When to See a Psychiatrist and Mental Health Specialist
Mental health is essential throughout life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. Throughout your life, you might experience mental health problems, and your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected hence the need to see a psychiatric & mental health specialist North Chelmsford.
Who is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. A psychiatrist can provide counseling (psychotherapy), medication, and hospitalization if needed.
Who is a mental health specialist?
A mental health specialist is a person who has a master’s degree in social work, psychology, psychiatric nursing, or counseling. A mental health specialist can provide counseling and therapy but cannot prescribe medication.
There are different mental health issues that these specialists can help with:
It is common to turn to drugs or alcohol when feeling down. But using substances can make your problems worse. If you are using drugs or alcohol to cope with your problems, it is time to seek help by consulting at an online MAT clinic.
- Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders cause people to be exceedingly worried or afraid. This is the most prevalent type of mental disease. Some anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias (such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder).
- Mood disorders
Mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, are characterized by persistent feelings of melancholy or irritation (depression) or severe mood highs and lows (bipolar disorder).
- Psychotic disorders
Psychotic disorders are mental health conditions that cause unusual thinking and perceptions. Hallucinations and delusions are symptoms of psychotic disorders. A good example is Schizophrenia.
- Eating disorders
Eating disorders involve abnormal or disturbed eating habits.
These are the instances you need to visit a psychiatric & mental health specialist:
If you have any mental health concerns
These concerns may be about yourself or someone you know. If you are worried about your mental health or a friend’s or family member’s mental health, the best thing to do is talk to someone who can help. This could be a doctor, therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. You will be surprised how much better you will feel just by talking to someone who understands.
If you are feeling unfortunate, anxious, or hopeless
These conditions can make it hard to function in day-to-day life. When you notice that your mood affects your ability to work, study, eat, or sleep, it is time to seek help. Do not tend to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
If you are having destructive thoughts about yourself or someone else
If you are thinking about suicide or homicide, getting help immediately is essential. These thoughts can be a sign of a severe mental health problem. It is normal to feel upset or angry at times, but it is not normal to have these thoughts regularly. If you are having these thoughts, please seek professional help immediately.
If you are using drugs or alcohol to cope with your problems
It is common to turn to drugs or alcohol when feeling down. But using substances can make your problems worse. If you are using drugs or alcohol to cope with your problems, it is time to seek help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above issues, please seek professional help at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates. They will be able to help you with any mental health concerns that you may have.