First, determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.

Do I have mild symptoms that have lasted for less than 2 weeks?

• Feeling a little down
• Feeling down, but still able to do job, schoolwork, or housework
• Some trouble sleeping
• Feeling down, but still able to take care of yourself or take care of others

If so, here are some self-care activities that can help:

• Exercising (e.g., aerobics, yoga)
• Engaging in social contact (virtual or in person)
• Getting adequate sleep on a regular schedule
• Eating healthy
• Talking to a trusted friend or family member
• Practicing meditation, relaxation, and mindfulness

If the symptoms above do not improve or seem to be worsening despite self-care efforts, talk to your health care provider.

Do I have severe symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more?

• Difficulty sleeping
• Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes
• Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
• Unable to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities
• Thoughts of death or self-harm

Seek professional help:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy)—virtual or in person; individual, group, or family
• Medications
• Brain stimulation therapies

For help finding treatment, visit the NIMH Help for Mental Illnesses webpage.

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).