Behavioral health is a broad term that includes mental health, as well as emotional well-being and substance use disorder. It’s a term that focuses on supporting your whole self — because what you think, feel and do has impacts on both your mental and physical states.
Substance use disorder is when a person has patterns of symptoms from using a substance they continue to take, despite experiencing problems as a result. A substance can be alcohol, illegal or legal drugs, and even prescription medications, like opioids.
Start with these questions
Behavioral health specialists can help you even if you’re just experiencing everyday stress. But to see if it might be something more, consider these questions.
Stigma is when someone views a person in a negative way because they have a mental health condition.1 In fact, stigma often refers to the negative things we tell ourselves, which can prevent us from getting care. Examples of negative self-talk include:
Just like we see doctors for physical health symptoms, we need to see specialists for mental health symptoms, too.
People with anxiety tend to have persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening.2 Over time, these symptoms can take a physical toll. If chronic fear or worry is affecting your life, then it’s time to get help.
A sense of apprehension or dread
Feeling restless, nervous or irritable
Having a racing or pounding heart
Feeling you can't catch your breath
Having an upset stomach or 'knots'
People with depression have a series of symptoms — including hopelessness — that lasts longer than two weeks.3 There are many reasons for these symptoms, including isolation. Please get help if any of these symptoms apply to you.
Feeling hopeless or guilty
Loss of interest in activities
Having trouble concentrating
Having physical aches and pains
Changes in sleep or appetite
Common Conditions
People with substance use disorder can’t control the use of legal or illegal drugs, alcohol or medications.4 Quitting is not a matter of willpower or choice. Substance use disorder causes physical and mental changes in your brain.
Common Conditions
People with ADHD tend to have behaviors like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.6 It mostly affects children, but adults are diagnosed with it, too. You or your child might be more susceptible to ADHD if it runs in the family.
Symptoms include:
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Start the conversationThe information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes only. Nothing on this webpage is intended to be, nor should be used as or relied upon as, professional medical advice. Nothing contained on this webpage is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. For medical advice, or to receive medical diagnosis or treatment, consult with your health care provider.
