The question “Is it serious enough to reach out?” is perhaps the most common question of all — and usually, the very fact that you’re asking it is already an answer.
The main signs
There’s no single measure, but there are several signs that come up again and again and warrant looking into:
- The difficulty has lasted more than a few weeks and shows no sign of improving
- It affects your functioning — at work, in your studies, with your family or in relationships
- You avoid places, people or situations because of it
- There have been changes in your sleep, appetite, concentration or energy
- You use alcohol, substances or another behaviour to calm down
- People around you express concern
- The same patterns keep repeating despite attempts to change
You don’t need a crisis to start
Many people wait for “something big enough”. But therapy isn’t reserved for extreme situations: people reach out because of a sense of being stuck, a life transition, a wish to understand a recurring pattern or simply the need for a place to think out loud. Reaching out early usually shortens the road considerably.
When reaching out is urgent
There are situations in which you shouldn’t wait: thoughts of self-harm or suicide, a sense of danger to yourself or someone else, or a situation in which you feel you can’t keep yourself safe.
- ERAN — emotional first aid: 1201, available at any hour
- National emergency services: 101
- The emergency room at the nearest hospital
- Your health fund’s mental health service
What if I’m not sure?
You can come for just one introductory session, with no commitment to continue. Such a session gives an initial picture and lets you decide based on knowledge rather than guesswork. Concluding that therapy isn’t needed right now is also a legitimate and useful outcome.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a practical step — and usually the hardest one in the process.