Dawn experienced her first manic episode when she was a freshman at college, away from home for the first time. She found herself sleeping less and talking faster. She’d wake up her roommate in the middle of the night so she could tell her about spiritual revelations she’d been having. She stopped going to classes and would instead crank up the music in her dorm room and write in her journal for hours about conspiracies.
Eventually Dawn was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. With professional help, she learned how to manage her mental illness. But then, in her late 20s, Dawn became frustrated with the side effects of her medication and abruptly stopped taking it. Her symptoms of mania began to return in the form of an elevated mood, insomnia, and some risky behavior. Dawn wanted to see a psychiatrist before she had another full-blown manic episode that might severely disrupt her life. So she reached out to a licensed clinical psychiatrist at Thriveworks for the psychological support that she needed.
Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Walnut Creek, CA are medically qualified to support clients in their personal journeys with mental illness and behavioral disorders. Our psychiatrists have the expert resources to diagnose and treat a wide range of psychological issues, examining underlying physiology in addition to thoughts and emotions.
How Do I Know When It’s Time to See a Psychiatrist?
There’s no definitive, objective answer for when it’s time to see a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Walnut Creek, CA. Many clients arrive at the psychiatrist’s office door (or make an online appointment) because their symptoms are beginning to interfere with their daily routines. It may take a loved one to point out when a professional might need to intervene. Reach out to a psychiatrist if you or your loved ones notice any of the following signs or symptoms of mental distress:
- Persistent sadness that lasts longer than two weeks
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Addiction to sex, gambling, or something else
- Substance abuse issues
- Self-harming behaviors
- Unmanageable anger
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Violent thoughts or actions
- Obsessions or compulsions
- Disordered eating
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Phobias
- Inability to experience pleasure (anhedonia)
- Hyperactivity or focus issues
A psychiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and help determine whether they’re signs of an underlying mental health condition like clinical depression or general anxiety disorder (GAD). Because psychiatrists graduated from medical school, they are able to prescribe medications to treat potential neurochemical issues that can contribute to emotional distress.
Do I Need a Psychiatrist to Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar I disorder (manic depression) and bipolar II disorder (or type II bipolar) are chronic conditions that can often be managed effectively under a psychiatrist’s supervision. Bipolar clients may benefit from one or a combination of the following long-term treatments:
- Psychiatric medications like mood stabilizers and antidepressants
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Lifestyle changes (diet and exercise improvements)
- Support groups or group therapy
- Substance abuse treatment if the client is having concurrent addiction problems (not unusual)
Millions of Americans lead successful lives with bipolar disorder, including many celebrities like Mariah Carey and Demi Lovato. Thriveworks psychiatrists in Walnut Creek, CA know how to help you control your symptoms with therapy and medication so you can get back to living your best life. We know that excellent mental health is the positive foundation from which you can flourish.
Meeting with a Thriveworks Psychiatrist Virtually
Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Walnut Creek, CA are fully licensed and highly qualified to deliver their mental health services online. These services can include medication management and follow-up appointments. Health insurance covers online appointments the same way they do in-person. Plus, our clients find the online option incredibly convenient. You can save on travel expenses and you might not have to take time off work in order to attend a session.
If you’re in acute crisis or are under 18 years of age, we recommend that you see your psychiatrist in-person.
Make Mental Health a Priority with a Thriveworks Psychiatrist in Walnut Creek, CA
Active mental health disorders and their symptoms have the unwelcome power to put your life on hold. Don’t wait until you’re at a crisis point to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Walnut Creek, CA. With Thriveworks, getting the support and guidance of the right mental health provider has never been easier.
When you enroll at Thriveworks, you often see your provider within 24-48 hours of making your initial appointment. You also benefit from an ultra-flexible cancellation policy and are privy to our exclusive video content. Call us during our extended office hours to reach a human, not a voicemail. We can’t wait to find you the psychiatrist who can help get you back on track.
