How much do we think about the well-being of our bodies? But just as important, and perhaps even more so, is the well-being of our minds, that is, mental health. Sometimes our minds can feel burdened, troubled, and sad. You may think, "I can't tell anyone these things," "No one will understand." But at such times, there is a specialist who can listen to you, understand you, and help you. That doctor is what we call a psychiatrist .
'Psychiatrist', 'Psychologist', 'Therapist'... Who are these people? What's the difference?
Many people get a little confused when they hear these three names. It's normal to wonder, "Do they all do the same thing? Who should I see if I have a problem?" Let's break down the main differences between these three in a very simple way. It's important for you to know this well.
| Person | Qualifications and Role |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | This is a specialist doctor who has studied at a medical school, obtained a medical degree (MBBS), and then studied for a specialist degree in psychiatry (MD in Psychiatry).
|
| Psychologist | This is a highly qualified professional, such as a degree in psychology and a PhD, but not a doctor. |
| Therapist/Counsellor | There are qualifications for this such as a Master's degree or a diploma. |
Simply put, if you feel like you need medication for your mental health or if you have a serious condition, you should definitely see a psychiatrist.
What happens when you see a psychiatrist?
When you go to see a psychiatrist, he will first talk to you very kindly and ask about your mental and physical symptoms. Imagine that you have been feeling very heavy and sad for a while, you have no interest in doing anything, and you are not sleeping well. You can talk about all these things openly with the doctor.
Then, if necessary, you can do things like this:
- Physical examination: Check to see if these symptoms are caused by another illness.
- Tests such as blood tests: For example, conditions such as low thyroid hormone levels can sometimes cause symptoms like depression. Therefore, tests may be given to rule out such things.
- A psychological assessment: Asks questions to further understand your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns.
After doing all of this, the doctor will use internationally accepted diagnostic criteria (e.g., DSM-5) to accurately diagnose your condition. This may require more than one visit to the doctor.
Common conditions treated by psychiatrists
Psychiatrists treat a variety of mental illnesses and behavioral problems. Some of them include:
- Depression and related disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar and related disorders Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
- Unwanted thoughts and actions (Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders - OCD)
- Trauma- and stressor-related disorders (PTSD)
- Substance-related and addictive disorders
- Feeding and eating disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Personality disorders
What treatments are provided?
After a diagnosis, your doctor will discuss with you a treatment plan that best suits you. This may involve one or more treatments.
| Treatment method | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Medication | They help correct imbalances in the chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. These include various types of medications such as `Antidepressants`, `Antipsychotics`, and `Mood stabilizers`. |
| Psychotherapy | This is also called "Talk Therapy." It means talking to your doctor about your problems, thoughts, and feelings and learning ways to manage them. |
| Brain stimulation therapy | These are modern and safe treatments used in the most severe cases that cannot be cured with medication. Examples include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS, and DBS. |
When should you see a psychiatrist?
You may be thinking, "I have a little problem, should I go to a doctor for this?" But if you or someone you know has been experiencing one or more of the following symptoms for a long time, it's best to seek medical advice.
- Prolonged sadness, despair, and emptiness.
- Uncontrollable anxiety, fear, and panic.
- Suicidal thoughts . (If you have these thoughts, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately or tell someone you trust.)
- Physically harming oneself.
- Seeing or hearing things that are not there (Hallucinations or delusions).
- Inability to control alcohol or drug use.
- Frequent bouts of anger and difficulty controlling emotions.
- Serious sleep problems (not being able to sleep as well as before or sleeping too much).
- Decreased mental concentration to the point of being unable to perform daily tasks, work, or schoolwork.
How do you prepare for a first date?
It's normal to feel a little nervous and scared when you first see a psychiatrist. But remember, he's there to help you. Here's how you can prepare yourself.
1. Write down what you want to talk about: Write down on a piece of paper the problems that are bothering you, the symptoms you are experiencing, and when they started. That way, you won't forget anything.
2. A list of medications: Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, and traditional medicines). If possible, bring them with you.
3. Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions about anything you want to know, about treatments, and about the side effects of medications.
4. About the cost: If you go to a mental health clinic (Psychiatry Clinic) in a government hospital, there is no charge for it. In the private sector, a fee is charged. Be aware of that in advance.
Remember, asking for help for a mental health issue is not a sign of weakness. It is a strong decision made by someone who cares about themselves and loves themselves.
Take-Home Message
- A psychiatrist is a doctor who has received specialized training in the health of our minds.
- Only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication for your mental condition. Psychologists or counselors cannot.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, it's never too late to ask for help. It's not a weakness, it's a strength.
- If you're not sure who to talk to, first see your family doctor. He or she will refer you to the right person.
- These services are available free of charge from mental health clinics in government hospitals.
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