Do you remember that scene in Dear Zindagi where Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh are having a therapy session while walking on the beach and she tells him ‘ Now that we are outdoors, everyone will openly know that i am a mad person’ and he responds ‘who are these invisible people who follow you everywhere and will declare you crazy?’ Mental health concerns have long been a taboo subject in India. Many people still hesitate to seek help due to the fear of being labelled “mad” or “crazy.” This stigma can prevent individuals from getting the support they need, leading to prolonged suffering and worsening conditions.
But the tide is slowly changing. Psychiatrists and psychologists play a big role in this change. While they are similar sounding names, psychiatrists are different from psychologists. Let’s understand the top 5 things to know before you look for a psychiatrist near you.
1. Who are psychiatrists and what do they do?
To put it simply, psychiatrists are doctors specialising in mental health. They belong to the medical field where they pursue their MD in psychiatry after completing their MBBS (Bachelor of medicine and surgery). Psychiatrists evaluate patients to identify mental health conditions, diagnose and treat them. They are also able to prescribe medicines and provide talk therapy, offering immediate care during mental health emergencies. Psychiatrists offer expertise in both psychology and medicine and provide comprehensive mental health care to support and improve their patients’ well-being.
2. Know the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health and can prescribe medication to treat mental illnesses. They typically have a medical degree (MBBS or MD) and specialise in psychiatry during their postgraduate training. On the other hand, psychologists have master’s or advanced degrees in psychology (such as MA, MSc, or PhD) and specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health issues through psychotherapy and counselling. While psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they often work in collaboration with psychiatrists to provide quality care. In summary, psychiatrists focus on both medication management and therapy, while psychologists primarily provide psychotherapy and counselling services.
3. When should you consider seeing a psychiatrist?
Now that we know what psychiatrists do and the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, we can learn about the tell-tale signs of seeing a psychiatrist.
If you are experiencing symptoms that persist for an extended period (more than a few weeks) and interfere with your daily life, it might be time to see a psychiatrist.
These symptoms can include:
Prolonged Sadness or Depression :
If you’re feeling down, hopeless, or uninterested in activities you used to enjoy and things dont seem to get better, then it may be more than just a phase.
Anxiety :
If you find yourself worrying excessively, having panic attacks or constantly catastrophizing things, you may have anxiety and a psychiatrist can help with that
Mood Swings :
Extreme mood changes, such as intense highs (mania) and lows (depression) for a long period of time can point to a deeper problem that may require professional assistance.
Sleep Problems and change in appetite:
Sleeping too much or insomnia and significant weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting might be indications that you need help.
Impact on daily life :
Difficulties managing daily responsibilities, such as work or school problems, social withdrawal, or neglecting self-care, also indicate the need for professional help.
Suicidal thoughts or self harm:
Immediate attention is required for harmful thoughts or behaviors, including thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Substance Abuse :
If you find yourself using substances excessively as a coping mechanism, seeing a psychiatrist can help address both the addiction and the underlying mental health issues.
Genetic or pre-existing mental health concerns :
If you or your family have a history of mental health issues such as clinical depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and notice an onset or worsening of symptoms, it’s important to seek help.
Additionally, recommendations from your primary care doctor or another healthcare provider can guide you towards seeking specialised mental health treatment.
4. How to choose the right psychiatrist for your needs?
- Understand your needs : Knowing your specific challenge, such as depression, anxiety, or addiction helps narrow down your search for the right psychiatrist. For example, if you had a heart condition – you would probably visit a cardiologist right? Similarly there are several psychiatry specialisation such as child psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry and addiction psychiatry.
- Qualification and experience : Ensure that the psychiatrist you’re seeking has the right credentials and is certified by regulatory authority. Consider how many years they have been practicing and their experience with your specific condition.
- Review and referrals : A simple google search might help you find a good psychiatrist near you. There are also other sites such as Practo, Just Dial, Lybrate and Clinic Spots where you can read up on the services they offer, their consultation fees as well as the reviews from their existing and past patients to help you make an informed decision. Look for comments about their professionalism, approachability, and effectiveness. Personal recommendations from your primary care doctor, friends, or family can be really helpful. Usually psychologists also have good referrals for psychiatrists.
- Accessibility and convenience : A psychiatrist closer to your home and who has flexible timings so that you can manage your daily schedule might be convenient for you. If there may be some barriers in you visiting a psychiatrist in person, you can book an online consultation. Many psychiatrists have appointments open online and there’s a growing trend of psychiatrists providing services in more accessible ways, such as through telemedicine.This makes it easier for people in remote areas to get the help they need.
Finding the right psychiatrist might take some time, but it’s worth the effort. A good psychiatrist fit can ensure that you feel comfortable, understood, and supported, which is essential for effective treatment in the long run. Our mental health is worth investing in!