Sometimes, it feels like the celebrities that grace our screens and radios live in a different world. A lavish world that is free of many challenges the rest of us face. Dax Shepard, an American actor, director, and podcast host, proved that this isn’t true.
On his podcast “The Armchair Expert,” Shepard revealed to all of his listeners that he had relapsed. Those who listen to the show religiously know that Shepard often boasts about 16 years of sobriety, after struggling with an addiction to alcohol and other drugs like cocaine. And fans were shocked to hear that this wasn’t quite true.
As Shepard explains in this special episode, he started to struggle with painkillers several years ago when he took them with his father. His father was on his deathbed. Then, a few months ago, he was prescribed painkillers after a motorcycle accident. Again, Shepard lost control. He explains:
For the last eight weeks maybe, I don’t really know… I’m on them all day. And I’m allowed to be on them at some dosage because I have a prescription and then I’m also augmenting that. And then all the prescriptions run out and I’m not just taking 30 mil oxys that I’ve bought whenever I decide I can do it.”
Shepard started to feel lonely and afraid. Fortunately, he found help, support, and love in his wife Kristen Bell and best friend Monica Padman, among others. He also found solace in AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), which he attributes to helping him get and stay sober for many years.
Shepard’s experience reminds us that we are all human, facing our own battles. Fortunately, our loved ones can help us through these difficult times. But often, we need a little extra help from a professional who can help us truly understand and manage our challenges.
If you ever experience symptoms of substance abuse or addiction, depression, anxiety, or another mental disorder, please consider talking to a psychiatrist. These professionals dedicate their careers and their lives to helping people with these conditions. Thriveworks Counseling in Norfolk, VA can set you up with one of our online psychiatrists right now. All you have to do is call.
Psychiatrists Can Diagnose and Treat Mental Disorders
As we’ve touched on, psychiatrists are doctors and mental health professionals. They specialize in the prevention, the diagnosis, and the treatment of mental disorders. This means they are qualified to work in a variety of settings, including at hospitals, at counseling practices, at rehabs, and other medical centers.
Psychiatrists can conduct psychological testing as needed to assess their clients. These tests include surveys, self-reports, IQ tests, achievement tests, and others. Then, once the psychiatrist has understood and diagnosed the individual’s condition, they are able to put together a personalized treatment plan for him or her.
A big difference between psychiatrists and their counterparts is that they are able to prescribe medication to their clients. Often, individuals with the following disorders can often benefit from taking a psychiatric medication:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety
- Anorexia
- Bulimia
If you think that you might have a serious mental disorder, please consult a medical professional. Psychiatrists, in specific, can help you understand what you are experiencing and how you can better manage it.
The Many Benefits of Online Psychiatry Appointments
Thriveworks allows our clients to work with their psychiatrists online. While you might be asked to come in for an in-person appointment on occasion, you can expect to talk to your psychiatrist over the phone or video on a regular basis.
There are many benefits to having telehealth sessions versus in-person sessions, which include:
- Convenience
- Comfort
- Ease
- Accessibility
- Flexibility
If you’d like to talk to one of our online psychiatrists, we’d be happy to get you set up for your first appointment.
Schedule Psychiatry at Thriveworks in Norfolk, VA
Thriveworks Counseling is devoted to helping people live better. When it comes to mental health challenges, a psychiatrist can help you live a happier, healthier, and more successful life.
To schedule an appointment with an online psychiatrist, call our office. We would love to help.
