Can I Be Treated
. and how long does it take?
We understand that the longer the duration of untreated depression, the stronger the imprint and the higher the chance of permanent injury to your mind and body. Hence, the earlier we pick up this problem, the faster the patient can recover. The patient will also require less medications and a shorter duration of therapy.
Depression in Singapore is often picked up very late and hence, treatment is started late. It is very sad when it happens and when it happens every day, it is a tragedy on a societal scale. So please, if you know someone whom you suspect could be sick with these symptoms, please ask them to seek help early. Speak to our psychologist or our doctors. You can also bring them to this FREE clinic at *SCAPE.
What Are The Signs That A Person Should See A Psychiatrist
The words mental illness are scary to some people, and there is, unfortunately, a type of stigma associated with the term. However, mental illness is very common it is estimated that around nearly a fifth of the population has some form of mental disorder such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. There are numerous causes, such as stress and chemical imbalances, of mental health issues, and a psychiatric evaluation can help identify a problem, its cause, and treatment options.
Many people who have mental health problems often do not seek help because they are embarrassed or are not quite sure who to see. Being able to recognize when someone may need help is important, and there are a number of signs that indicate a psychiatric evaluation is a good idea.
When Youre Dealing With Emotional Distress
Beinghuman means experiencing a wide range of emotions every day.
You goto work frustrated because you didnt get enough sleep and leave the office excitedbecause you have a date. In other words, your mood fluctuates depending on circumstances.
Andthe truth is, we rarely pay attention to the various emotions that we experiencethroughout the day.
Plus,not everyone has a rich emotional vocabulary.
Forexample, someone who doesnt have a background in psychology might find it impossibleto differentiate between depression and sadness.
Infact, most clients who visit my office for the first time tend to describetheir mood and emotions as bad, unpleasant, crushing, exhausting, andso on.
Whethertheyre dealing with depression, stress, anxiety, or any other specificcondition, the one thing they all have in common is emotional distress.
Inother words, theyre having a hard time managing their emotions and maintainingan overall balanced mood.
Thistranslates to problematic behaviors such as substance abuse, procrastination, socialisolation, stress eating, and so on.
Ifyouve been dealing with emotional distress for several weeks , perhaps its time to see a professional.
You May Like: What Is Stage 2 Depression
What To Expect When Seeing A Doctor For Depression
In the United States, over 7% of adults and children experience depression within any two-week period. In fact, depression is one of the most common chronic health conditions listed by doctors on their patients’ medical records.
While depression is common, if you think you have it, you may be unsure about where to begin. Here are the steps to getting your mental health treated, so you can feel well.
Path To Improved Health
Sometimes it can be hard to start a conversation with your doctor about your mental health. Here are some tips that can help you before, during, and after your appointment.
Before your appointment:
- Your symptoms. These could be physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral changes that youve noticed in your life.
- How your mood affects your everyday life.
- Key personal information, such as traumatic events in your past, or current stressful situations you are facing.
- Your medical information, such as other physical or mental conditions you currently have. Also write down all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medicine and herbal supplements.
- Questions you want to ask your doctor.
During your appointment:
After your appointment
Read Also: If I Am A Christian Why Am I Depressed
What To Look For In A Psychiatrist
Those who have never visited a psychiatrist may not know how to find one that suits their specific needs. There are a few factors to keep in mind when you search for a psychiatrist:
- Your condition or concern. Psychiatrists treat many conditions, but some specialize in areas of focus that may suit your needs. You may want to look for a psychiatrist, who may treat your conditions while matching your specific conditions and concerns.
- Which medications you may or may not need. You may need a psychiatrist to manage medications while also providing talk therapy options.
- Credentials. When choosing the best psychiatrist for you, you may want to consider their credentials. Do they have proper education, training, licensing and practice experience? Which areas of mental health do they specialize in? Be sure to research their treatment approaches and philosophy as well.
Why Would I Be Referred To A Psychiatrist
Like a general doctor, a Psychiatrist can be an important part of a persons health and well-being. This professional focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. If you are struggling with mood issues, this professional could be the right person to turn to. In some cases, your primary care physician or another provider may send you to see a psychiatrist.
Recommended Reading: What To Do If Your Suffering From Depression
What Your Physician Looks For
Your primary care physician can evaluate your physical health to help you understand your symptoms. Theres no lab test to diagnose depression, but physical exams and blood tests can help your doctor better understand whats causing your symptoms.
Your doctor will likely want to do several tests to rules out other causes of depressive feelings, such as:
- Hormonal changes
- Thyroid conditions
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
To treat your depression, your doctor may prescribe you medications to help or refer you to a licensed mental health professional, like a therapist, for more in-depth evaluation and treatment.
When Youre Having Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidalthoughts are often a clear sign of severe emotional distress.
Infact, theres a wide range of mental health conditions that can cause suicidalideation. Some of the most frequent ones are depression, chronic stress, and PTSD.
Butpeople can contemplate suicide for all kinds of reasons. In other words, suicidalthoughts are not tied to a specific set of conditions.
Thereare times when we think about suicide without having an apparent reason. Ortimes when life is so harsh that ending your life seems like the only option toescape.
Whatyou need to remember is that suicidal thoughts are a clear sign that you shouldsee a psychiatrist or psychologist ASAP.
Don’t Miss: Depression In Middle Aged Males
What Is Depression Then
Depression is an illness, much like fever, cough and flu, except that depression is much worse, much more disabling and much more chronic: think stroke, heart attack and renal dialysis.
Although experts do not have a definite answer yet, most of us would agree that depression is an end result of many different physical, mental and biological stresses coming together.
What we do know is that it is a REAL illness with physical deterioration, hormonal changes2 and shrinkage in the brain3.
So asking someone to snap out of depression is certainly going to work as well as asking someone to snap out of his fever, for example.
You Have Trouble Sleeping
Everyone has trouble sleeping from time-to-time, but if this becomes a chronic problem for you then you could experience a variety of other mental stressors and challenges. Good sleep helps you think clearly and make decisions. You can handle emotions better when you are well-rested. Seeing a psychiatrist may help you get to the root of your sleep problems, whether they are caused by mental strain or chemical imbalances.
You May Like: Is There Such A Thing As Mild Depression
Getting An Appointment With A Psychiatrist
You’ll usually need a referral from your GP or another doctor to see a psychiatrist on the NHS.
Your GP may refer you directly to a psychiatrist or to a member of a local mental health team, who can assess your needs and help determine if you need to see a psychiatrist or a different mental health professional.
You can also see a psychiatrist privately, although most private psychiatrists prefer a referral from your GP. Your GP may be able to recommend psychiatrists in your area. You can also try contacting a psychiatric clinic directly or using online psychiatry services.
You’ll see a psychiatrist who specialises in the area of psychiatry most relevant to your situation. The main areas of expertise include:
- childhood and adolescent psychiatry
- psychotherapy
You can check the details of a psychiatrist, including their area of speciality, by looking on the medical register, a directory of all practising doctors in the UK.
If they have the letters MRCPsych or FRCPsych after their name, they’re a current member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists .
What Do Psychiatrists Do
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who evaluate, diagnose, and treat people living with mental health disorders that range in severity from mild and temporary to severe and chronic. Psychiatrists can also:
- Provide urgent care for a sudden mental illness
- Help you manage long-term mental health conditions
- Provide second opinions and advice to other doctors and health professionals
- Refer you to other health professionals
- Admit you to the hospital when necessary
Read Also: Bible Verses For Loneliness And Depression
When Youre Having Trouble Planning Your Next Move
Onmany occasions, people opt to consult a mental health professional becausetheyre having trouble planning their future.
Whetherits because theyre bogged down by negative thinking or too anxious to takerisks, some people request counseling services because they feel unsure about thenext move.
Thisis one of those circumstances where a psychologist can provide a lot more helpthan a psychiatrist. If, by any chance, you arrive at the office of apsychiatrist, he/she will most likely direct you to a counselor orpsychologist.
Whenit comes to personal development goals, counseling or psychotherapy are anexcellent opportunity to gain clarity and direction.
Ifyoure having trouble planning your future, consult a psychologist who can helpyou figure out things.
How Can I Find A Psychiatrist
Ask your doctor or therapist for a referral or check your community mental health facility. You could also look online or in your community for psychiatrists based on their specialties and areas of focus. This means doing your research and asking questions about your particular circumstances so you can find a good match.
Don’t Miss: How To Help Your Significant Other With Depression
Cause And Effect There Can Be Other Underlying Conditions Causing Your Depression
Psychiatrists are always very aware that other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, or a neurodevelopmental condition like ADHD, can occur along with depression, or actually cause that depression. Occasionally physical health conditions such as hormone abnormalities can also cause depression. It is their breadth of understanding of mental illness that makes the involvement of a psychiatrist in diagnosing a mental health condition so important.
It is also important to think about mental health in terms of physical health and physical illness. There isnt really any separation between the mind and the body, and recognising what is called co-morbidity is central to our role. Psychiatrists are medical doctors. We make medical diagnoses, taking all physical and mental factors as a whole. Picking up the physical symptoms and having the breadth of medical knowledge that comes with being trained in medicine, is sometimes about recognising what doesnt fit in with a familiar pattern and exploring it.
Depression can sometimes affect people who also have periods of abnormally elevated mood as part of bipolar affective disorder. It is important to let your psychiatrist or GP know if you have experienced mood elevation as well as depression because it may mean some treatments are more likely to be helpful for you than others.
You Struggle To Maintain Relationships
Your friends and family are your support system through anything you need to overcome. They can identify warning signs that you show and step in to help. However, if you are distancing yourself from these relationships and acting in ways that make it difficult for people to remain close with you, it may be time to get professional help.
Don’t Miss: Major Depressive Disorder Dsm 5
Look For Psychiatrists Based On Their Specialties And Areas Of Focus
When looking for a psychiatrist, its important to find one specializing in the diagnosis or concern youre seeking help for.
It may also be important to you to find a psychiatrist who has worked with other people with a similar background to yours or who is easy to talk with about your perspectives.
Your Keep Making Rash Decisions
If you arent thinking clearly, then you may start to make rash decisions that have real consequences for your life. For example, you may quit your job unexpectedly or block a few close friends over a small disagreement. People who make rash decisions may also move a relationship forward with a significant other faster than they otherwise would. You may find yourself engaged or moving in with someone within the first few months of dating. A psychiatrist can help you identify negative obstacles that impact your mental state and lifestyle.
Also Check: Can I Get Over Depression On My Own
You’re Eating More Than Usual
Depression leaves you withdrawn and checked out, and that can manifest as a loss of appetite. “If your brain is preoccupied with negative thoughts, you may forget to eat or lose interest in cooking or preparing meals,” says Yvonne Thomas, PhD, Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in depression and self-esteem. On the other hand, sometimes the disease kicks in the opposite effect, making you hungry and driving you to overeat. “The mix of emotions that tend to accompany depressionsadness, pessimism about the future, and low self-esteemcan compel you to try to soothe your feelings with food binges,” says Thomas.
You Lose Interest In Things That Bring You Joy
Some people make rash decisions when they cant think clearly other people pull away from what they love. This could include ignoring friends and family, or it could mean giving up hobbies and other things that bring you joy. Examples include no longer wanting to go running, giving up on your art, and losing focus on books or movies. You may feel restless when doing these things or avoid doing them altogether.
Also Check: How To Help Your Daughter With Depression
Tell Tale Signs That Its The Time To See A Psychiatrist
July 30, 2014 by Dr. Carlo
Have you ever thought about seeing a psychiatrist? It is difficult for the general public to know what situations need a psychiatrist. To review, psychiatrists are physicians who treat mental illness , utilizing medication treatment, psychotherapy, and psychosocial interventions. Mental health, on the other hand, is addressed by psychologists and social workers. People with mental health issues, like loss of a loved one, do not necessarily need a psychiatrist, as psychiatrists deal with mental illness, like schizophrenia. The following are 11 tell tale signs that its time to see a psychiatrist.
Treatment: When To Seek Professional Help And Where To Find Help For Major Depression
When to Seek Professional Help
Everyone feels low and depressed every now and then. How then, are you supposed to know when your depressive symptoms have reached a point when professional help would be a good idea? Here’s a good rule of thumb: If your depressed mood lasts for more than two weeks, or is seriously interfering with your ability to function at work, with your family, and in your social life, or is causing you to contemplate or plan to commit suicide, it would be a very good idea for you to consult with a mental health professional as soon as possible.
This advice to seek out professional help counts double with regard to any suicidal symptoms you may be experiencing. If you find yourself thinking seriously about suicide, please make an appointment with a mental health doctor as soon as you can.
If you are feeling acutely suicidal that you will end up committing suicide within hours or days unless you receive some relief, then bypass the advice about making an appointment with a doctor just take yourself immediately to your local hospital emergency room and tell them there that you are feeling suicidal. In such a case, there is no time to waste with appointments.
Where To Find Help
- Mental health specialists, including:
Read Also: Major Depressive Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder
What Is A Clinical Depression Test
A test for clinical depression helps provide a better understanding of the scope and impact of your depressed mood. The test includes a scale on which to grade various depression symptoms. Your provider will determine your total score, and the total score combined with a clinical interview determines your diagnosis.
Health Benefits Of Seeing A Psychiatrist For Depression
Depression affects over 18 million people in the US alone. This severe mental illness doesnt just cause feelings of sadness and self-loathing either. Depression can lead to fatigue, suicidal actions, and other serious symptoms that can adversely impact your health and quality of life. While it can occur in people of all ages, individuals aged 40 to 49 are at the greatest risk. Unfortunately, about 80 percent of people with depression are not being treated for it.
Also Check: Taking Antidepressants But Still Depressed