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If you feel good about yourself and others, your mental health is pretty good. You have to remember though that you can't feel good all of the time. No one does. Everyone has strong feelings, particularly about the emotional issues facing them.
When Do I Need Counseling?
If things you are feeling or doing begin to interfere with your normal everyday activities, you may need counseling. Other times, people talk with counselors to help them with decisions they are trying to make or problems they are trying to solve. Through counseling, you learn to understand your feelings a little better.
The following can be warning signs that someone may need counseling:
Sudden changes in mood or behavior
Depression - feeling unhappy for a long time
Anxiety - strong feelings of fear or nervousness
Losing your temper over small things
Physical aches and pains that have no real physical cause
Dropping grades
The best helper for you is someone who won't put you down for your feelings. Sometimes friends or relatives can help by listening to your problems, and not judging you. Sometimes problems are too hard or too personal to share with someone close. In this case, it's smart to talk things through with a counselor. Counseling is a confidential opportunity to discuss personal issues with someone you can trust.
Finding A Counselor
Professional counselors work in mental health clinics, family service agencies and many other organizations. Some specialize in specific problems; for example, teenage sexuality or substance abuse. With so many options, finding the right counselor can be difficult. But there are knowledgeable people to guide you
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