7 Signs It May Be Time to Talk to a Therapist

You don't need a crisis to deserve help

Many people wait until things fall apart before reaching out. But therapy is not only for emergencies. It is for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or simply not like themselves.

This list is not a diagnosis. It is a gentle prompt to listen to yourself.

Seven signs worth paying attention to

• Your mood has stayed low, anxious, or irritable for weeks, and it is not lifting.
• Sleep or appetite has changed noticeably, sleeping far more or far less, or eating much more or less than usual.
• You have pulled away from friends, family, or things you used to enjoy.
• Everyday tasks like work, school, or caring for your home feel unmanageable.
• You are relying more on alcohol, substances, or other habits to cope.
• You feel hopeless, worthless, or like a burden to the people around you.
• You have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life.

If you are in immediate danger

If you are thinking about suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day. If someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911.

What to do next

Choose one small step: tell a trusted person how you've been feeling, make a call to a provider, or fill out an application for assistance. Small steps count.

If cost is what's holding you back, Martha's Legacy may be able to help with the expense of therapy in Lufkin and Houston.