Mental health: signs it's time to seek professional support

Everyone goes through hard times. Feeling sad, stressed or worried doesn't always mean you have a mental health disorder, but some signs suggest it's worth talking with a professional. Reaching out early is a way to take care of yourself.

What mental health is

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community.” According to WHO, more than a billion people worldwide live with a mental health condition, and no single factor can reliably predict how someone's mental health will turn out.

Signs to pay attention to

When it comes to emotions, it can be hard to know what is normal and what is not. MedlinePlus, the health information service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, lists some warning signs:

• A change in your eating or sleeping habits.
• Withdrawing from the people and activities you enjoy.
• Having low or no energy.
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters.
• Having unexplained aches and pains.
• Feeling helpless or hopeless.
• Smoking, drinking or using drugs more than usual.
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry, upset, worried or scared.
• Having severe mood swings that cause problems in your relationships.
• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true.
• Not being able to handle daily tasks, like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school.

For depression, WHO explains that a depressive episode is different from regular mood changes: low mood or loss of interest in activities lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and may come with trouble concentrating, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite or feeling very tired.

Recognizing one or more of these signs is not a diagnosis. It's a reason to talk with a professional, who can assess your situation.

Psychology and psychiatry: what's the difference?

Both fields care for mental health, and they can work together. Here are the general differences:

• Psychiatry. According to WHO, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor with postgraduate training in psychiatry. Because of that medical training, their tools include treatment with medicines.
• Psychology. A psychologist is a professional with formal university training in psychology. In Colombia, Law 1090 of 2006 recognizes psychologists as health professionals, and their practice includes the assessment, prognosis and treatment of personal difficulties across different areas of life, for example through psychotherapy, also called talk therapy.

According to MedlinePlus, talk therapy, medicines or both can treat mental disorders; what fits each case is decided by a professional after an assessment. If you don't know where to start, MedlinePlus suggests contacting your primary care provider, so a general medicine visit can be a first step.

What you can do in the meantime

WHO notes that self-care can play an important role in managing symptoms of depression and promoting overall well-being. Its suggestions include:

• Keep doing activities you used to enjoy.
• Stay connected to friends and family.
• Exercise regularly, even if it's just a short walk.
• Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits as much as possible.
• Avoid or cut down on alcohol and don't use illicit drugs, which can make depression worse.
• Tell someone you trust how you feel.

These steps don't replace professional care: WHO also recommends seeing a health care provider.

If there's a risk, get help right away

If you're having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, don't wait:

• If a life is in immediate danger, call Colombia's emergency line, 123, or go to the nearest emergency room.
• For guidance and emotional support, Colombia's Ministry of Health and Social Protection offers Line 106 (Línea 106), a mental health guidance service you can reach by dialing 106 from a landline or cell phone. According to the Ministry, it is free and confidential.

If someone close to you has tried to hurt themselves, MedlinePlus advises calling the emergency number right away and not leaving the person alone, even after you've called for help. And if you're having suicidal thoughts, WHO reminds you that you are not alone: many people have gone through this and found help.

Take the step when you're ready

MediTic IPS offers psychology and psychiatry services. If you feel it's time to talk with a professional, you can request an appointment and ask which visit formats are available.

Sources

• Mental health — World Health Organization, fact sheet dated September 11, 2026.
• Depressive disorder (depression) — World Health Organization, fact sheet dated September 11, 2026.
• Mental health atlas 2024 (glossary) — World Health Organization, 2025.
• Mental Health and Neurosciences — MedlinePlus.
• When to use the emergency room - adult — MedlinePlus.
• Línea 106 and Ley 1090 de 2006 — Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection (in Spanish).

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a visit with a health care provider.