as talk therapy and/or medication for anxiety or depression. You may also consider speaking with an online doctor or psychiatrist for faster and more affordable care. Additionally, there are federal resources available such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, or state and county organizations. 

If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, dial 911. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.  Additionally, you can check yourself into a hospital for psychiatric treatment. Learn more about the suicide prevention lifeline here.

A psychiatric emergency can be defined as an acute disturbance in thought, behavior, or mood. If the emergency is not treated, it can lead to serious harm. Some examples of psychiatric emergencies include suicidal thoughts and harming oneself or others. 

Just like taking care of our physical body is important, it’s essential to take care of our mental health as well. The National Alliance of Mental Illness states that the earlier you get mental health treatment, the better. Mental health illnesses are just as serious as a physical medical condition and are just as treatable, so don’t delay treatment or feel ashamed about taking that first step in getting help. 

The best treatment for mental illness is typically a combination of talk therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. That said, each mental illness will require a different treatment option. The best way to start receiving the appropriate treatment is to make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your concerns or to speak with a licensed mental health professional.

Yes, all Marketplace health insurance plans must cover mental health as well as substance abuse benefits, which include: counseling and psychotherapy, behavioral and mental health inpatient services, and substance abuse treatment. The level of coverage will vary depending on the insurance plan. 

Each state Medicaid program offers some mental health and substance abuse coverage. Check with your local state program to determine which treatment options are available in your state.

Yes, Medicare plans do cover different mental health and substance use disorder services. The coverage will depend on what type of Medicare you have. 

While the Affordable Care Act Marketplace Plans, as well as Medicaid and Medicare, all offer mental health and substance use disorder services, not all private plans are required to offer benefits. Always check with your individual health insurance plan to determine what your coverage options are. 

If someone you love is suffering from a mental illness, you can offer support in setting up treatment appointments or even going to appointments with them if they are open to it. Ask how you can help and lend a listening ear.  You can also learn about their mental illness, so you have a better idea as to how to support them. 

If you are with someone who is having a mental breakdown and is experiencing a psychiatric emergency, where their life or someone else’s life is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. There are also crisis hotlines available such as: 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-TALK (8255)
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Assault Hotline – 800-656-HOPE (4673)