We can usually navigate life’s challenges one our own, with help from family and friends. But there are times when we need additional help from a pastor, doctor, or counselor. Here are a few indicators that it might be time to seek professional help:

• Stress is preventing you from functioning in a healthy, productive way or is significantly impacting your quality of life.‍
• You’re struggling to resolve a situation through your normal ways of coping.‍
• You’re attempting to cope through the overuse of drugs, alcohol, or by other means that are destructive to you or others.‍
• You are overwhelmed to the point where negative emotions dominate your thoughts; you may feel hopeless, or lose interest in things that used to bring you joy.‍
• Negative thoughts are preventing you from thinking clearly and making healthy decisions.‍
• You’re experiencing heightened social conflict (among family, friends, or co-workers), or a desire for increased social withdrawal that is difficult to control.