It can be tough to decide when to seek outside help for our mental health. We may feel like we should be able to cope with our problems on our own or be worried about what others will think of us if they find out we are struggling with our mental health. But, reaching out for professional help is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it can be hugely beneficial.
Thankfully, we live in a time when mental health conditions are taken seriously, and there are plenty of resources available to us if we think we might be struggling. Mental health is integral to anyone’s physical health and overall well-being, yet so many of us do not know when to seek help for our mental health conditions. It can be tough to know when it is time to seek professional help.
How Does Psychiatry Work?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and mental health professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions or disorders.
Regular doctors may order blood work or X-rays to better understand the cause of the symptoms and help inform an effective treatment plan. With mental health symptoms, a psychiatrist often uses questionnaires to measure, diagnose, and treat your symptoms. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) are trained to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage mental health issues using a variety of methods. They can help you understand your symptoms and choose the best treatment option for your mental health goals, including psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, or non-drug treatments like TMS Therapy.
What Does Psychiatry Treat?
Psychiatrists and psychiatric NPs are qualified to treat mental health conditions and a wide range of disorders, including but not limited to:
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Panic Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Substance Abuse and Addiction
- Dementia
- Personality Disorders (BPD, NPD, etc.)
- Chronic Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Pain
- OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
- Postpartum Depression
Psychiatry can also be used to help people cope with loss, help people struggling to make major decisions, and help people amid addiction recovery treatment. Additionally, psychiatrists can help people diagnosed with acute or long-term physical illness or injury, to cope with their medical diagnosis.
When Should I See a Psychiatrist?
Mental health is incredibly important to a person’s overall well-being. When mental health issues are ignored or left untreated, they can lead to serious physical, emotional, and social consequences. Although mental health disorders are highly treatable, many people struggling with their mental health go a long time between developing symptoms and receiving appropriate treatment and support. Seeking professional psychiatric treatment for a mental health condition can make a significant difference by saving a person and their loved ones from stress, developing more serious symptoms, and reducing the likelihood of problems with work, family, school, and substance misuse. In some cases, untreated mental illness can also lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. Therefore, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. The sooner mental health conditions and symptoms are addressed, the sooner you will feel better.
When it comes to physical health and mental health, it is important to be proactive. If you think you might need help, do not wait to get it. Here are some signs that it might be time to see a psychiatrist:
1. You No Longer Feel Like Yourself
Your mental health is important. If you are not feeling like yourself, it may be time to seek help. Trust your instincts—when something feels off or you notice significant changes in your mood, those feelings warrant attention.
For instance, if you are typically an optimistic person but have been experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness for an extended period, this could indicate a deeper mental health concern.
It is normal to experience occasional sadness, anxiety, or stress. However, if these feelings persist without a clear reason or seem overwhelming, consulting a mental health professional can provide valuable support and guidance.
2. Your Eating or Sleeping Habits Have Changed
Changes in eating or sleeping habits can be a sign of a mental health disorder. If you are not eating as much as you used to, or you are sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Pair this with a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, and it could be a sign of depression.
3. You are Having Trouble Concentrating
If you are finding it hard to focus on anything, or if your mind is wandering at inappropriate times, it might be a sign of mental health problems. Whether you are struggling to concentrate at work or school, or you are just having trouble focusing on everyday tasks, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
In general, a mental health condition impairs you from completing your daily responsibilities. This could be anything from work to school to taking care of your family. If you are finding it hard to focus on anything, it might be time to see a psychiatrist.
4. You are Feeling Hopeless
If you feel like there is no point to anything, it is time to seek help. Feeling hopeless can be a sign of depression, and it is not something you should try to deal with on your own. This feeling might manifest as:
- Believing that nothing will ever get better
- Feeling like you can’t see a future for yourself
- Not wanting to do anything or be around anyone
If you are feeling any of these things, it is time to talk to someone about your mental health symptoms.
5. Self-Harming Behaviors
Self-harming is another big sign of a mental health condition, and it is definitely something you should get help with. If you are harming yourself, it is a sign that you need help dealing with whatever it is that you are going through.
Self-harm can be physical, but it can also be emotional. For example, if you are engaging in risky behavior or if you are using drugs or alcohol to cope, these could also be signs that you need help.
6. You are Grieving
Grief is a normal, but extremely challenging human experience. If you are grieving, it’s important to talk to someone. Grief can be extremely overwhelming, and it is not something you should have to deal with on your own.
There are many different ways to grieve, and there is no right or wrong way. However, if you are finding that your grief is impacting your day-to-day life or if it has been more than six months since your loss and you are not feeling any better, it might be time to seek professional help.
7. You are Feeling Excessively Anxious
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but it can become a problem when it is excessive. If you find that your anxiety is interfering with your day-to-day life, it is time to seek help.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, so it is important to talk to a professional about what you are experiencing. They can help you figure out if your anxiety is due to a specific disorder or if it is due to external circumstances in your life.
8. Your Mood is All Over the Place
If you are experiencing drastic changes in your mood, it could be a sign of a mental health issue. If you are suddenly sad for no reason or you are inexplicably angry, it is time to get help.
9. You are Having Suicidal Thoughts
If you are having suicidal thoughts, it is important to get help immediately. Having suicidal thoughts is more common than you might think, but it is crucial that you seek help. You should not try to deal with feelings of hopelessness on your own.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to seek help. Mental health needs to be taken seriously. If you are struggling, do not hesitate to reach out to a psychiatrist.
How a Psychiatrist Can Help
If you are struggling with your mental health, it can be difficult to know where to turn. You may feel like you are the only one going through what you are going through, but there are many people who struggle with their mental health on a daily basis. Seeing a psychiatrist can be a great way to get the help and support that you need.
During your initial visit with your psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, expect questions about your medical history, mental health history, and current symptoms. You should also be prepared to answer any questions your provider may have about medication options or other forms of treatment available. Finally, always remember that mental health treatment is not a one-time event. Mental health treatment is an ongoing process. A psychiatrist can provide relief from a mental health condition and reprieve from psychiatric disorder symptoms for many people.
Psychiatrists are trained in medical school to help people make sense of their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Remember that, unlike therapists or psychologists, psychiatrists are doctors and have the ability to prescribe medication. The main purpose of psychiatry is to get to the root of the issue and to work to figure out what mental health services you need to cope, heal, and eventually move forward. The important thing to remember is that mental health is a journey, not a destination. There is no one right way to do it, and there is no finish line.
Should I See A Psychiatrist?
When it comes to mental health, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another, so it is important to find what works for you and to seek help if you are struggling. Mental health professionals can be a great resource, and they can help you on your journey to recovery.
If you or someone you know is in need of help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Neuro Wellness Spa. Our trained mental health experts offer a variety of in-network mental health treatment options including psychotherapy, medication management, and TMS therapy that are all designed to treat all kinds of mental health conditions. At Neuro Wellness Spa, you’re in good hands, and our team will walk you through all of your treatment options. Get started today.