Do you struggle to get out of bed in the morning? Do you find yourself becoming agitated at situations that never used to bother you before? Is your career suffering? What about your relationships or your personal life?
None of these circumstances are uncommon, nor are they anything to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s likely you know someone who is currently seeking mental health services, whether it’s a friend, a family member, a neighbor, or someone you’re talking to on an online dating app. Even celebrities have become incredibly vocal about how much mental health services have helped them improve their lives.
The beautiful and talented Amanda Seyfried may seem like she has nothing to worry about. She’s famous, wealthy, and happily married. But the actress has dealt with feelings of depression and anxiety since she was a teenager and they continued to interfere with her life as an adult. She finally decided it was time to see a psychiatrist and she’s said that she’s been much happier, healthier, and more productive as a result.
Like Seyfried, there is help available for you as well. When you feel ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, the licensed professionals at Thriveworks in Media, PA are here for you. Plus, our remote psychiatry appointments via phone or video are easy to fit into your schedule. To get started, contact us to schedule your first appointment.
Should I Meet With a Licensed Psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are board-certified medical doctors who are able to diagnose and treat mental health issues from a comprehensive, medical perspective. This is particularly helpful for mental illnesses that may cause physical symptoms. For example, it’s quite common for those suffering from anxiety to experience restlessness, insomnia, or panic attacks.
Here is a short list of disorders that psychiatrists commonly treat:
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Panic disorder and other anxiety disorders
- Borderline personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Insomnia
- Bipolar disorder
If you are suffering from a mental or emotional disorder, consider reaching out to the licensed professionals at Thriveworks in Media, PA.
What Does Psychiatric Treatment Involve?
As part of their training, a psychiatrist attends medical school to earn an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). They also must complete a psychiatry residency in order to get hands-on training in the field.
Psychiatrists are responsible for accurately diagnosing mental health issues and devising treatment plans that are best suited to each client’s unique situation. A psychiatrist may start by interviewing you and administering psychological questionnaires to get a better sense of your symptoms and their severity.
Unlike other mental health therapists, psychiatrists are able to order labs and conduct a physical examination, which can give them a more comprehensive overview of your mental health. They can also review your medical records and use all that information to determine the course of action that makes the most sense for you.
They may recommend that you see a psychologist or therapist, for example, for consistent cognitive behavioral therapy sessions while they help to regulate and monitor your prescription medications. Or, they may determine that medication is not needed in your situation and that you’d benefit more from changes to your self-care routine and frequent psychotherapy sessions.
If medication is helpful for your treatment, your psychiatrist will work with you to determine the right kind for your symptoms. Some of the most common medications prescribed include:
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants balance neurotransmitters in the brain to promote a more positive mood and stabilize emotions. They are sometimes prescribed to help with depression and other mood disorders.
- Anti-anxiety medications: Anti-anxiety medications can prevent panic attacks from occurring and can reduce other symptoms of anxiety.
- Mood stabilizers: Mood stabilizers are used to help regulate moods and prevent uncontrollable mood swings. They are sometimes prescribed to help mitigate the effects of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.
- Stimulants: Stimulants can promote focus and alertness and are sometimes used to treat ADHD or as part of treatment for depression.
Schedule a Psychiatry Appointment at Thriveworks in Media, PA
At Thriveworks, our psychiatry appointments are conducted online via video sessions or phone calls so you can prioritize your mental health from the comfort of your own home. Appointments are available throughout the week (including Saturdays and Sundays) and if you need to cancel, you can take advantage of our flexible cancellation policy.
Clients enjoy other perks including access to our moderated discussion boards, video resources for supplemental support, and our Therapy Buddy app. You can also reach your mental health provider by email or phone in between appointments if questions come up.
When you’re ready to speak with a psychiatrist, reach out to make your first appointment. Our team at Thriveworks in Media, PA looks forward to helping you thrive.
