If you haven’t been feeling like yourself and think you might be depressed, speak with your family doctor or your psychiatrist.
We should be asking about what our symptoms mean, which can be – I am not feeling well, not sleeping properly or broken sleep, having memory issues – difficulty with remembering things, anger problems or mood fluctuations. One should be asking about, if they would need medicines or how long they would need to take medicines.
What questions your Psychiatrist – your Mental Health specialist would ask?
If you consult a psychiatrist – mental health specialist in New Delhi, there are some important questions which he would ask. He would ask how you feel and your symptoms, memory issues, medical condition, medical history, family history. What are the anxiety (nervousness), sleep issues or drug or alcohol problems or in case, of child or adolescent patient, if they have behavioral issues or school related issues? During the session, the more information is provided by you, the more it will help your physician.
By giving you a thorough checkup, your doctor can rule out any other potential causes of your depression symptoms.
Is my conversation with my psychiatrist confidential?
Professionals who deal with mental issues understand that completely and anything you talk about with your psychiatrist, is confidential. Your psychiatrist might suggest involving family members in your assessment, which is completely your choice.
You don’t need to worry about your friends, family or employer finding out about your mental illness.
Write Down All Your Symptoms
Initially, when you have a doubt that you have some problem, just write down all your symptoms you can think of –
- Feelings of sadness or depression
- Not enjoying things like you used to
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Insomnia or sleeping more than usual
- Feeling restless
- Feeling extremely tired
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling worthless
- Feeling helpless
- Feeling guilty
- Having problems thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Thinking frequently about death or suicide
It will help the psychiatrist doctor to suggest a treatment for you.
What Types of Treatments are Available?
There are mainly three options available that a mental illness specialist would possibly advise: Talk therapy (counseling/ psychotherapy), medicines, or both. You can decide which one you want to try first or not.
Will My Illness Seriously Affect Me?
Left untreated, mental health can lead to other physical problems like blood pressure, heart illness, stomach issues like acid reflux, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, Parkinson’s, Dementia (memory loss). But if treated, person can lead happy, healthy life.
When Will I Become Normal?
After evaluation by psychiatrist or mental health doctor, he would assess severity of illness and help project, time frame for return to normal routine.
Which Illness am I suffering from
Your psychiatrist will evaluate after discussion with you and history, about what kind of illness, you are suffering from and what to do to get well soon.
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and psychologist/ therapist/ counselor?
Psychiatrists have specialized training including Medical School (MBBS) and MD in Psychiatry. They have expertise where they treat people using medications along with utilizing psychotherapy for treating mental health problem. While psychologist/ therapist/ counselor, specialize in using talk therapy only, to help you with mental health problem. A combination of the two approaches is often the best way to treat.
Conclusion:
Always ask question/s, from your Psychiatrist or your mental healthcare or illness specialist, available in your NCR area or New Delhi, India.