11 alarm bells after which you should see a psychiatrist. Check yourself against the list

The mere mention of a psychiatrist evokes in many people a reaction along the lines of “I’m not sick!”. In general, there is now a bias towards romanticizing mental disorders and the “fashion” for them. In this case, proper diagnosis is important, so as not to fix what is not broken. Prepared in this case a checklist of alarming signs that may indicate the need for specialist consultation.

psychiatrist, lecturer at the Department of the NWSMU named after I. I. Mechnikov

Sometimes we see from the outside how a person’s life is going down the drain, but until he himself does not recognize the problem, force will not help.

A state of sadness, helplessness and longing.

On the one hand, these are normal emotions that a person has the right to experience in different life situations (moving or changing jobs, divorce, illness of a loved one, fatigue). But if this state persists for more than a week, you should be wary. This may indicate some disorders, such as depression. Diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment is already carried out by a doctor – psychiatrist, psychotherapist in person.

Everything hurts – nothing helps

Often masked depression is hidden behind a psychosomatic disorder with a leading pain syndrome. That is, it seems to hurt everywhere, but numerous trips to doctors, examinations and expensive tests do not give results. When there is no diagnosis, but there is anxiety – it is worth seeing a psychotherapist. Perhaps this is how the body reacts to emotional stress on the principle of “where the thin, there and tears”.

Mood swings

If there are episodes of unhealthy hyperactivity, little sleep (two to three hours a day) and night awakenings, the appearance of lethargy, recklessness in actions (drugs, alcohol, casual sex, loans), changes in appetite (both malnutrition and overeating), outbursts of irritation and aggression – it is definitely worth going to see a psychiatrist.

Abrupt changes in behavior

Active, proactive, the soul of the company – and suddenly “as if replaced”: became religious, unsociable, often stays at home, closes in himself, abruptly changed interests. This is cause for alarm. Such sudden changes in personality without apparent external causes may be the first symptoms of schizophrenia.

Self-harm

Self-harm is self-harming behavior, ranging from cutting, scratching, beating oneself to knowingly dangerous actions (refusing to eat for long periods of time, using toxins, high doses of psychoactive substances and extremely dangerous sports). All of these are reasons to ask yourself questions: “How am I feeling?”, “What is happening to me before and after these actions?”. And consult a specialist.

Anxiety, fear, panic

In general, we need anxiety. It allows us to be attentive, for example, crossing the road, and not to commit reckless actions. But if anxiety and fear begin to take over you, control the actions of a person and reduce the quality of life, you should not let it go.

Addictions

Chemical addictions (to alcohol, drugs) are dealt with by addiction psychiatrists. But in the treatment of non-chemical addictions (gambling addiction, gambling, shopaholism) will help doctors-psychiatrists, psychotherapists and psychologists.

A certain addiction can also be within the framework of compulsion. If there is a skew, an imbalance between work-personal, life-creativity, friends, self-realization-health (physical and mental) in the direction of addiction (a person literally serves his passion, giving all of himself) – this is a sign. It’s time for an appointment.

Pedantry, perfectionism, epileptoidism

The best, as they say, is the enemy of the good. There is a thin line from a successful, clean, correct person to a maniac, double-checking everything a hundred times a day, bringing to the breakdown of others, partner and loved ones.

This occurs in obsessive-compulsive disorder. A person may not notice how much neuropsychic forces, nerves, time is wasted. Such people are often silently angry, and then for no apparent reason can snap (Bree Van de Kamp from the TV series “Desperate Housewives” is a good example of this).

Hormonal changes

Puberty, postpartum, medications, menopause, endocrine pathology – all of these affect our psycho-emotional state. Some drugs, such as antibiotics or antimicrobials, can disrupt the neurochemical balance of “happy hormones”. In this case, a psychiatrist may need to be consulted to correct the symptoms.

Suicidal thoughts, hallucinations and delusions

In psychiatry, there are a number of conditions in which a person’s critical thinking may be impaired: there are no complaints, but the state of pathology and illness is. We are talking about suicidal thoughts and intentions – dangerous actions in a state of pathological affect, inadequate behavior. Such behavior is socially dangerous, it can be seen from afar. The person needs help.

What does it mean? If your acquaintance began to see the dead, talk to animals (hallucinations), believe that the neighbor steals butter from the refrigerator (delusions of stealing, ideas of humiliation), himself shows aggression, irritation, begins to collect junk in the house – you need a psychiatrist’s consultation.

A frequent cause of this condition is a brain disease. It is important that sugar, blood pressure, and hormones are compensated, because when blood circulation is disturbed and psychiatric symptoms are aggravated. A psychiatrist can be called at home through a neuropsychiatric dispensary.

Midlife crisis, life and death issues

In life we pass through different crisis stages: growing up and departure from the parental nest, issues of professional definition and realization, moments of creating relationships, family, where there is still its own string of cycles and periods. But if at some point questions about the meaning of life you literally enslaved, it is worth to turn to a doctor-psychotherapist as a guide. Someone who can help you understand your own self, prioritize your goals and values.

Do not be afraid to turn to a therapist. There is nothing shameful or wrong about it. The ability to take care of your health, including mental health, is worthy of respect.