When to Consult a Psychiatrist
How to Know the Time is Right
Determining when to see a psychiatrist often requires a candid self-assessment of your symptoms and day-to-day experiences. While you shouldn’t try to self-diagnose any specific mental health conditions, you can become aware of and note behaviors, emotions, and thought patterns that are unhealthy and disruptive to your everyday life.
While it can be difficult and overwhelming to seek help for mental health conditions, it’s essential to do so. Mental health conditions are very common, and your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
In some cases, your primary healthcare provider may refer you to a psychiatrist if you share your symptoms with them. But you can usually go directly to a psychiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan if you prefer.
Mental health episodes may happen randomly, infrequently, or be constantly present. The important thing to remember is that if they’re negatively affecting your quality of life, it’s a clear sign you need to seek help.
If you have any of the following symptoms or experiences, you may want to consider seeing a psychiatrist or telling your primary healthcare provider:
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Inability to manage or control your emotions.
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Continuous or frequent episodes of anger or rage.
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Excessive or irrational fears.
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Engaging in risky behavior.
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Excessive worrying and/or sadness.
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Significant changes in sleep patterns.
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Substance use.
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Eating disorders.
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Declining performance in school or work.
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Withdrawal from social situations.
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Thoughts of self-harm.
When you schedule an appointment with Mend Psychiatry, you have already taken one of the most impressive and positive steps towards addressing and healing your mental condition. Many people spend years, or even their entire lives ignoring symptoms and signs of mental distress. Meeting with a professional can help you receive the treatment or medication that could be the difference maker in helping you achieve mental clarity and peace of mind. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
How to Prepare
It is worthwhile to take some time preparing before your next appointment with your psychiatrist so that you can get the maximum value out of it. Some things to consider are:
- Prepare a list of the most important issues you want to discuss with your psychiatrist.
- New symptoms or changes in existing or prior symptoms. Consider keeping a day-to-day journal of your symptoms so it’s easier to keep track of how your symptoms change or affect your quality of life.
- Any changes in your overall physical health.
- Your family’s history of physical and mental health conditions.
- Find out how others feel you are doing, especially family, friends, and co-workers who care about you.
- Bring a list of all the current medications and substances you take. Include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, herbal products, and any recreational drugs.
Finally, one of the most important things to remember is to carry an open heart and an open mind. Mend Psychiatry is here to help you and be an aide in helping you achieve your healthiest mental space. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule a meeting with a mental health professional.
Reach Out Today!
It’s important not to attempt a self-diagnosis of any specific mental health conditions, but rather to take notice and be aware of triggers, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that feel unhealthy or disrupt your everyday life. We are often hyper-aware of conditions related to flaws in our physical health, but mental health is equally important. Determining whether or not to see a psychiatrist often requires a candid self-assessment of your symptoms and day-to-day experiences. To even make this amount of individual progress is a significant step in the right direction toward achieving quality mental health. If you are experiencing the symptoms of mental health conditions it is essential to seek help and guidance in treating them.