"It'll pass": when to ask a professional for help, and who to ask
Well-being & mental health · Équipe Viatous · 4 min
"It'll pass." "I'm not going to see a therapist over this." "Other people have real problems." We tell ourselves these things for weeks, sometimes months. Meanwhile, sleep goes off track, motivation fades, and everyday life gets heavier.
Asking for help isn't admitting weakness. It's taking care of yourself, like seeing someone about a knee that won't stop hurting.
You're far from the only one
According to France's public health agency, Santé publique France, 12.5% of people aged 18 to 85 had experienced a major depressive episode in the twelve months before the 2021 survey. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, the figure rose from 11.7% in 2017 to 20.8% in 2021. In other words, many people around you are going through hard times, often without saying so.
Signs worth talking about
There's no magic threshold, and it isn't your job to diagnose yourself. But some signs deserve a conversation with a professional:
It's lasting. The sadness, anxiety or tiredness won't let go, even after rest or a holiday.
It's getting worse instead of better over time.
It's spilling into your life. You're sleeping badly, eating much more or much less, struggling to work, study or see the people you love.
Nothing appeals any more , not even what you used to enjoy.
You're withdrawing , cancelling everything, avoiding people.
You need a crutch (alcohol, cannabis, pills, screens) to get through.
People close to you are worried and telling you so.
And if you're having dark or suicidal thoughts, don't wait. In France, call 3114 right away. It's free, open 24/7, and you'll speak to a health professional trained in suicide prevention ( 3114.fr ). You can also call if you're worried about someone close to you. Outside France, contact your country's emergency services or a local crisis line.
Who to turn to in France
Your GP
Often the simplest first step. Your GP knows you, can take stock with you, check that nothing physical is playing a part, and point you to the right person.
A psychologist, through "Mon soutien psy"
A psychologist helps you understand what you're going through, by talking it through. Under the "Mon soutien psy" scheme, French national health insurance covers up to 12 sessions a year with a partner psychologist, from age 3, for mild to moderate psychological distress. A session costs €50, 60% of which is reimbursed, with the rest often covered by top-up insurance. You can go through your doctor or book directly. The scheme isn't designed for emergencies or suicide risk: in that case, call 3114 or 15.
A psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor specialising in mental health. They can make a diagnosis, offer psychotherapy and prescribe treatment if needed. Your GP can refer you.
Public mental health centres (CMP)
These public centres, called "centres médico-psychologiques", welcome people who need mental health care, with teams of professionals. Your doctor or town hall can tell you which one covers your area.
Taking the first step, in practice
Write down how you feel , since when, and what has changed in your daily life. On the day, you'll only need to read it out.
Start with one sentence. "I'm not doing great at the moment, I'd like to talk about it." That's enough.
Bring someone along if it helps: a friend or relative can help you book, or come with you.
If the first person isn't a good fit , you're allowed to try someone else. Finding the right professional can take a little time.
And between appointments? Talking with peers
Professional care can be complemented by something else: talking with people going through something similar. Not to replace care, but to feel less alone between sessions.
That's what Viatous peer support Rooms are for. You write what you're looking for in one sentence, and Viatous forms a Room : a small group of 2 to 4 people. On a sensitive subject like mental health, these Rooms are for people 18 and over, with a stronger framework: rules repeated, moderation and help resources. Roomi , the Viatous robot, welcomes the group and reminds everyone of the rules, but isn't a health professional. For example, you could write:
"I've just started seeing a therapist. I'd like to talk with 2 or 3 people going through the same thing."
You show up with your first name, the camera is optional and you can leave the Room at any time. Viatous isn't therapy or an emergency service: it's a complement, never a replacement. To learn more about how it's kept safe, read our Safety page , then see how it works when you feel ready.
And if you only have the energy for one thing today, make it that first sentence to your doctor. The rest can wait.
If things aren't okay. Viatous doesn't replace a doctor or a psychologist, and Roomi isn't a health professional. In France, your GP is a good first step, and the "Mon soutien psy" scheme covers sessions with a partner psychologist through national health insurance ( ameli.fr ). If you're having suicidal thoughts or are in deep distress, call 3114 in France (free, 24/7, 3114.fr ), for yourself or someone close to you. In an emergency in France, call 15 or 112 , or text 114 if you can't speak. Outside France, contact your country's emergency services.