When should I get help?

Intense and excess stress can affect your health, your job performance, your enjoyment of life. If stress is overwhelming to you, a mental health professional can help you. The signs of a stress crisis:

• You feel down or depressed most of the time
• You are violent and out of control
• You’re getting too strict with your kids
• You feel as though family and friends are letting you down and disappointing you
• You’ve been drinking more than usual
• You’re out of control when you drink
• You feel helpless and unable to cope
• You often tell lies about what you’re doing

(Health24, updated January 2009)