Mental health statistics are more available than ever before, and we are improving our awareness and acceptance of mental health conditions in others every day. Unfortunately, we still need to work on identifying and accepting that need within ourselves.
For a free consultation to identify signs you should see a therapist, contact Dr. Quintal and Associates today at (941) 907-0525.
Therapy Symptoms and Treatment Paths
Different types of therapy are available to handle various mental health concerns and desired results. Signs you should see a therapist can vary from person to person, and the kind of therapy a patient seeks today could change in the future.
Reasons to Seek Professional Therapy
The reasons and symptoms for therapy can be specific, non-specific, or unknown, and it often takes starting treatment to identify what is needed.
Specific Trauma or a Difficult Relationship
Specific trauma and relationship dynamics can sometimes reveal deeper or more substantial problems as therapy continues. Therapy to address these particular issues is common even when there are no apparent impacts on quality of life. Some patients want a better understanding of an event or how to handle specific relationships.
Changes in Mood or Behavior
Mood or behavioral changes are less specific, harder to identify and increase in severity or complexity over time. It can take time for a patient to notice these changes and even longer before seeking therapy.
Changes include:
- Changes in personality traits such as going from laid back to intense
- Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or lost
- Increased withdrawal
- Decreased motivation
- Severe shame, guilt, or pressure
- Short fused rage and anger
- Situational anxiety or obsessive thinking
- Decreased ability to cope
Medical or Physical Conditions
There is a direct link between mental health and physical health. A patient’s ability to recover from a traumatic physical ailment directly relates to their cognitive ability to cope with stress and pain and their mental willingness to overcome it. These conditions can manifest in various ways, including fatigue, longer healing times, and increased pain.
Seeking Advice From Family, Friends, and Social Media
Consider talking with a professional if you frequently seek advice from family, friends, or total strangers regarding personal situations and emotions. Continuously seeking medical advice or a diagnosis indicates that the problem is significant. Friends and family may have some understanding or may have experienced similar situations, but unless they have had extensive mental health training, odds are they can’t provide help.
You Believe You Should
Some patients want to invest in therapy strategies to ensure they handle what life is throwing at them. Some want to improve their quality of life and identify hindering issues. You don’t have to wait for signs you should see a therapist—if you feel you would benefit from seeking help, you should do it.
Types of Therapy
There are four general categories of mental health professionals:
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Counselors
- Social Workers
Psychologists and psychiatrists are similar in that they identify and confirm a diagnosis and provide care for brain disorders. The primary difference between the two is that psychiatrists can evaluate and prescribe medications to help with conditions. Some mental health patients may see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist to work through a disorder and manage medication.
Counselors, including marriage and family counselors, handle a specific incident or situation that needs addressing, such as a traumatic experience or self-improvement.
Social workers help patients handle and adapt to life stressors such as relationships, work, and social settings. This form of therapy teaches coping and managing skills in environments that can cause anxiety and stress.
Benefits of Therapy
Therapy impacts multiple facets of life, including:
- Healthy relationships
- Self-understanding
- Life goal achievements
- Better health
Even if therapy hasn’t been successful in the past, it is worth trying again. It takes time to figure out what works.
Dr. Quintal & Associates
Research shows that 1 in 5 adults live with mental health conditions while 1 in 6 children experience mental health disorders each year. Only about 40% of those living with these conditions seek treatment.
Untreated mental illness can negatively impact your quality of life, including losing the desire to live. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 34. Statistics reveal that 90% of those who committed suicide suffered from mental health issues.
If you recognize signs you should see a therapist, don’t suffer in silence. Let our professionals at Dr. Quintal and Associates help you. We understand the challenges of identifying and treating mental health. We take your concerns seriously and strive to improve your quality of life.
Contact our team at (941) 907-0525 today for a free evaluation and consultation.