If you often wonder if you should see a psychiatrist, it is likely that you are experiencing symptoms that are uncomfortable and you are dealing with situations that are interfering with your ability to live your best life. For most people, deciding whether to see a psychiatrist or not is a huge step.
In some cases, you will likely feel like you could use some mental health support but unsure if a psychiatrist is the best person for the job. It is also likely that you already have some preconceived notions about the conditions and symptoms that require psychiatric treatment.
The truth is psychiatrists can help those who are experiencing different kinds of mental distress. There are various kinds of mental health issues—from depression to OCD to anxiety disorders. The symptoms can differ from one person to another, including the severity. Below are some of the most common reasons people see a psychiatrist:
Excessive worry or anxiety
Feeling nervous before an important meeting or a job interview is normal and healthy. However, some conditions like dental anxiety can hinder you from getting the treatment you need. For instance, there are people who are considered a candidate for mini dental implants but are too anxious to get it done.
Even if dental treatments like mini dental implants have been proven safe, those with dental anxiety might perceive the procedure as risky and painful. Psychiatrists often manage this type of anxiety with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. A psychiatrist will also be able to manage the condition before it worsens.
Depression
Depression is a mental condition that is often characterized by persistent feelings of irritability, hopelessness, and sadness. People are diagnosed with the condition if they experience the symptoms for more than two weeks and if the symptoms start to interfere with their daily lives.
Difficulty adjusting to life changes
Change is one of the things in life that is constant. However, there are changes in life that can be very difficult to navigate. For instance, losing a loved one, being laid off from a job, or getting divorced can be very stressful and most people won’t know how to cope with them accordingly.
If a major life change causes extreme anxiety and other symptoms like fatigue, headaches, loss of sleep, etc., you might need the help of a psychiatrist to bounce back. Psychiatrists can recommend stress reduction techniques and coping mechanisms so you can cope properly and move forward with your life.
Phobias
People with phobias are often aware their fears are irrational or excessive. However, they are often unable to change their reactions. While fear of heights, snakes, and spiders are okay, other phobias like dental phobia can impact your oral health and overall health if left untreated.
Substance abuse or addictions
Addiction or substance abuse are often symptoms of a deeper issue that is not addressed properly. Coping with difficult emotions can cause most people to resort to food, alcohol, drugs, and other substances.
Addiction is often the diagnosis if the individual is unable to control their consumption of a thing despite the harm it causes. Some psychiatrists that specialize in treating addiction of different kinds use medication, talk therapy, and other treatment modalities.
Suicidal thoughts
Some people experience thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts while going through periods of severe distress. Others might also experience them as they go through depressive episodes.
Those who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm should seek professional support. Psychiatrists are trained to respond to these types of concerns with compassion and they can help bring happiness and stability back into the patient’s life.
