Mental health issues exact a growing toll on us. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders do more than cause individual pain and suffering. They can affect relationships and jobs, impact communities, and have a debilitating influence on society.
Mental illness can rob us of joy and passion, diminish our self-worth, and reduce us to feeling hopeless. For those feeling that way, it’s important to understand that help is available.
Some people find comfort, understanding, and even rejuvenation in discussing their problems with a family member or trusted friend. But friends and family don’t typically have the level of education and training in mental health issues in order to make a lasting impact. For that reason, it’s often better to seek counsel from a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist. It can be an important step toward living a happier life.
If you have symptoms of anxiety, depression, or another mental health disorder, a psychiatrist is a great place to start. At Thriveworks, our trained professionals can help you learn more about the symptoms you’re facing and customize a treatment program to restore balance to your life. When you’re ready to consult with a psychiatrist, call Thriveworks in Columbus, OH to set up an appointment.
When Should I Consider Seeing a Psychiatrist?
Confronting symptoms of mental illness can be frightening. You might not understand the feelings; you might even believe you are to blame for having them. Licensed psychiatrists are trained to help in precisely these kinds of situations.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the study, treatment, and prevention of
mental health issues. They treat a variety of mental, emotional, and behavioral health disorders that range in both symptoms and severity. Psychiatrists work with clients who have addiction and substance abuse issues, anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders. They also treat those with self-identity issues, trauma, phobias, and more.
Symptoms of mental illness can emerge over time or spark from a single triggering event. You may not even understand when or why an issue began, knowing only that you are experiencing symptoms and that they are interfering with your life.
Here are some symptoms that might prompt you to consult with a psychiatrist:
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Substance abuse
- Addictive behaviors
- Personality changes or mood swings
- Frequent outbursts of anger
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Obsessive thoughts
- Compulsive behaviors
- Panic attacks
- Feelings of low self-worth
- Sleeplessness
A psychiatrist can help you navigate these symptoms and their effects. When you’re ready to consult with a professional, consider making an appointment at Thriveworks in Columbus, OH.
Who Are Psychiatrists and What Do They Do?
Psychiatry is a medical field that focuses on preventing and treating mental illnesses. It’s a branch of medicine whose practitioners require significant education and training in order to become licensed and certified to work with clients.
After attending medical school, psychiatrists perform a four-year residency that typically includes time in a hospital treating people with varying mental illnesses. The residency also includes intensive training in diagnostic and treatment techniques. Further, psychiatrists complete an exam administered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology to earn their board certification and they must be recertified every 10 years.
Before tailoring a treatment program, psychiatrists employ a series of medical and psychiatric tests to make a diagnosis. This is important because some symptoms of apparent mental illnesses could have physical causes. Your psychiatrist will determine the nature of the symptoms and the steps required to address them.
Treatment for mental illness is an individual process, one which your psychiatrist will customize to your needs. Talk therapy is a common method used to help clients understand and control troubling thoughts or emotions. Psychiatrists are also licensed to prescribe medications, which can be used in isolation or in combination with therapy.
Treatment programs last for varying lengths of time, depending on the client’s symptoms and their severity. A few sessions might work for one person while another might require longer-term therapy.
When you’re ready to see a psychiatrist, we’re here to help. Call today for an appointment at Thriveworks in Columbus, OH.
Schedule a Psychiatry Appointment at Thriveworks in Columbus, OH
Deciding to see a psychiatrist can be a difficult, but important, step toward restoring your mental health. At Thriveworks, we make scheduling an appointment as easy and stress-free as possible.
Our licensed psychiatrists are available on weekdays, nights, and weekends at your convenience. They are also available in a remote capacity so you can access essential mental health services without ever stepping outside your front door.
Need to discuss something between sessions? Providers are accessible by email and phone to address issues as they arise. At Thriveworks, we accept many major insurance plans and offer a suite of additional perks, including:
- Exclusive video and eBook content
- Community forums moderated by mental health professionals
- Q&A life coaching with 24-hour responses
- 5-hour cancellation policy
- Scheduling and billing support via text message
Ready to take control of your mental health? Call or click today for a psychiatry appointment at Thriveworks in Columbus, OH.
