Seeing a psychiatrist for many people is a scary thought. Oftentimes, individuals are afraid of what others will think if they give in and seek out a psychiatrist’s expertise. However, if you know you need help, a psychiatrist is the best option.
Most would agree that individuals who consider suicide or even homicide an option to their problems should seek medical help in a psychiatrist. But what about the little quirks that make you unique among your friends? Do those variances in your behavior mean you need to see a psychiatrist or are they simply individualized behaviors that make you special?
If you do things that make you uncomfortable, you should track these behaviors and feelings so that you can discuss them with your family physician. These things would include but are not limited to:
1. Doing things simply because you feel compelled to do so, such as shopping even though you don’t have the funds in the bank to back up the check you are writing.
2. Obsessing over anything. Obsessing can be over whether or not your going to get an A in school to being afraid to let your children out of your sight because you think something bad is going to happen to them or having to go back home several times to check to see if you locked the doors.
3. Afraid to leave home because you think danger is outside.
4. The feeling that your skin is crawling.
5. If you hear voices or see things that others do not.
6. If you are tired all the time and simply don’t feel like getting out of the bed and there is no physical reason for it for at least two weeks.
There are many other signs that mean you need a psychiatrist but these are a few of the major reasons to immediately seek medical help.
Psychiatrists can counsel you as well as prescribe medications that will help you get through a difficult time in your life. More serious conditions, such as schizophrenia, will need a lifetime of medication but can be managed if you seek medical help in time.
Going to a psychiatrist can be a scary experience, but I guarantee, if you get the help you need, the trip is well worth your time.
