1 in 4 of us develop mental health problems at some point in our life time. It is a serious problem but are we able to recognise and seek appropriate help in a timely manner. Below I have tried to explain, how best to use the resources available on practo.
When to seek help?
Exams, interviews, moving home, etc can make most of us feel anxious but it is normal. Likewise, relationship breakup, loss of job, financial problems, etc can make most of us feel stressed and it is normal too. However when anxiety or stress continues and we are not able to perform our day to day duties, then it is not normal. Moreover we may develop other problems like losing temper quickly, not able to sleep, etc. Also we may feel confused and not be able to think straight. Friends or family may notice change in our behaviour. It is then time to seek professional help.
Why seek professional help?
Persistent stress and anxiety for whatever reason can trigger common problems like panic attacks, phobias and obsessive thoughts or behaviour. If they are not tackled soon, the person can go into depression with or without suicidal thoughts. Hence it is important to consult psychiatrist without delay, so that a correct diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment/support is provided immediately.
How can the professional help?
Any treatment and/or support is dependent on various factors including the nature and severity of the problems. Following a thorough assessment, which may take up to 40 minutes, the psychiatrist will be able to discuss the cause of the problems, the diagnosis of the condition, if any, and the immediate, short and long term treatment plans. The psychiatrist may also discuss the option of referral to other professionals like psychologist, occupational therapist, behaviour therapist, etc.
Will the patient be cured from mental illness?
Most of the common mental health problems can be cured with appropriate treatment and support. However there are some conditions like chronic schizophrenia, where the patient may be asked to take medications for longer periods of time in order to control the symptoms. The condition is similar to Diabetes, where the medications do not cure the disease but help control the blood sugar level and thus prevent complications. In addition, there are some complex conditions like addictions, where improvement will be dependent on the patient's willingness to tackle the problem.