12 Signs You Need To Consult A Psychiatrist

The term “mental health” unfortunately has a stigma associated with it, and is scary to most people. Mental illnesses are very common today. Many people need to consult a psychiatrist, but few recognize their needs and look for treatment. Recent research data finds that an estimated 20% of the world population today suffers from some kind of mental disorder like bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression.

Most people don’t seek treatment for depression. There are various causes behind mental health issues such as chemical imbalances and stress. A proper psychiatric evaluation can help identify the problem, its causes, and the various treatment options that you need to rectify it. Science has made great new strides in the field of psychology and has brought better treatment options that could benefit everybody.

Many people with mental health issues refrain from seeking help out of embarrassment or not are quite sure about who to see. It is important to be able to find out and recognize when someone might need help. There are a number of signs that indicate a need for help.  You may want to consult a psychiatrist to determine a treatment plan and you may have to undergo therapy a number of times to be fully cured.

12 Signs You Need to Consult a Psychiatrist
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that I only work with companies and individuals that I trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.
12 Signs You Need to Consult a Psychiatrist

Inability to Control Emotions

People have moments or times when they are angry, sad, or irritated, and these are normal emotions to have these feelings in life. However, past cases find that they need to visit the Best Psychiatry Hospital or consult a psychiatrist to reap its benefits, if and when someone has excessive emotions that they find unable to get under control. A new triggering situation can be prevented by learning to effectively manage emotions.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

A lot can be said about a person’s mental health from their sleep quality and sleep time. People with mental health issues find themselves having trouble sleeping. They may wake up too many times throughout the night, feel trouble falling asleep or wake up too early. People with such issues do not often get the restorative sleep they need as they tend to spend less time in deep stages of sleep. A lack of proper sleep can make it difficult to cope with mental illness symptoms. Therefore, this results in the development of a constant negative feedback loop. Consult a psychiatrist at any time if you need help so you can be back to full health soon.

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Substance Abuse

People with mental health issues often turn to drugs and alcohol addiction to help cope with their illness. It is a red flag if someone needs it on a regular basis and does not find themselves happy without the help of drugs or alcohol, irrespective of whether it is to deal with stress or help relax. This also results in addiction issues. Start therapy immediately and get treatment for depression if you are battling substance addiction so you can be back to full health soon.

 Changes in school or work performance

Another sign that spells out the need for a psychiatric test is if an adolescent is suddenly missing class frequently or struggling academically. This is also true for people (adults) who may begin to find it difficult to concentrate on work tasks or begin to miss deadlines many times. Consult a psychiatrist if you are encountering these symptoms.

Withdrawal from social situations

People suffering from excessive anxiety, grief, or severe depression may want to avoid social situations. This could be due to difficulties they feel and face in relating to others or the inability to control emotions. If you experience these kinds of symptoms you need to consult a psychiatrist and get yourself diagnosed.

Mood changes are a significant part of any illness dealing with psychology. They may include borderline personality disorders and other medical problems. Psychotherapy is the main way to deal with and treat mental disorders like personality disorders.

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Unexplained Physical Illnesses

Physical and mental health and illness are very closely related. Seeking help from a therapist or a psychiatrist after you find them is vital if you find yourself having recurring physical ailments without a specific cause. Symptoms typically include headaches, vague aches, and stomach pains. Therapists can slowly help you overcome these problems with the help of therapy.

Excessive Worry, Sadness, or Anxiety

Consult a psychiatrist or a therapist if you feel worried constantly or feel an excess of grief. It is also very crucial to get help when someone has suicidal thoughts. A lot of people today find the processing of new grief due to the loss of someone they love difficult. A therapist knows the psychology behind grief and will be able to help cope with the loss of someone you love through therapy. You need to search and consult a psychiatrist if you are struggling with grief today.

Temper Tantrums or Frequent Nightmares

If you find your child or a person having frequent nightmares or being unable to control tempers on a regular basis, it may be a telltale sign to consult a psychiatrist. Younger children often act emotions out behaviorally because talking about emotions is difficult for them. Bullying by friends at school could be a reason for this. If left untreated, this could result in personality disorders later in life. Have your children see a therapist or psychology doctor at the closest psychology center. You could find and have their school counselor or the Best Psychiatrist give them therapy, and get them properly diagnosed if they are exhibiting these signs today.

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Relationships and family issues

Whether family, personal or work-related, relationships have their ups and downs. While relationships can be some of life’s best things, they can also be a source of problems and stress in life. An unfulfilling sex life /love life, a loss at work, irreconcilable differences, and other issues play a role here. Today, family therapy and couples therapy are known to help in these situations and get back to normal. Talking to a psychiatrist after you find them, whether in a group therapy setting or individual therapy, can help you get diagnosed and resolve issues that may form even in the strongest relationships in life. There is no shame in opening up to a doctor for psychiatric treatment today if you are a victim of sex violence or lead an unfulfilling sex life.

Irrational fears

Irrational fears can involve a lot of things, including the fear that someone is watching you or following you. It also includes the extreme fear of situations (eg – social situations, flying, etc.) and objects (eg- spiders, dogs, etc.). These fears can also become obsessive in nature, leading to feeling intrusive and persistent thoughts that create significant anxiety. Irrational fears almost always lead to extreme or irrational behavior. They can make a normal functioning life almost impossible and result in emotional paralysis. If you are experiencing irrational fears or any of the signs, consult a psychiatrist to talk to and start therapy today. Soon you can be back to full health.

Past or Recent Trauma

Trauma is life-changing and can take a very serious toll on your psyche. You will find unwanted images and memories are often branded into your brain that seemingly unrelated things can trigger. Flashbacks, nightmares, disturbing images, feeling severe anxiety, and deeply painful emotions are just a few of the ways feeling trauma can make life very challenging. Therapy is known to help in these situations and get back to normal.

Common types of trauma include being assaulted, almost dying in an accident, witnessing something graphically tragic, an abusive family life being in combat, surviving a horrific natural disaster, or being sexually or physically abused as an adult or child. This can result in tendencies of self-harm and substance addiction. Consult a psychiatrist or therapist for help immediately if you are having trouble processing grief and trauma, or if the signs above show up today.

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Troubled Relationship with Food and Eating

Often combined with a distorted body image that is triggered by comments of friends and peers, this can be one of the signs of an eating disorder. Eating disorders can cause a whole world of problems for you. Not only do they unnecessarily consume a lot of your time and energy, but they can also fatally affect your health. Talking to a therapist will help you get back on your feet and benefit you in many ways.


Find the right help

The list above covers a broad range of signs of potential mental disorders today. Other things that should be considered seriously include unusual perceptual experiences, a long pattern of relationship difficulties, abusive behavior, low self-esteem, and problems in processing grief. While talking to friends and family is always encouraged, only a specialist in psychology will get you and be able to tell you what to do. There is no shame in seeking treatment from a professional about unfulfilled sex life or being a victim of sex assault. Speak up, find a therapist, and start therapy today. Soon you can be back to full health.

Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out

In recent times, there has been a lot of new development in the realm of mental health treatment. Science has made the accessibility of new treatment more affordable and faster. Find a local therapist today and build a therapy relationship that is communicative, open, and prosperous. Therapy is all about optimizing your mental health and helping you live life better. Think of therapy as a self-help science activity that will do wonders for your personality and make you ready to take on the world better and faster. Under therapist supervision, you will be able to get diagnosed for all sorts of psychological disorders.

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Conclusion

Science and research data says the center of the problem behind many psychological illnesses lies in not being able to talk to one’s friends and family. Search and find therapy for every budget on this list. Talk to your family and friends and ask for help. New research tells us that personality can shift in response to therapy. Simply being able to get their problems out in open helps many people improve their mental clarity and improve their personality. A therapist can help you get the most out of life. Find the best psychiatric help center in your area, and consult with the best psychiatrists for depression treatment options.


Author Bio

Martin is a Content Writer and loves to blog about health-related articles particularly about health care. He enjoys learning and He specializes in guest blogging, blog publishing, and social media. He is an avid reader and loves writing impeccable content pertaining to health care.

Everything You Need to Know About Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is a common mood disorder that affects up to 15% of new mothers.

Postpartum anxiety is just as common, if not more so, than postpartum depression.  It’s seldom discussed and when it is, it’s usually grouped together with postpartum depression as if they’re a package deal.  The truth is, women can get BOTH postpartum depression AND anxiety or they can get one of the two. 

Here’s what all moms need to know about postpartum anxiety.
A New Mom's Guide to Postpartum Anxiety
*This post contains affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust. Furthermore, I am not a medical professional and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. I am simply a mother who has been there and lived to tell the tale.

A New Mom's Guide to Postpartum Anxiety A New Mom's Guide to Postpartum Anxiety

Everything You Need to Know About Postpartum Anxiety
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What is Anxiety?

Basically speaking, anxiety causes a person to worry.  Anxiety, in itself, is a common and natural human reaction.  It’s our body’s instinctive way of protecting us from a possible threat.  For new and expectant mothers, anxiety is almost expected, and seems to be part of the maternal instinct.  We need to worry about our newborn babies in order for them to survive. 

An anxiety disorder, however, is different.  It’s when you lose your natural ability to stop worrying when the threat has passed.  Postpartum anxiety is what it’s called when a women develops an anxiety disorder following the birth of her baby.  Women can also suffer from prenatal anxiety during pregnancy.  A postpartum anxiety disorder can cause a mother to worry so much that it disrupts her life and affects her health and well being. 

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)

    • Constant worrying
    • Racing thoughts
    • Intrusive thoughts
    • Paranoia (always feeling like something bad is going to happen)
    • Loss of appetite
    • Insomnia
    • Hyperventilating
    • Perfectionism
    • Needing to be in control of everything
    • Physical manifestations including nausea, excessive sweating, shaking or trembling, heart palpitations or fatigue

While the symptoms themselves might not seem overly concerning, living with postpartum anxiety can be extremely debilitating.  A mother who suffers from postpartum anxiety may suffer from extreme sleep deprivation if she stays up all night worrying or watching her baby breathe.  She might start to avoid leaving the house or socializing with friends.  The constant worrying, paranoia and intrusive thoughts can take a severe toll on her mental and physical health.

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Symptoms of Postpartum OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

    • Compulsive and repetitive behavior
    • Scary and intrusive thoughts
    • Going to extreme lengths to avoid bad thoughts from becoming reality
    • Becoming obsessed about things like germs, illnesses, death, accidents, etc.
    • Extreme fearfulness 

Postpartum OCD is a form of anxiety that manifests as compulsive behavior.  It’s similar to other forms of OCD, just in this case, the worries relate to a new baby.  For example, a mother suffering from postpartum OCD may clean, wash or sanitize everything obsessively for fear of the baby getting sick.  Intrusive thoughts are very common in a mother with postpartum OCD and she may rearrange her entire life in order to avoid bad things from happening, even if they seem like a long shot. 

Symptoms of Postpartum Panic Disorder

    • Profuse sweating
    • Feeling light-headed or dizzy
    • Nausea
    • Chest Pain*
    • Racing heart beat
    • Uncontrollable shaking or trembling
    • Chills or hot flashes
    • Numbness or tingling in hands, feet or face
    • Claustrophobia
    • Hyperventilating or shortness of breath

*always seek medical care if you are experiencing any kind of chest pain.

A panic attack can feel so bad that it’s often mistaken for a heart attack.  It’s important to rule that out, especially if it’s your first panic attack.  But if you become prone to panic attacks in the postpartum period, then it’s likely you suffer from a postpartum panic disorder.  This is a more intense form of anxiety that can have several effects on a new mother’s life.  It can often happen when a mother’s fears become severe and she feels like she has no control over what’s happening. 

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Are My Worries Postpartum Anxiety?

First of all, having a baby is terrifying.  There is a lot worth worrying about.  Starting from the moment of conception, you will likely worry about your child their entire lives.  So how do you know if your worries are truly postpartum anxiety or just the normal worries that come along with motherhood?

This best way to answer this question is by determining how much your worrying is affecting your life. 
    • Do you avoid leaving the house because you’re worried about your baby getting sick? 
    • Do you lose sleep worrying if your baby is breathing? 
    • Do you avoid driving because you fear getting into an accident with baby?
    • Is your relationship suffering because you don’t trust your partner with the baby?
    • Do you panic when you can’t control absolutely everything?
    • Are you losing weight from worrying so much?

If your entire way of life has changed in order to accommodate your worries, then it could be a sign of a postpartum anxiety disorder.  It’s best to keep a journal or workbook to keep track of your worries.  Seeing it on paper can help you identify if they’re getting out of control. Even if you’re not sure, speak to your healthcare professional about your worries.  If nothing else, they may be able to provide you with some solutions to help ease your anxiety. 

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Postpartum Anxiety Treatment Options

In the same way that mothers can suffer from both postpartum depression and anxiety, they can also suffer from either one to all three forms of postpartum anxiety.  Often, if a general anxiety disorder is not treated in the early stages, it can progressively become worse and worse.  That’s why treatment is essential.

Some popular treatment options include:

There are many treatments available for anxiety, including alternative and natural treatments.  You may not find success until you’ve tried several different ones, or a combination of them.  Even if you have established a proper treatment plan for your postpartum anxiety disorder, you should never ignore it.  Anxiety, like most mental health disorders, is something that can easily be triggered again.

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Self Care for Postpartum Anxiety

Living with anxiety can cause a lot of stress and even lead to bouts of depression or other mental illnesses.  Practicing self care is extremely important to avoid triggers and relapses.  But keep in mind that self care alone may not be enough to eliminate your symptoms.  Instead, it should be used in combination with an anxiety treatment plan.

Remember to:
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Postpartum Anxiety + Addiction

Just as there are good ways to manage symptoms of anxiety, there are also destructive ways.  Drugs or alcohol can  numb the pain and help you forget your worries, but they only offer temporary relief and do more harm in the long run.  Addiction is something that many people with anxiety struggle with, especially those with OCD, as addiction is a type of compulsive behavior.  For more information and addiction resources, visit Addictions.com/anxiety-disorders.

Talking About Postpartum Anxiety

Anxiety, in general, is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world.  While postpartum anxiety isn’t talked about as often as postpartum depression, that doesn’t mean it isn’t as important or as dangerous to mom and baby’s health. 

If you’re suffering from symptoms of postpartum anxiety, including OCD or a panic disorder, make sure to seek help from a qualified professional and establish a treatment plan.  Speak up about it with other moms too, and I promise you’ll find that you’re not alone.  (If you’re interested in sharing your postpartum anxiety story with us, click here for more info).

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Printable Infographic Chart
Get this printable chart on Etsy!

Additional Resources:

Healthline | What You Need to Know About Postpartum Anxiety

What to Expect | Postpartum Anxiety

Verywell | Do You Have the Symptoms of Postpartum OCD?

PostpartumDepression.org | Postpartum Panic Disorders

Postpartum Progress | A Toolkit for Postpartum Anxiety & Panic Disorders

Addiction Center | Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The Tapping Solution App | App to Help You Discover EFT 

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