When to See a Psychologist?
Psychologists know a secret that the research has shown — and one that I’ll share here with you. The sooner you seek out treatment, the faster you’ll feel better. It may sound obvious, but far too often people let their problems overwhelm them before getting help.
You’ve suffered a trauma and you can’t seem to stop thinking about it
The pain of a death in the family, a breakup or job loss can be enough to require a bit of counseling. “We tend to think these feelings are going to go away on their own,” says Alvord, adding that this isn’t always the case. Grief from a loss can impair daily functioning and even cause you to withdraw from friends. If you find you aren’t engaging in your life or those around you have noticed that you’re pulling away, you may want to speak to someone to unpack how the event still affects you. On the other hand, some people respond to loss with a more manic reaction — hyper-engagement with friends and acquaintances or an inability to sleep. These are also signs that it is time for professional help.
Everything you feel is intense
It can be paralyzing, leading to panic attacks and even cause you to avoid things if your life gets more constricted because you’re avoiding a lot, it is probably time to see someone. We all get angry and sad, but how intense and how often? Does it impair or significantly change your ability to function? Feeling overcome with anger or sadness on a regular basis could indicate an underlying issue, but there’s another intensity to be on the lookout for: catastrophizing. When an unforeseen challenge appears, do you immediately assume the worst-case scenario will take place? This intense form of anxiety, in which every worry is super-sized and treated as a realistic outcome, can be truly debilitating.
You’re using a substance to cope
Both over-eating or not wanting to eat could be signs that a person is dealing with stress or struggling with the desire to take care of himself. If you find yourself drinking or using drugs in greater quantities or more often — or even more often thinking about drinking or drugs — these could be signs that you’re hoping to numb feelings that should be addressed.
Mental health is very important and must not be taken lightly if you feel the above-mentioned episodes in your life. In San Diego, CA and the surrounding areas, Jennifer Schere Ph D Motherhood Counseling is a trusted psychologist who has been in practice since 1998. Call me at (619) 269-1761 for inquiries.