Do I have treatable psychiatric symptoms?
When you read a list of mental health symptoms, the items can sound too vague to know what the author really meant.
Our general rule is evaluating what mild versus serious mental health struggles are to an individual. We can review your answers at a consultation, or during follow-ups and other check-ins.
While our providers can weigh in on the severity of your symptoms, only you would know how significant these symptoms impact your life. For example, anyone can go through mild phases of persistent sadness. However, if the sadness begins to impede on your quality of life, then this may be considered serious, and it could be a good idea to seek professional advice.
What are thoughts and feelings that can be treated?
Mood swings, usually going from euphoric to depressive. (ex. “I can do it!” to “I can’t do it” in a short time frame)
Delusions. Delusions can belong to special categories, such as Delusions of Grandeur, Magical Thinking, or Erotomania.
Paranoid thoughts, especially if the “story” doesn’t make much logical sense. These thoughts can sometimes tie into delusions.
Hallucinations, which can be auditory or visual.
What are behavioral changes that can be treated?
Substance abuse, such as with alcohol or drugs. Substance abuse can signal deeper interpersonal issues someone may be going through.
Social withdrawal occurs when an individual grows more distant from friends and family.
Lack of interest in hobbies. This can tie into social withdrawal, especially if the hobbies were once enjoyed with others.
Dietary changes, commonly over-eating, under-eating, or poorer nutrition.
Lack of self-care. Examples include brushing teeth, brushing hair, bathing/showering, and house chores.
Poorer sleeping patterns, such as lack of sleep (insomnia), inconsistent sleep schedule, or nightmares.
What are the physical changes that can be treated?
Excessive sweating, nausea, heart rate, and breathing. These physical changes can cause extreme discomfort to the body and worsen your mental state.
Fatigue, which can be related to poorer sleeping patterns, dietary changes, and substance abuse. Without energy, it’s harder to manage your mental health challenges.
Libido changes, which can indicate low energy levels or emotional regulation issues.
Is there anyone else other than a psychiatrist who can help me?
A psychiatrist is a licensed mental health provider who can objectively listen to your challenges, support you, and create treatment plans involving medications, therapeutic approaches, and other lifestyle changes. This is because a psychiatrist will have access to a variety of treatment options, including non-medicated options like Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
However, you might find it helpful to also seek out the help and/or company of:
Mentors—such as a teacher, counselor, supervisor, or friend
Other medical professionals—such as your general physician, a therapist, and other specialists who can help improve other areas of your health
Friends and family—such as acquaintances, people you’re interested in getting to know better, and other people you can trust
The first step to any treatment or recovery is reaching out. Communicating a need for help can be both a solution to a difficult time in your life, or an act of preventative care.
Even if you are not completely confident you need psychiatric care, it’s worth looking into if you believe your symptoms have a chance for improvement.