When you chip a tooth, you know it’s time to call the dentist. When you’re concerned about a medical issue, you know it’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor. But when it comes to your mental health, do you know when to see a psychiatrist?
When to See a Psychiatrist
It’s not always easy to know when to see a psychiatrist. You may think that the symptoms you are experiencing aren’t severe enough to warrant professional help, or you may believe that your current struggles are just temporary.
The fact that you’re wondering about when to see a psychiatrist is a sign that you strongly suspect you need help. Here are a few other signs that could indicate it’s time to schedule that appointment:
- You’ve been struggling with either insomnia (difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping much more than normal).
- No matter how much you sleep, you seem to always still be tired.
- When you wake up in the morning, you often don’t even want to get out of bed.
- You find it difficult to summon the energy to perform basic hygiene or cleanliness-related tasks, such as showering, brushing your teeth, or washing the dishes.
- You have trouble concentrating and focusing when you’re at work, in school, or even simply having casual conversations with friends.
- You have begun to pull away from family and friends, preferring isolation over interacting with loved ones.
- You no longer enjoy sports, hobbies, or other pursuits that used to be important parts of your life.
- You have been using alcohol or other drugs as a means of influencing your mood or energy level, coping with stress, or numbing yourself to emotional pain.
- You have an ongoing or recurring feeling that you are in danger. This may manifest both psychologically (such as extreme worry) and physically (such as persistent muscle tension).
- You frequently have headaches, stomach aches, and other generalized discomfort that doesn’t seem to have any actual medical cause.
- You have begun to act with uncharacteristic anger, recklessness, or aggression. Examples of this can include becoming argumentative, getting into physical altercations, going on spending sprees, and engaging in unsafe sexual practices.
- Your spouse, partner, close friends, or trusted family members have suggested that you should consult with a professional.
- You have been engaging in acts of self-harm or thinking about suicide.
If you believe that you are in danger of harming yourself or ending your own life, please get immediate help. If you live in the US, you can call 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website. This resource is staffed 24/7 by trained professionals who can assess your needs and connect you with appropriate care in your area.
Benefits of Seeking a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are doctors (either MDs or DOs) who specialize in mental and behavioral health. These trained professionals can diagnose and treat people who have a wide range of conditions, including – but by no means limited to – anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and dual diagnosis disorders.
The following are just a few of the many potential benefits of scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist:
- A psychiatrist can assess your needs and, if appropriate, provide you with a mental health diagnosis.
- Psychiatrists can prescribe antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and other medications that can alleviate certain mental health symptoms.
- A psychiatrist may offer individual, group, and family therapy.
- If your needs exceed the services that a particular psychiatrist provides, they can refer you to another professional or a program that may be a better fit.
Find a Psychiatrist in Atlanta, GA Today
Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry is a trusted provider of personalized mental health care for adults. Our psychiatric treatment center in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a dynamic array of evidence-based therapeutic services, all of which can be customized according to your specific needs and goals.
Throughout your time in our care, you can expect to work in close collaboration with a team of skilled and compassionate professionals. These dedicated caregivers will take the time to get to know you as a unique individual. With their help, you can make sustained progress toward improved health and a more hopeful future. To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our appointment page or call our center today.
