Finding help.

Choose a starting point

A family doctor, nurse practitioner or qualified mental health professional can help assess what is happening and discuss options. A primary care appointment can be particularly useful when physical symptoms, medication effects, sleep changes or other health concerns are part of the picture.

You do not need to identify the correct diagnosis before asking for help. Describe the experiences that are troubling you and how they affect daily life. A professional can help organize that information and decide what assessment or support is appropriate.

Prepare a short picture of your situation

• What has changed, and when did you first notice it?
• How are sleep, meals, work, study and relationships affected?
• What have you stopped doing, or started doing repeatedly, because of the problem?
• What medication or other treatment are you using, and what has helped or been difficult?
• Are there concerns about safety, self-harm or being unable to care for yourself?

A few notes can make it easier to begin. You can also say, “I find this hard to explain.” The appointment does not require a perfectly organized account.

Questions about therapy

It is reasonable to ask about a therapist's qualifications, experience with your concern, proposed approach, fees and availability. Ask how goals are agreed, how progress is reviewed and what happens if the approach is not helping. An appropriate plan should make sense in the context of your needs and circumstances.

Using this site alongside care

You might bring a guide or video to an appointment and explain which part seemed relevant. A useful question is, “Does this pattern fit what is happening for me?” The professional may agree, suggest a different explanation or identify something that needs further assessment.