The mere mention of a psychiatrist evokes a reaction in the spirit of many: “I'm not sick!”. In general, there is now a bias towards the romanticization of mental disorders and the "fashion" for them. In this case, correct diagnosis is important so as not to fix what is not broken. We have prepared a checklist of warning signs for this case, which may indicate the need for a specialist consultation.
The state of sadness, impotence 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, overwork). But if this condition persists for more than a week, you should be wary. This may indicate certain disorders, such as depression. Diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment is already carried out by a doctor - a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist at an internal appointment.
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, and numerous trips to doctors, examinations and expensive tests do not give a result. When there is no diagnosis, but there is anxiety, it is worth contacting a psychotherapist. Perhaps this is how the body reacts to emotional stress according to the principle “where it is thin, it breaks there”.
Mood swings
If there are episodes of unhealthy hyperactivity, a small amount of sleep (two to three hours a day) and nocturnal 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 - you should definitely go for a consultation with a psychiatrist.
Abrupt changes in behavior
Active, enterprising, the soul of the company - and suddenly "as if changed": he became religious, unsociable, often stays at home, withdraws into himself, his interests changed dramatically. This is cause for concern. Such abrupt changes in personality without apparent external causes may be the first symptoms of schizophrenia.
Self harm
Self-harm is self-harmful behavior ranging from cutting, scratching, beating oneself to deliberately dangerous activities (refusing to eat for a long time, using toxins, high doses of psychoactive substances and extremely dangerous sports). All this is a reason to ask yourself questions: “How do I feel?”, “What happens to me before and after these actions?”. And see a specialist.
Anxiety, fear, panic
In general, we need anxiety. It allows you to be careful, for example, when 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.
Dependencies
Psychiatrists-narcologists deal with chemical addictions (from alcohol, drugs). But in the treatment of non-chemical addictions (gambling, gambling, shopaholism), psychiatrists, psychotherapists and psychologists will help.
A certain dependence can also be within the framework of obsession. If there is a bias, an imbalance between work-personal, life-creativity, friends, self-realization-health (physical and mental) in the direction of dependence (a person literally serves his passion, giving everything of himself) - this is a sign. Need to get in.
Pedantry, perfectionism, epilepticism
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, rechecking everything a hundred times a day, leading others, partners and loved ones to a breakdown.
This is the case with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A person may not notice how much neuropsychic strength, nerves, time is wasted. Such people often silently get angry, and then for no apparent reason they can break loose (Brie Van de Kamp from the TV series Desperate Housewives is a good example of this).
Hormonal changes
Puberty, the period after childbirth, medication, menopause, endocrine pathology - all this affects our psycho-emotional state. Some medications, such as antibiotics or antimicrobials, can disrupt the neurochemical balance of “happiness hormones.” In this case, it may be necessary to consult a psychiatrist to correct the symptoms.
Suicidal thoughts, hallucinations and delusions
In psychiatry, there are a number of conditions when a person's critical thinking may be impaired: there are no complaints, but there is a state of pathology and illness. We are talking about suicidal thoughts and intentions - dangerous actions in a state of pathological affect, inappropriate behavior. Such behavior is socially dangerous, it can be seen from afar. The person needs help.
What does it mean? If your friend began to see the dead, talk to animals (hallucinations), believe that a neighbor steals oil from the refrigerator (nonsense of stealing, ideas of humiliation), he himself shows aggression, irritation, begins to collect rubbish in the house - you need a psychiatrist's consultation.
A common cause of this condition is a disease of the brain. It is important that both sugar, and pressure, and hormones are compensated, since if blood circulation is disturbed, psychiatric symptoms become aggravated. A psychiatrist can be called at home through a neuropsychiatric dispensary.
Midlife crisis, life and death
In life, we go through different crisis stages: growing up and leaving the parental nest, issues of professional definition and implementation, moments of creating relationships, families, where there is still a string of cycles and periods. But if at some point questions about the meaning of life literally enslaved you, you should contact a psychotherapist as a guide. The one who will help you understand your own "I", set priorities, goals and values.
Do not be afraid to contact a psychotherapist. There is nothing shameful or wrong in this. The ability to take care of one's health, including mental health, is worthy of respect.