More than 40 million people in the United States seek mental health help annually, which includes those who receive counseling by a mental health psychologist. Whether you are coping with anxiety, depression, the effects of past trauma, or any other mental health struggles, it's important to be proactive and seek help from a professional before your mental state worsens. Here are three reasons to see a mental health psychologist:

You Are Experiencing Symptoms of Depression

While everyone experiences low moods now and then, a persistently low mood can be a sign of clinical depression. Depression can present itself differently in different people, but common signs to look for include:

• Crying often and easily
• Feeling frequently fatigued
• Lack of enthusiasm for things you normally enjoy
• A sense of hopelessness
• Irritability
• Insomnia

The good news is that a mental health therapist can help determine if what you're experiencing is indeed depression and then create a treatment plan for you. Many people find their depression symptoms begin to lift after meeting with a therapist.

You Feel Anxious

Often happening along with depression, anxiety is another common reason to seek therapy. Anxiety can make you feel restless and fearful most of the time. Feeling anxious has a negative impact on your ability to relax and can reduce your quality of life significantly.

A good mental health psychologist will help you learn ways to soothe your anxiety and prevent it from becoming worse. They will also help you process anything from your past that is contributing to your anxiety. They can also refer you to a psychiatrist if your anxiety is severe and you are interested in exploring medication options.

You Are Struggling With Addiction Issues

Another major reason to seek mental health therapy is if you are struggling with addiction issues. The right therapist will help you create a plan for overcoming your addiction. They will also help you understand and heal from any underlying causes of your addiction.

Be sure to seek a therapist with experience treating addiction issues as this requires specialized expertise. For many people with addiction issues, their treatment will also include treatment for depression or anxiety, as these issues often occur in conjunction with addiction.

Receiving therapy from a mental health psychologist is one of the best things you can do for your mental health and overall quality of life. Start by scheduling a consultation to ensure you find a therapist who's a good fit.

Contact a mental health psychologist for more information.