Coping with life’s daily challenges can be difficult. Everyone has times when those challenges seem almost insurmountable, but we try to get through them, one day at a time.

Sometimes, however, things really do get out-of-hand. That is not a sign of weakness – it is a fact of life. The death of a loved one, illness, and the loss of a job are all examples of major stressors that can be just too much to bear – at least for a while.

Some mental health conditions also have a genetic component. Depression can “run in the family”; so can more serious conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These often require medical treatment in addition to mental health counseling and support.

You or your loved one may want to consider mental health counseling if you experience the following:

• Feeling overwhelmed by feelings of sadness or despair
• Not being able to enjoy your favorite activities
• Changes in sleep patterns; being unable to sleep or sleeping much more than usual
• Getting very angry – out of proportion with the event that triggered your anger
• Ongoing conflict at home or at work
• Drinking too much
• Using illicit drugs
• Out of control gambling or shopping
• Being weighed down by grief for extended periods of time
• Excessive fatigue or otherwise feeling physically unwell with no identified medical cause
• Having thoughts of hurting yourself or others

Whether the symptoms result from external challenges or genetic vulnerability, there is help available. Ontario County’s Mental Health Department can provide that help in times of crisis or on an ongoing basis. To access these services, simply call for an appointment. You can contact them at 585-396-4363. You can also visit their website Ontario County Mental Health.