How To Know When You Should Speak to a Psychiatrist

Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being, and just like any other part of our body, our brain may require professional attention at times. However, there is often a stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help for it, which can make it challenging to recognize when we should seek psychiatric help.

Mental Health and Wellness Associates was founded to help by providing easy access to highly trained and experienced psychiatrists and individualized diagnoses and treatment plans. While we were founded in Santa Monica, California or top psychiatrists serve patients from all over the state of California by telepsychiatry. 

In this article, we will discuss how you can recognize when it is time to speak to a psychiatrist and why seeking professional help is essential.

Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
It is common to experience feelings of sadness or hopelessness from time to time. However, if these feelings persist for an extended period, it may be a sign of depression. Depression is a common mental health condition that can be effectively treated with the help of a psychiatrist.

Excessive worry or anxiety
Anxiety is a common experience that most people face from time to time. However, if your worries or anxiety become excessive, interfere with your daily activities, or cause physical symptoms such as increased heart rate or difficulty breathing, it may be time to speak to a psychiatrist.

Sudden changes in mood or behavior
If you or someone you know has sudden and significant changes in mood or behavior, it may be a sign of a mental health condition. These changes could include increased agitation or irritability, decreased motivation, or changes in sleep patterns. Speaking with a psychiatrist can help identify the underlying cause of these changes and develop a plan to manage them.

Difficulty coping with life changes or stressors
Major life changes or stressful events can often be challenging to cope with, and it is common to experience a range of emotions during these times. However, if you find that you are struggling to manage these emotions or are having difficulty functioning in daily life, it may be time to seek professional help.

Substance use or addiction
Substance use and addiction can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or addiction, seeking help from a psychiatrist can be an essential step in managing and overcoming the condition.

We hope that you agree that seeking help from a psychiatrist is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. Mental health conditions are common and can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. By recognizing the signs that it is time to speak to a psychiatrist, you can take the first step towards getting the help you need to improve your mental health and overall well-being. We strongly believe that it is always okay to ask for help.

If you live in the state of California and are looking for help, we would be happy to speak with you.

If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please schedule a time to speak with our practice manager (using the "book online" button above) or call our office today.