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How often to get a mental health checkup

Stress can really build up over time, especially if you never deal with it directly. So, it¡¯s a good idea to have at least periodic checkups with someone to gauge how you¡¯re doing. How often you need those checkups will vary from person to person ¡ª and even based on your life at any given moment. It¡¯s unique to your particular situation.

In a sense, though, it¡¯s not any different from visiting a dentist periodically to get checked for cavities and have tartar removed. If your teeth are healthy and you¡¯re not having any problems, they may ask you to return in a year. But if you just had three root canals, two fillings and a crown, they¡¯ll probably want to see you again much sooner.

It¡¯s the same with mental health checkups. Anyone with an established mental illness should already be seeing someone regularly, like a psychiatrist, professional counselor or therapist. But cancer patients experience anxiety and depression at higher rates than the general population and are at an increased risk for suicide. So, talk to your oncology care team to see what they recommend if you find yourself having difficulty with anxiety, low moods or other feelings of emotional distress. You should take care of your mind, just like you would the rest of your body.

Where to seek mental health support

If you¡¯re a patient at MD Anderson, you¡¯re already on the right track. We specialize in multidisciplinary care that addresses all aspects of a patient¡¯s well-being. So, we have many different ways to support you.

You might see a mental health specialist like me in Psychiatric Oncology. You might also be referred to a social work counselor, a chaplain, or someone from our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program.

So, talk to your provider and let them know if you¡¯re having problems with insomnia, anxiety, fear, worry or depression. Let them know, too, if you have a history of mental health issues. We can help you line up the support you need.

If you¡¯re not a patient at MD Anderson, ask your primary care provider or clergyperson for a referral. Family and friends can be good listeners, too, but patients may filter their feelings in an attempt to keep those closest to them from worrying. So, it¡¯s important to have a safe space to share your feelings with no filter. 

If you don¡¯t have access to a therapist or social work counselor, it¡¯s OK to lean on your loved ones. Just be sure to check in with them to ensure they feel able to support you in this way and encourage them to be honest if they aren¡¯t comfortable with this role, so you don¡¯t cause unintended distress. When possible, let multiple people support you, too, so the role doesn¡¯t fall too much on one individual.

, is a licensed psychiatrist who works in our Psychiatric Oncology Center.?

 or call 1-877-632-6789.