Do I Need to See a Psychologist?
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Do I Need to See a Psychologist?

Deciding whether to see a psychologist can be a significant step for many individuals facing mental health challenges. Psychological therapy offers numerous benefits for a variety of mental health issues. This article explores the signs and situations that may indicate the need to see a psychologist, supported by scientific research.



Recognising the Need for Psychological Help
  • Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Despair: If feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair persist over a long period, it may be a sign of depression. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies persistent sadness as one of the primary symptoms of depression, warranting professional help (WHO, 2017).
  • Excessive Worry, Anxiety, or Fear: Excessive and persistent anxiety can be a symptom of an anxiety disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), if anxiety significantly interferes with daily life, seeking professional help is advisable (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
  • Traumatic Experiences: Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other stress-related issues. Professional help is often crucial for trauma processing and recovery (Bisson et al., 2015).
  • Substance Abuse: Using substances as a coping mechanism for emotional distress can indicate underlying mental health issues. Substance abuse frequently co-occurs with mental health disorders and should be addressed with professional support (Grant et al., 2004).
  • Difficulty Coping with Daily Life: Struggling with daily routines, work, or relationships due to emotional or mental health issues is a clear sign that one may benefit from seeing a psychologist (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2018).
  • Changes in Eating or Sleeping Habits: Significant changes in appetite, weight, or sleep patterns can be indicators of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety (Harvard Medical School, 2019).


    • Benefits of Seeing a Psychologist
  • Professional Diagnosis and Treatment: Psychologists can provide accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans based on individual needs (APA, 2012).
  • Coping Strategies and Skills: Therapy can equip individuals with effective coping strategies and skills to manage mental health issues (Hofmann et al., 2012).
  • Support and Guidance: Psychologists offer a supportive environment to explore and address emotional and psychological challenges (Norcross and Lambert, 2018).
  • Improvement in Overall Well-being: Engaging in therapy can lead to significant improvements in overall mental health and quality of life (Cuijpers et al., 2014).


    • Conclusion

    Recognising the need for psychological help is a vital step towards improving one's mental health and well-being. Persistent emotional distress, significant life changes, or difficulty coping with daily life are key indicators that one might benefit from seeing a psychologist. Professional help can provide the necessary support, treatment, and coping strategies for various mental health conditions.



    References
    • World Health Organization. (2017). Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. WHO.
    • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
    • Bisson, J. I., et al. (2015). Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
    • Grant, B. F., et al. (2004). Prevalence, correlates, and comorbidity of bipolar I disorder and axis I and II disorders: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 65(Suppl 7), 5-15.
    • Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2018). When to seek help for your mental health.
    • Harvard Medical School. (2019). Sleep and mental health.
    • American Psychological Association (APA). (2012). Recognition of psychotherapy effectiveness. Psychotherapy, 49(1), 102.
    • Hofmann, S. G., et al. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
    • Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (2018). Psychotherapy relationships that work III. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 303.
    • Cuijpers, P., et al. (2014). The efficacy of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in treating depressive and anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of direct comparisons. World Psychiatry, 13(2), 137-148.
    How to get in touch

    If you or your patient/NDIS clients need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1300 225 637 - .

    Calm
    • Business Name
    • Calm 'n' Caring Psychology
    • Business Category
    • Psychologists
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