Is it time to get help? Here are signs you need to see a mental health professional.

ᴾʰᵒᵗᵒ ᵉᵈⁱᵗᵉᵈ ⁱⁿ ᶜᵃⁿᵛᵃ

Hi Hive friends! A former co-worker and friend of mine messaged me late at night asking how to know if you need to consult with a psychologist. While I gave her my answer, I think I can further deepen the discussion here 😊 Below you will learn more about the signs to seek help and who to ask for help from. Most importantly, I shared a mental health directory for Filipinos.

In life, we know there is bound to be pain and challenges. But not all people can respond to stressful events by bouncing back, some are overwhelmed and stuck in grief. For instance, the death of a loved one can affect someone momentarily, but reporting in front of the class can cripple them with anxiety. We all have a level of tolerance to stress, however, if you’re pushed to your limits, like a bucket full of water, one single drop can make it overflow, causing you to spiral or burn out.

This can look like the following signs of why people see a mental health professional:

Cat Triviño, chief marketing officer of mental health company MindNation, said that significant changes in behavior, such as extreme angry outbursts or bouts of sadness, withdrawal from friends and other normal activities, no longer paying attention to grooming and/or personal hygiene, confused thinking, inability to concentrate, lapses at work, significant weight gain or loss, loss of appetite or overeating, talks about doing harm to themselves or to others, and suicidal thinking are signs to watch out for (Arnaldo, 2021).

ᴾʰᵒᵗᵒ ᵉᵈⁱᵗᵉᵈ ⁱⁿ ᶜᵃⁿᵛᵃ

That’s why mental health professionals come in to help, to give you extra support. But what if your reason is not among the common signs (aka “I am okay, but I don’t feel okay”) and when is the right time to set an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist? How do you know which one to approach?

My short response: The fact you are questioning whether you need to go is already a valid reason to see a professional.

Something compels you to go, whether curiosity or worry about your mental state, so why not check out what happens? This easygoing perspective removes the negative stigma of seeking help. It’s not out-of-the-box to wonder about consulting with a professional, it’s actually healthy. This is about your well-being, after all. It tells me that you are taking the next step in your healing.

Plus, it’s no different from going to the hospital to get a headache checked – it may feel somewhat minor but the persisting pain caused the hospital visit. It will help you to know the causes of the headache and what you can do, likewise when you visit a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The right time, however, is a bit more personal. I remember my first time consulting with a psychologist resulted from a time of need. It was January 29, 2021 and I was in a dangerous mental state and my emotions were intense after a traumatic memory resurfaced. Essentially, I knew I had to seek help before it was too late and thus, becoming my lifeline. Had someone introduced me to therapy and guided me along the way then I would have gone sooner.

No one has to endure so much psychological trauma before asking for help. So my advice for you is to take action now if you can. As soon as you realize this is an act of self-love, which you deserve and are worthy of, you will feel like it’s the right time.

Who should I approach, a psychologist or psychiatrist?

“The simplest way to differentiate a psychologist from a psychiatrist is that the former uses psychotherapy (talk therapy) as a mode of treatment, while the latter is a medical doctor who treats clinical conditions with prescribed medications,” Arnaldo wrote for Rappler (2021).

In other words, their difference lies in what kind of psychological service you need. Are you the type to feel better when you talk to somebody and listen to their expert advice? Do you need to know whether you have a mental health disorder and assistance with medication? It all depends on your case, but don’t worry, psychologists and psychiatrists can work together to come up with the best treatment for their client.

𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 '𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘺, 𝘱𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘺' 𝘔𝘢𝘱𝘭𝘦 (2022)

Psychologists have clinical training and are either registered professionals with a Doctor of Psychology or PsyD degree. They are also called “therapists” who are focused on counseling practice but do not prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists are medically licensed doctors (MD) who deal with “severe or complex mental health cases” that usually come with physical symptoms and risky behaviors that may require medication to manage.

In my experience, I went with a psychologist first because if my physical symptoms had gotten worse, then I knew he would refer me to a psychiatrist. Thankfully, I was able to manage my sleep, eating habits, and hygiene, so there was no need for a psychiatrist. Ultimately, it was important for me to have a therapist to help me make sense of what was happening in my life, why I feel the way I feel, my subconscious emotional needs, and how to move forward.

Ready to heal?

You can check out the mental health services near you through this directory made by MentalHealthPH on their website. Just click here.

I know we have very limited access to facilities, clinics, and free services. That's why part of my advocacy is to get in touch with non-profit orgs who are building a better socioeconomic system for the well-being of Filipinos. You can follow what I do here.

Final thoughts

Getting help is not a sign of weakness, but marks the strength of a person. It means you acknowledge your limits and accept our shared humanity that we can rely on each other until we’re ready to stand on our own feet again. To conclude, here's what my friend said and I hoped this helped you too.