When to seek help from a psychiatrist

Posted: April 16, 2023
Category: Mental Health, Online Counselling

When to seek help from a psychiatrist

Choosing when to get outside assistance for our mental health can be difficult. We might believe that we should be able to handle our difficulties on our own or worry about what people would think of us if they learn that we are having mental health issues. Yet, seeking for professional assistance is not something to be ashamed about. In actuality, it might be really advantageous.

Happily, we live in a time when mental health issues are taken seriously, and if we suspect we might be having trouble, there are many options at our disposal. Although everyone’s physical health and general well-being depend on their mental health, many of us are unaware of when to get help for mental health issues. It might be challenging to determine when to seek expert assistance.

How Does Psychiatry Function?

The study of mental health problems and conditions is the focus of the medical specialty known as psychiatry. A psychiatrist is a medical professional who focuses on the identification, management, and avoidance of mental health issues.

In order to better understand the source of the symptoms and assist guide an efficient treatment approach, routine doctors may prescribe blood work or X-rays. In order to assess, identify, and treat your mental health issues, a psychiatrist frequently uses questionnaires. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) are qualified to evaluate, identify, treat, and manage a range of mental health conditions. They can assist you in comprehending your symptoms and in making the optimal treatment decision in order to achieve your mental health objectives. These options include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychiatric drugs, and non-drug treatments like TMS Treatment.

When to seek help from a psychiatrist

What Does Psychiatry Treat?

The following conditions can be treated by psychiatrists and psychiatric NPs:

  • Bipolar Disorder, Depression
  • PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  • OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
  • Panic Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Drug Abuse and Addiction
  • Dementia; Personality Disorders
  • Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
  • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
  • Dementia
  • Personality Disorders (BPD, NPD, etc.)
  • Persistent Pain, Fibromyalgia, and Fatigue
  • Depression following childbirth

Psychiatry can also assist those going through addiction rehabilitation, those having trouble making important decisions, and those dealing with bereavement. Psychiatrists can also assist patients with acute or chronic physical illnesses or injuries in adjusting to their diagnosis.

At what point should I visit a psychiatrist?

A person’s complete well-being greatly depends on their mental health. Mental health problems can have major physical, emotional, and social repercussions if they are disregarded or mistreated.

Despite the fact that mental health diseases are extremely treatable, many people who experience mental health issues experience symptoms for a considerable amount of time before receiving the right assistance and therapy. A person and their loved ones might benefit greatly from receiving professional psychiatric therapy for a mental health illness by avoiding stress, delaying the onset of more severe symptoms, and decreasing the risk of issues with employment, family, school, and substance abuse.

Untreated mental illness can occasionally result in suicidal ideas or behaviors. So it’s critical to get assistance as soon as you can. You will feel better faster if illnesses and symptoms related to mental health are treated right away.

When to seek help from a psychiatrist

Being proactive is crucial when it comes to both physical and mental wellness. Don’t wait to ask for assistance if you believe you might need it. Here are nine indications that a visit to the psychiatrist may be necessary:

Once you stop feeling like yourself

This is a major issue. It’s time to get treatment if you’re not feeling like yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t, regardless of whether your mood is drastically changing or you simply feel wrong.

A indicator of mental illness might be, for instance, if you’re typically a pretty upbeat person but have been depressed and gloomy for weeks. Of course, experiencing occasional sadness, anxiety, or tension is normal. Yet it’s worth talking to a professional if you’re unsure of why you’re feeling this way or if the sensations simply won’t go away.

When Your Sleep or Eating Patterns Have Modified

Alterations in one’s eating or sleeping patterns may indicate a mental health condition. That may be an indication that something is awry if you aren’t eating as much as you once did or are sleeping more than normal. When combined with a decrease in interest in past interests, this can be a sign of sadness.

When You’re Struggling to Concentrate

It may be an indication of mental health issues if you have trouble focusing on anything or if your mind wanders when it shouldn’t. It could be an indication that something is amiss if you find it difficult to focus while working or studying, or even when performing routine duties.

A mental health illness is typically thought of as anything that prevents you from carrying out your regular tasks. This could be anything from taking care of your family to going to school or working. The moment may have come for you to consult a psychiatrist if you are having trouble focusing on anything.

When Everything Seems Lost

It’s time to get treatment if you feel like nothing you do has any meaning. You shouldn’t attempt to handle sadness on your own because feeling hopeless can be an indication of the illness. • Feeling as though there is no hope for the future;

  • Not wanting to accomplish anything or be around anyone;
  • Thinking that nothing will ever improve;

It’s time to discuss your mental health symptoms with someone if you’re experiencing any of these.

When You Hurt Yourself

Self-harm is yet another significant indicator of potential mental health issues, and you should get help if you experience it. Self-harm is an indication that you need support in coping with whatever it is you’re going through. Self-harm can be emotional as well as physical. For instance, dangerous behavior or the use of drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism could potentially be indications that you require assistance.

When You Grieve

Sorrow is a common yet very difficult human experience. It’s crucial to talk to someone if you’re mourning. Grief can be really overwhelming, so you shouldn’t have to handle it by yourself. There is no right or wrong way to grieve; there are just many varied ways. But if your sorrow is interfering with your daily activities or if it’s been more than six months since your loss and you still don’t feel better, it might be time to get professional assistance.

When Your Anxiety Is Over the Top

Although anxiety is a natural human feeling, excessive anxiety can be problematic. It’s time to get help if you see that your anxiety is affecting your daily life.

As there are numerous varieties of anxiety disorders, it’s crucial to discuss your symptoms with a specialist. They can assist you in determining if your anxiety is brought on by a particular disorder or by uncontrollable events in your life.

When Your Mood Is Off the Charts

It may indicate a mental health problem if your mood is changing dramatically. It’s time to get assistance if you find yourself unexpectedly depressed or furious for no apparent cause.

When You Have Suicidal Thoughts

It’s crucial to seek assistance right away if you’re thinking of taking your own life. Thoughts of suicide are more frequent than you would realize, but it’s imperative that you get treatment. You shouldn’t attempt to handle depressing emotions by yourself. It’s crucial to get assistance if you notice any of these symptoms. It is important to treat mental health seriously. Do not be reluctant to see a psychiatrist if you are experiencing difficulties.

A Psychiatrist’s Helpful Advice

It might be challenging to know where to turn if you are having mental health issues. Although it could seem like you’re the only one going through what you’re going through, many people have mental health issues on a regular basis. Seeing a psychiatrist might be a good approach to get the support and assistance you require.

You can anticipate inquiries regarding your medical history, mental health history, and present symptoms during your initial consultation with your psychiatrist. In addition, you ought to be ready to respond to any queries your doctor could have regarding potential treatments or pharmaceutical options.

Last but not least, always keep in mind that receiving mental health therapy is a continuous process. The process of receiving therapy for mental illness never ends. Many people can find relief from a mental health problem and relief from the symptoms of a psychiatric disorder with the help of a psychiatrist.

Medical school trains psychiatrists to assist patients in making sense of their ideas, feelings, and behaviors. Keep in mind that psychiatrists can prescribe medicine since they are doctors, unlike therapists or psychologists who cannot. Finding the source of the problem and determining what mental health therapies you require to cope, heal, and eventually move on are the fundamental goals of psychiatry. Remembering that mental health is a journey and not a goal is crucial. There is no definitive way to complete something, and there is no end in sight.

Do I Need to See a Psychiatrist?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for mental illness. Finding what works for you is crucial, and if you need assistance, do so. What works for one person may not work for another. On your path to recovery, mental health specialists can be an excellent resource.

InquireTalk certified therapists who you can get in touch and book a therapy session with:

Dr Simon Cassar

Glen Gibson

Simon Jacobs


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