No matter how much we deny it, a lot of stigmas still surround mental health issues. That after about a fifth of the world population suffers from some kind of a mental health issue.
Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, and bipolar disorder are just some of the mental health issues that have become increasingly common nowadays.
The rise in mental health issues this decade can be attributed to various causes like chemical imbalances, societal pressures, grief, and stress.
Finding a psychiatrist can help identify the problem and its causes and address the issue plaguing your personal and professional growth.
But taking the step to address these issues and consulting a psychiatrist comes with a lot of hindrances. For one, people are too embarrassed to accept they have deteriorating mental health.
Knowing the signs when you need to visit a psychiatrist can encourage you to take a step towards wellness. Here we list a few common signs that you need to see a psychiatrist now.
Deteriorating Performance at School or Work
If you have suddenly started to perform poorly at work and cannot get yourself up to reach the office, you may need a psychiatrist to gain back your focus.
The same is the case with adolescents who have started missing classes and performing poorly all of a sudden. The abrupt change in performance can be attributed to a mental health issue that may need to be addressed.
Avoiding Social Gatherings
If you have suddenly started feeling anxious about attending social gatherings and are avoiding social situations, you might be troubled with anxiety or depression.
Having difficulties relating to people and understanding emotions can be a sign of stress and depression. Your inability to control your feelings may also be attributed to a stress disorder.
Excessive Struggle in Dealing With a Loss
If you have just lost a beloved or your prized assets, it can take longer to recover from the grief. But if it’s taking a toll on your physical and mental health days or months after the incident, it’s high time you consult a psychiatrist.
The issue doesn’t need to be your own, though. At times, you may be struggling to deal with the painful challenges of someone else’s life because you love them too much.
In any case, prolonged grief needs identification, and to address it, you should consult a psychiatrist.
When Life Doesn’t Seem Worth Living
If nothing in life seems to interest or excite you, you may be struggling with depression. It can seem like you are stuck in a hole, and you do nothing to get out of it.
When the sorrow becomes so overwhelming that you feel you’re better to die than being in the position, it’s time to find a psychiatrist.
You shouldn’t make life or death decisions yourself, especially in a state of mental distress.
Instead, try reaching out to a psychiatrist who can help you find the crux of the issues and the solution through structured therapy and the use of medicines.
If you’re still unable to make a decision, in this case, consider reading these psychiatry articles for a better understanding of your issues and how psychiatry works.
Substance Abuse
Many people struggling with mental health issues may resort to the use of alcohol and drugs to numb their pain and elevate the mood.
If you feel the urge to regularly consume a substance to relax and avoid stress, you may need professional help. Typically such a person wouldn’t feel happy without the substance and rely on it to go through life.
A Change in Sleeping Patterns
Your sleep says a lot about your mental health state. Sleep is the first part of your life that will get affected when you suffer from mental health issues.
Inability to sleep for sufficient time, difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently, or not being able to sleep at all are signs that you need to visit a psychiatrist.
Trouble attaining a deep sleep can lead to insufficient restorative sleep, which can further deteriorate your mood and mental health. It can keep getting worse for you unless you start sleeping better.
Inability to Control Temper
Children who are unable to control their temper regularly may be suffering from an underlying mental health issue. In such cases, the child may also be having frequent nightmares.
Since children aren’t very comfortable speaking up about their mental health issues, which may lead to having a bad temper and uncontrollable aggression.
Conclusion
Being excessively sad or worrying too much for long periods is also a common sign that you need professional help.
You should try consulting a psychiatrist instead of just a therapist when it comes to severe mental health issues.
They may be able to gauge the situation better and then prescribe you medicines and recommend therapy sessions.
