A professional counselor offers help in addressing many situations that cause emotional stress, including, but not limited to:

• Anxiety.
• Depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders.
• Family and relationship issues.
• Substance abuse and other addictions.
• Sexual abuse and domestic violence.
• Eating disorders.
• Career change and job stress.
• Social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness.
• Adapting to life transitions.
• The death of a loved one.

"Good indicators of when you should seek counseling are when you're having difficulties at work, your ability to concentrate is diminished or when your level of pain becomes uncomfortable," says Dr. Gail Robinson, past president of the American Counseling Association.

Joyce Breasure, past president of the American Counseling Association recommends counseling when you:

• Spend 5 out of 7 days feeling unhappy.
• Regularly cannot sleep at night.
• Are taking care of a parent or a child and the idea crosses your mind that you may want to hit that person.
• Place an elder in a nursing home or in alternative care.
• Have lost someone or something (such as a job).
• Have a chronic or acute medical illness.
• Can no longer prioritize what is most important in your life.
• Feel that you can no longer manage your stress.

Examine Yourself and Make the Call.