Signs that Indicate that You May Need to See a Psychiatrist or Psychologist

Signs that Indicate that You May Need to See a Psychiatrist or Psychologist

Even though experiencing a mental health condition is quite common, with nearly one fifth of the population having some form of disorder, the term “mental illness” is still scary to many people. 

Unfortunately, the reason for the observed apprehension is because there is still a significant degree of stigma associated with mental illness. One possible reason for the stigma is that some people may not realise that mental illness is a broad term that refers to a range of conditions, with different symptoms, that can affect how we feel and think. 

As a result, many people, who experience a mental disorder do not seek assistance promptly, because they might be either embarrassed or do not know how to seek assistance. 

There are many blogs that are specific on signs that you need to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist. However, at Takes Care Specialist Centre, we believe that deciding to see either one is a discussion you need to have with your GP. 

At the same time, it is important to recognise the signs that may indicate you should consider seeking assistance with the management of your mental health affairs. A few examples of these signs are listed below. 

1. Inability to Control Emotions

At one time or another, everyone can experience a negative emotion, such as sadness of anger. In the case, where you are not experiencing a mental health condition, you are normally in charge of your emotions, thus not impaired by them. 

However, if your emotions are so excessive that you are unable to control them, it is an indication that you may need to seek the assistance of a psychiatrist or a psychologist. 

Typical symptoms include the following:

1. Feeling overcome with anger or sadness on regular basis
2. Assuming the worst possible scenario if a situation becomes somewhat challenging
3. Avoiding normal events in life, as they may trigger high levels of anxiety

2. Changes in Sleeping Patterns

Your sleep pattern tells a lot about your mental health. If you are experiencing mental health conditions, you tend to have poor sleep patterns. Unfortunately, poor sleep patterns make it difficult to cope with mental illness symptoms, thus creating a negative feedback loop.  Typical changes in sleep patterns could include the following:

1. Having troubles falling sleep 
2. Waking up too early 
3. Waking up several times during the night

3. Substance Abuse

One the harmful coping mechanism with mental health challenges is turning to drugs and alcohol. Another example of such coping mechanism is turning to food. 

Red flags could include the following:

1. Changes in your usual amount of alcohol consumption
2. Thinking about or turning to drugs
3. Over-eating or not wanting to eat

4. Changes in Performance at School or Work 

When your performance at work or at school is adversely affected, it is one of the signs that shows you are struggling with emotional or psychological issues. 

Typical warning signs include the following:

1. Feeling disconnected from aspects of your job that used to make you happy
2. Receiving negative feedback from your managers 
3. Missing deadlines 

5. Your Friends Show Concerns About You

Sometimes, others, like your friends, can see patterns that are difficult to see from your perspective. It is therefore worthwhile to listen to their views. 

The questions and comments that should raise the red flag include the following:

1. Are you doing okay? I am concerned about you!
2. You keep forgetting our arrangement every time. 
3. Are you talking with anyone about this?

6. Worthlessness

We all have negative thoughts about ourselves from time to time. However, if negative thoughts are persistent, you are consistently criticising yourself, it could be suggestive of a mental health disorder, such depression. Such situations should not be taken lightly, as it could lead to thoughts of harming yourself. It is best to seek emergency mental health intervention as soon as possible. 

Typical negative thoughts that my plague the mind include the following:

1. “I am no good”
2. “I fail at everything, I try” (Catastrophising) 
3. “I can never be loved”