Signs that someone experiencing emotional distress needs professional help

Clinical psychologist Ratih Ibrahim, M.M., Psikolog, said that people facing emotional distress that persists and disrupts daily activities should seek help from a professional. “Professional help should be considered when someone feels their emotional pressure persists, even intensifying, to the point of overwhelming themselves and starting to disrupt daily functioning,” the psychologist who graduated from the University of Indonesia told ANTARA on Thursday. The psychologist, part of the Expert Team of the Mental Health Working Group of the Ministry of Health, explained that the condition occurs when a person feels emotionally overwhelmed and struggles to carry out basic functions such as work, maintaining relationships, sleeping, and daily routine activities. He added that other warning signs to watch for include persistent feelings of hopelessness, emotional outbursts that are difficult to control, a desire to withdraw extremely from social surroundings, and thoughts of harming oneself or others. “These signs indicate that someone needs more targeted support from a professional,” he said. He added that people who feel unable to manage their emotions on their own are also advised to seek professional help to recover. “If someone feels they need help and decides to seek professional assistance, that is certainly a good step,” the Melbourne University graduate said. He noted that psychological services are now available at health facilities such as puskesmas, making them more accessible to the public. However, he said that the recovery process does not always have to start from professional services. Self-awareness to understand emotions and personal conditions can be a starting step to recovery. Novi said that people can begin building self-awareness by reading books on self-development, philosophy, or personal reflection that can help understand life’s goals and how to cope with problems. He added that the capacity for self-reflection can help a person look back on life experiences and understand the reasons behind emotional reactions that arise. He stated that calmness and the ability to take a pause from environmental pressure play an important role in the mental recovery process. “The key is self-awareness. When someone begins to recognise themselves, that already becomes a first step in recovering mental health,” he said.