Start with a therapist (psychologist/counselor) for talk therapy if your issues are stress, life changes, or mild-moderate anxiety/depression; they focus on coping skills and underlying issues. See a psychiatrist (a medical doctor) first if you suspect severe symptoms (hallucinations, severe mood swings) needing immediate medication, as they diagnose and prescribe. Many people start with a therapist, who then refers to a psychiatrist if meds are needed, or see both for combined treatment.
Both professionals are equipped to diagnose and treat mental health issues, but their approaches may differ. If you're dealing with severe mental health disorders requiring medication, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depression, a psychiatrist could be a more suitable choice.
Therapy red flags include boundary violations (inappropriate touching, socializing, or discussing their personal life), unethical practices (breaching confidentiality, asking for favors, selling products), and ineffective or harmful approaches (making false promises, being defensive, not listening, judging, or making you feel worse). A good therapist respects professional boundaries, focuses on your needs, maintains confidentiality, and works collaboratively, while red flags signal a misuse of power or lack of competence that can harm the therapeutic process.
These might be reasons for treatment:
It's never too early to go for treatment. Physical symptoms common in anxiety and depression. Not being able to do what you want to do or need to do because of how you feel. Not being able to make life choices you want because of fear.
You might need to see a psychiatrist if: your condition is severe. it has lasted a long time, or continues to come back. other treatment isn't working.
You can only be given medication after an initial 3-month period in either of the following situations: You consent to taking the medication. A SOAD confirms that you lack capacity. You haven't given consent, but a SOAD confirms that this treatment is appropriate to be given.
Five common signs of poor mental health include persistent sadness or extreme mood swings, withdrawing from friends and activities, significant changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating or coping with daily life, and neglecting personal hygiene or having unusual thoughts like paranoia or hallucinations. Recognizing these changes in yourself or others, especially when they're prolonged or interfere with daily functioning, signals a need for support.
You might need therapy if you're experiencing persistent sadness, overwhelming anxiety, changes in sleep/appetite, social withdrawal, or difficulty coping with daily life, work, or relationships, especially if these issues interfere with your functioning and you feel stuck, hopeless, or can't control negative thoughts or behaviors like substance use, and you've noticed significant distress impacting your life for more than a couple of weeks. Therapy offers tools to manage emotions, improve coping, and navigate major life changes or trauma.
Is therapy every 2 weeks enough? While bi-weekly sessions can work for maintenance therapy or mild concerns, weekly sessions are typically recommended when starting therapy or working through significant issues.
The 2-year rule is APA's way of acknowledging that life holds few absolutes; many continua need to be considered. Thus, the Ethics Code includes an absolute prohibition against sex with former clients for a period of two years following termination.
A simple framework to intuitively understand what may constitute a mental illness is the 5Ds. Deviation, Duration, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger.
🚩 (Red Flag) Emoji Meaning and Usage
Download Article. 1. The red flag emoji signifies a “deal-breaker” in a romantic partner. People use the red flag emoji on social media and in texts to highlight a particular behavior or trait that they find off-putting or disturbing.
Trying to “please” your psychiatrist or appear strong can do more harm than good. Admitting embarrassment or fear is far more productive than maintaining a façade of control. “I'm scared to tell you this.” “This feels like too much.”
Five key warning signs of mental illness include significant mood changes (extreme highs/lows, persistent sadness), withdrawal from friends/activities, major changes in sleep or eating habits, difficulty coping with daily problems or stress, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide, alongside other indicators like substance abuse, confusion, or changes in hygiene. These signs often represent a noticeable shift in behavior, functioning, and emotional state that impacts daily life.
Psychiatrists can perform psychotherapy, for example, but many refer that work to psychologists or therapists. Psychologists, on the other hand, typically cannot prescribe medication like a psychiatrist can, as they are not medical doctors. When choosing between a career as a psychologist vs.
Today, we are going to talk about one of the many mental health frameworks out there. This framework is known as the 5 C's of Mental Health, and it is one way of thinking about what it looks like to be mentally well. The 5 C's in question are competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring.
Ten common warning signs of a mental health crisis include extreme mood swings, withdrawal from friends/activities, significant sleep/appetite changes, increased substance use, difficulty concentrating, persistent hopelessness, major hygiene/appearance decline, excessive anxiety or anger, illogical thinking/hallucinations, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide, all indicating a person can't cope with daily life.
You may be experiencing burnout, stress or depression – mental health conditions that can improve with treatment. It's also a good idea to make an appointment with a therapist if you're withdrawing from family and friends or eating or sleeping more or less than usual.
The first stage of a mental breakdown, often starting subtly, involves feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and increasingly anxious or irritable, coupled with difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep/appetite, and withdrawing from activities or people that once brought joy, all stemming from intense stress that becomes too much to handle.
Physical signs of stress
Teas for stress and anxiety relief
The rule is simple: Commit to doing the task for just five minutes. That's it. Once you get over the initial resistance and begin, even if only briefly, something shifts. Momentum builds, anxiety decreases, and your brain transitions from avoidance to engagement.
Many experts will say that if you are working to achieve a positive goal then you should push through the anxiety that comes up as you step outside the comfort zone. The idea being that if you push yourself through the anxiety you will get past it and achieve what you are wanting.