Who can I talk to about my mental health concerns?

Who Can You Talk To About Mental Health Concerns?

You should start by talking to your primary care doctor (family doctor or general practitioner), who can screen you, provide initial support, and refer you to a mental health specialist if needed. 1

Starting Points for Mental Health Support

Primary Care Providers

• Your family doctor or general practitioner is the recommended first contact for mental health concerns, as they can conduct systematic screening and coordinate your care 1
• Primary care physicians see over half of patients with psychiatric problems and can provide initial evaluation, active support, and treatment for mild to moderate symptoms 2
• They can refer you to mental health specialists when diagnosis is unclear, symptoms are severe, or you're not responding to initial treatment 2

Mental Health Professionals

• Licensed mental health professionals include psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and licensed counselors who can provide comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatment 1
• For moderate to severe distress (if you're experiencing excessive worries, sadness, despair, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm), you should be referred directly to a mental health professional without delay 1
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) from a qualified therapist is the most well-established psychological treatment for depression and anxiety 3

Crisis Services

• If you're experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, you need immediate referral to a psychiatrist, hospital emergency room, or mental health crisis service 1
• 24-hour suicide prevention helplines provide immediate telephonic counseling and are cost-effective, confidential, and free from stigma 4

Informal Support Networks

Friends and Family

• Talking to friends and family is a common and valued first step, particularly for those experiencing mild-to-moderate distress 5
• Family members are especially important for younger individuals, while friends and partners become more influential in late adolescence and adulthood 6
• However, informal support should complement, not replace, professional help when symptoms are moderate to severe 5

Digital and Alternative Options

Online Mental Health Services

• Online cognitive behavioral therapy (eCBT) is effective for treating depression, anxiety, and loneliness when access to in-person therapy is limited 3
• Internet-based information and interventions are increasingly used to engage people in the help-seeking process, particularly younger individuals 6
• Be cautious: 82% of mental health app privacy policies share data with third parties, so prioritize established, reputable platforms 3

School and Workplace Resources

• School counselors serve as important gatekeepers to mental health services for students and young people 6
• Youth workers can also connect young people with appropriate mental health resources 6

Important Considerations

When to Seek Help Immediately

• You're experiencing suicidal thoughts, severe depression, or self-harming behaviors 1
• You have psychosis symptoms (hearing voices, severe confusion about reality) 1
• Your symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning, work, or relationships 1
• You have a history of psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, or past trauma 1

Common Barriers to Overcome

• Only 47% of people experiencing stress or worry that affects daily life actually seek help, often due to stigma or belief they should handle it alone 5, 6
• Young men and individuals from Indigenous and ethnic minority groups are particularly reluctant to seek help 6
• Less than half of young people who need mental health treatment receive any care, and even fewer receive evidence-based treatment 7

What Makes Help-Seeking Easier

• Having some knowledge about mental health issues and available resources 6
• Feeling emotionally competent to express your feelings 6
• Having established, trusted relationships with potential help providers 6
• Understanding that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness 1

Practical Next Steps

1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to discuss your mental health concerns and get screened 1
2. Be honest about your symptoms, including their severity and how they affect your daily life 1
3. Ask for a referral to a mental health specialist if your symptoms are moderate to severe or if you prefer specialized care 1
4. Don't wait if you're in crisis—contact emergency services, go to an emergency room, or call a crisis helpline immediately 1