How do you know when it’s time to seek a psychiatrist?

How do you know when it’s time to seek a psychiatrist?

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Our emotions affect our behavior and when we become out of control, speaking to someone that’ll understand our situation and what we are experiencing may be able to help us.  Mental health practitioners are becoming more accessible compared to how it was many years ago, especially as our community increasingly values professional support for mental well-being. Our current generation recognizes the importance of mental health and seeks professional guidance to achieve a mentally healthy life.

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When a person with a mental health illness seeks professional psychiatric therapy, it can significantly improve their quality of life by preventing stress for themselves and their loved ones, preventing the development of more severe symptoms, and decreasing the chance of issues with employment, family, school, and substance abuse. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and are trained to assess your symptoms and provide you with a diagnosis. 

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In this article, you’ll be able to know that you don’t need to be afraid to seek professional help and most importantly in mental health professionals. Seeing professional help is the right choice to take a step and achieve your well-being journey. The sooner mental health conditions and symptoms are addressed, the sooner you will feel better.

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i. When You Do Self-Harm and continuously thinking about Suicide  

Self-harm and suicidal thoughts are serious mental health concerns that require immediate attention. Engaging in self-harm is often a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, pain, or distress. If you find yourself constantly thinking about ending your life, it's crucial to reach out for professional help.

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ii. When You're Not Feeling Like Yourself and Unhealthy Habits Have Taken Over

Experiencing a significant change in your behavior, habits, or personality can be a sign of underlying mental health issues. You might notice that you're no longer interested in activities you once enjoyed, or perhaps your sleeping and eating patterns have changed drastically. These shifts can indicate that you're struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.

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iii. When You’re Feeling Hopeless and Excessively Anxious 

These emotions can make it difficult to carry out daily tasks, maintain relationships, and find joy in life. Anxiety might manifest as constant worry, panic attacks, or an overwhelming sense of dread, while hopelessness can make the future seem bleak and unchangeable. It’s important to seek professional help to help you with different coping strategies to manage and overcome them.

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iv. When You Have Experienced Loss

Grief is normal, but can be extremely overwhelming and challenging to someone, and it’s not something you should have to deal with on your own. However, if you’re finding that your grief is impacting your day-to-day life, consider the time to seek professional help. This can not only mean a loved one passing away it can also mean people that were once in your life are no longer there anymore such as a partner or perhaps even a close friend.

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v. When You Do Substance Abuse 

People who have mental health issues may turn to alcohol or other drugs to help cope. Whether it is to help relax or deal with stress, it is a red flag if someone needs it on a regular basis and does not feel happy without the help of drugs or alcohol.

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Mental health treatment is an ongoing process and will help you revalue and find your purpose throughout the sessions. A psychiatrist can provide relief from a mental health condition and reprieve from psychiatric disorder symptoms for many people.

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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. Medication may be prescribed to treat many conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.  

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Whether you are seeking a psychiatrist, psychologist, guidance counselor, or any other mental health practitioner, remember that hope and help are always available. If you or someone you know is in need of support, Empath’s Team is dedicated to helping you achieve a mentally healthy tomorrow. Reach out to us for the guidance and care you deserve on your journey to wellness. Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources available to help you. 

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References: 

• Lin, A. (2023). Not sure when to see a psychiatrist? Use this guide. Talkiatry. https://www.talkiatry.com/blog/when-to-see-a-psychiatrist
• What Are the Signs That a Person Should See a Psychiatrist? (2019). https://www.pyramid-healthcare.com/what-are-the-signs-that-a-person-should-see-a-psychiatrist/
• SIGNS YOU SHOULD SEE A PSYCHIATRIST FOR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT. Hudson Psychiatrist Association Inc. https://hudsonpsych.com/2023/02/28/signs-see-psychiatrist/

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