Understanding the Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Taking Care of Your Mental Health Matters
Mental and behavioral health play a major role in how we think, feel, and function daily. Whether it’s feeling overwhelmed, unusually tired, emotionally flat, or unable to focus, mental health symptoms can affect anyone, and they often show up when we least expect them. The good news? You don’t have to wait until things get worse to get help.
This guide walks you through common signs of anxiety and depression, what causes mental health shifts, especially during seasonal changes, and how to find the right support. At American Family Care (AFC), we offer compassionate care when you need it most, including guidance and short-term solutions for mental and behavioral health concerns.
You’re not alone if you or someone you know is having a hard time. Support is available 24/7 through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Just call or text 988 for free, confidential help.
Recognizing Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health concerns. While they can look different from person to person, there are signs to watch for.
Common Signs of Anxiety:
- Feeling nervous or on edge
- Racing thoughts or trouble concentrating
- Increased heart rate or shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping
- Avoiding situations that cause stress
Common Signs of Depression:
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Low energy or fatigue
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Thoughts of self-harm or withdrawal from others
Symptoms may also appear differently in children, teens, and older adults. For example, children may become more irritable or have physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches, while older adults may experience memory issues or increased fatigue.
If these symptoms last more than a couple of weeks or begin to interfere with your ability to work, study, or care for yourself, it may be time to speak with a healthcare provider.
What Causes Seasonal Changes in Mental Health?
Some mental health challenges are linked to the time of year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that tends to happen during the fall and winter months when there’s less sunlight. However, seasonal shifts can affect mental health in other ways, too.
How Seasonal Factors Can Affect Your Mental Health
Sunlight helps regulate our internal clocks and supports the production of serotonin, a chemical that influences mood. When daylight hours shrink during the fall and winter, this natural rhythm can become disrupted, leading to symptoms of low energy, irritability, or even seasonal depression.
Cold weather often discourages outdoor activities and social interactions. As people spend more time indoors, opportunities for movement, connection, and sunlight exposure decrease—all of which play a role in maintaining mental well-being.
The holiday season can be emotionally complex. For many, it’s a time of joy, but it can also bring financial pressure, grief, or social anxiety. These emotional layers can contribute to seasonal mood shifts, especially when expectations run high.
Major changes often occur during seasonal milestones, such as the start of a school year or a new job in the fall. While change can be positive, it can also trigger stress, anxiety, or feelings of overwhelm.
Summer vacations, school breaks, or shifts in work schedules can throw off routines. When sleep, exercise, and eating habits change, your body and mind may take time to adjust, and that transition can sometimes affect your mental state.
Some people also feel mentally and emotionally off during the spring or summer months, especially if changes in schedule or social expectations create added pressure.
Coping Strategies and Treatment Options
If you’re struggling with your mental health, there are effective ways to cope and feel better, many of which can start today.
Simple Ways to Support Your Mental Health
Natural light helps regulate mood-boosting chemicals in the brain. Walking outside can ease stress, provide mental clarity, and lift your spirits. Even on colder days, making time for fresh air can have lasting benefits.
A consistent daily routine gives your brain a sense of structure and safety. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can improve sleep quality, directly impacting mental well-being. Including predictable meal times and moments of rest also reinforces emotional stability.
Regular movement, whether stretching at your desk, walking, or doing light exercise, can reduce tension and release feel-good endorphins. You don’t need a gym membership to move more; just a few minutes a day of physical activity can help regulate your mood.
Human connection matters. Sharing your thoughts with someone you trust can make challenges feel more manageable. Speaking openly can lighten your emotional load and help you gain a new perspective, whether it’s a friend, family member, or counselor.
Clinical Support and Treatment Options
Licensed mental health professionals can help you understand your emotions and develop tools to navigate stress, sadness, or anxiety. Therapy can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs and preferences.
Some individuals benefit from prescription medications that help balance mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. These are typically prescribed after a full evaluation by a healthcare provider and are often paired with therapy.
If you’re unsure about what you’re experiencing, a visit to urgent care can help. At AFC, providers can rule out physical health issues, assess symptoms, and offer initial support or referrals.
When needed, urgent care providers can refer patients to psychiatrists, therapists, or other mental health professionals for ongoing care. This ensures that patients have access to long-term support tailored to their situations.
At AFC, we offer support for mild to moderate mental health concerns and can help guide you toward the right long-term care when needed.
When to Seek Help for Your Mental Health
Everyone has tough days, but when those days start to add up, it’s time to talk to someone.
Signs It’s Time to Get Help:
Feeling overwhelmed most days
Struggling to keep up with daily responsibilities
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Trouble eating, sleeping, or concentrating
- Using alcohol, substances, or risky behavior to cope
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
You don’t have to wait for a crisis. If you’re unsure where to turn, an urgent care visit can help you take that important first step.
At American Family Care, our providers can:
Assess symptoms in a safe, non-judgmental setting
- Rule out medical causes of mental health symptoms
- Provide short-term support or guidance
- Refer you to trusted mental health professionals when needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Anxiety and depression can cause symptoms like chest tightness, fatigue, stomach issues, headaches, and muscle tension. These symptoms can mimic physical illnesses, which is why a medical evaluation can help rule out other conditions and guide you to the right care.
Yes. Urgent care can be a helpful place to start, especially if you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms. AFC providers can evaluate your condition, offer short-term support, and connect you with mental health professionals when needed.
No. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to talk to someone. If your mental health is affecting your daily life, even in small ways, that’s reason enough to reach out for support.
A provider will discuss your symptoms, recent experiences, and any physical changes you’ve noticed. We’ll then help determine what’s going on and recommend a plan, including treatment or referral to a mental health specialist.
Some people may experience short-term relief independently, but lasting improvement often requires support. Depending on the situation, therapy, routine changes, or medication may be needed. Starting early gives you the best chance for recovery.
Let them know you care and are available to listen without judgment. Encourage them to talk to a healthcare provider and offer to help them find resources or visit an urgent care center.
Yes. Major changes, such as moving, job changes, or the loss of a loved one, can trigger emotional responses. If those feelings linger or interfere with daily life, it may be time to seek help.
Yes. We can evaluate symptoms in children and teens and recommend the next steps. Our providers are trained to assess age-appropriate signs of emotional distress and can refer to pediatric mental health specialists when needed.
Yes. We can help connect you with qualified mental health professionals in your area if we determine that ongoing support is needed.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Help is available 24/7, and you are not alone.
Why Choose American Family Care for Mental Health Support?
At AFC, we believe mental health deserves just as much care as physical health. That’s why we offer:
- Same-day, walk-in availability
- Providers who listen and support without judgment
- Convenient locations open extended hours
- Guidance on next steps and referrals when needed
- Support for both mental and physical symptoms
Get Help Today—No Appointment Needed
If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional stress, American Family Care is here for you. You don’t need to wait weeks to see someone or wonder where to go. Our clinics are open daily, and no appointment is required.
Most insurance is accepted. Walk in today to get the care you deserve.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this website, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a patient/physician relationship, is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
