Mental health is an important and integral part of our overall well-being. It affects our thoughts, feelings, behaviour, relationships, productivity and quality of life. However, many people experience a variety of mental health issues that can make them feel unwell and interfere with their functioning. These include depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, post-traumatic stress disorder and the like. These disorders can be caused by various factors, including genetics, illness, trauma, conflicts, crises, social environment.
War has a particularly devastating impact on mental health. Constant anxiety for one’s own life or the lives of loved ones, existential choices, loss of family and friends, housing, money, work, stability – these are factors that definitely add to the development of mental disorders.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 1 billion people worldwide suffer from mental disorders. However, only a small proportion of them receive adequate care and treatment. According to the Ukrainian Resource Audit of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Service, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), only 10% of Ukrainians who experience psychological discomfort seek medical attention. Many avoid such care because of stigma, lack of access or lack of awareness of their symptoms or needs. However, delaying can worsen the condition, lead to complications in diagnosis and treatment, a decrease in quality of life, and even death.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. They provide a safe space to discuss your condition and offer effective treatments.
When should I see a psychiatrist?
It is important to see a psychiatrist if you are experiencing psychological discomfort or difficulties in your life. There really is no clear answer to the question “When to see a psychiatrist?” because each person is unique, with own history and symptoms. However, there are certain signs and situations that may point at the need to see a psychiatrist:
- Prolonged or severe depression, accompanied by loss of interest in life, low self-esteem, guilt, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts or even attempts.
- Excessive anxiety or fear that interferes with normal functioning, causing panic attacks, phobias, compulsive behaviours or avoidance of certain situations.
- Complicated or unexplained mental conditions that require clarification of the diagnosis or prescription of medicinal treatment. These include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorder, etc.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder, which emerges after experiencing a traumatic event and is accompanied by memories, nightmares, guilt, isolation, anger or other negative emotions.
- Eating disorders, which are characterised by unhealthy attitudes towards food, body image and weight. Examples include anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, etc.
- Addictions to substances or behaviours that impair control over actions and cause harm to the person or others. These are alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling addiction, etc.
- Problems with adaptation to life changes or crises, such as divorce, job loss, death of a loved one, etc.
If you recognise yourself in any of these points or simply feel the need for professional help, do not hesitate to contact a psychiatrist. The sooner you start treatment, the better the results and the fewer complications.
What are the benefits of timely visit to a psychiatrist?
Seeing a psychiatrist can have many benefits for your mental and physical health. Here are some of them:
- You receive qualified help and support from a health professional who can properly assess your condition and offer the best treatment plan;
- You better understand yourself and your problem, so you can identify and change negative thoughts and behaviours that worsen your condition;
- You improve relationships with others, so it will be easier for you to find social support and cope with conflict or stress;
- You improve your productivity and achieve your goals, whether they relate to school, work, hobbies or personal development;
- You prevent or reduce the risk of complications or chronicity of a mental disorder that can have adverse effects on physical health, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, etc;
- You improve your quality of life and enjoy more of your strengths, interests, hobbies or dreams.
People can be afraid of psychiatrists for a variety of reasons.
- Fear of what others will think of them if they seek help. Many people face stigma, prejudice and discrimination because of their mental health. They may be afraid of losing their jobs, friends, reputation or even self-respect.
- Fear of being prescribed medication or therapy that will have unwanted side effects or be ineffective. Some people may have negative experiences with previous treatment or have heard about them from others. They may be afraid of becoming dependent on medication, allergies, or losing control of their emotions or personality.
These are just some of the possible reasons why people are afraid to see a psychiatrist. However, it is important to remember that psychiatrists are professional, competent doctors who aim to help people with mental health problems. In their work, psychiatrists adhere to confidentiality and ethical principles; they can offer different methods of treatment and work with the patient to achieve the best results.
If you feel that you need the help of a psychiatrist, it does not mean that you are weak, guilty or “crazy”. It means that you want to improve your mental health and quality of life. Seeking help is a brave and smart thing to do.
