If you decide to seek professional help, there are a number of different options for you. Counselors and therapists have advanced training in helping individuals and families deal with stress, emotional, and relationship problems. They work in schools, community mental health centers and have their own individual practices. Sometimes they specialize in specific issues (like eating disorders or substance abuse), but for the most part they can help you with a wide range of problems.

Psychologists have a Ph.D. and are skilled in helping you with the ways you think and handle your emotions. They talk to you and administer tests to help understand your problems and then come up with a plan to address them.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are able to prescribe medication for you. Sometimes a counselor, therapist or psychologist will work with a psychiatrist and can arrange for medication to help with anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. It's important to remember that depression and anxiety are not a weakness nor are they your fault. They are frequently caused by a chemical imbalance which can best be treated with medication. Ask you counselor, therapist or doctor about medications and whether they might be right for you.

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