We all experience periods of stress, anxiety, grief, conflict, and other forms of emotional distress during our lives. Most of the time, we're able to bounce back. Sometimes, we might need a little extra help from a mental health professional.
Maybe you're feeling low or empty and are unable to "snap out of it". Or maybe you're noticing certain negative patterns in your lifestyle that you can't seem to break. Sometimes, the signs of mental or emotional distress are obvious. But at other times, they are harder to pinpoint. While you can see a psychologist at any time, there are some definitive signs that you should consider seeking psychological help:
Struggling to navigate the demands of work or school can be a sign that you could benefit from professional support. You might find it difficult to concentrate or focus on once-easy tasks. Feeling overwhelmed or behind schedule despite putting in extra effort can be discouraging and lead to a loss of motivation or interest in your work or studies.
When faced with stress or difficult emotions, some people turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. This could involve increased reliance on alcohol or drugs to numb emotional pain. While these activities may seem helpful in the short term, they ultimately can create additional problems. Isolating yourself from others or using unhealthy relationships as a way to cope can further strain your support system. Any unhealthy use of alcohol, gambling, or other substances are a strong sign that psychological intervention may be required.
Changes in sleep patterns can be a significant indicator of emotional distress. You might have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night, or you might find yourself sleeping significantly more or less than usual. Changes in appetite can also occur, with some people experiencing a loss of appetite while others crave unhealthy foods. Unexplained weight fluctuations are generally an important indication that you should speak to a doctor or medical professional.
Healthy relationships are essential for our well-being. If you're experiencing frequent arguments or conflicts with loved ones, it can take a toll on your emotional state. Difficulty communicating effectively in your relationships can lead to misunderstandings and resentment. Feeling disconnected or isolated from friends and family can create a sense of loneliness. If you find yourself falling into patterns of unhealthy or abusive relationships, seeking help from a psychologist can empower you to build stronger, healthier connections.
Experiencing a traumatic event can have a lasting impact on your mental and emotional health. You might be haunted by intrusive thoughts or memories of the trauma. Having nightmares or night terrors can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling exhausted. Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected as a result of the trauma can make it difficult to engage with life in a meaningful way. Avoiding situations or reminders that trigger memories of the trauma can further limit your ability to cope. While trauma can be overwhelming, therapies from experienced clinical psychologists, such as EMDR, can be highly effective in treating trauma.
Losing interest in the things you used to enjoy can be a sign of depression or other underlying issues. You might no longer enjoy hobbies or activities you once loved. Feeling a general lack of motivation or sense of purpose can leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled. Withdrawing from social activities or spending less time with loved ones can further isolate you and exacerbate feelings of loneliness.
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, it's crucial to seek help immediately. Engaging in self-harming behaviours such as cutting or burning are often signs of significant emotional distress. If you're experiencing thoughts of harming others, it's important to get professional help to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Please remember that help and support are available.
While psychologists can assist in the long-term treatment of suicidal thoughts or self-harm, you should reach out to crisis services such as Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue if you are feeling at risk.
The pain of loss can be overwhelming. Struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, job, or other significant aspect of your life is a normal part of the grieving process. However, if you're feeling intense sadness, anger, or guilt that is preventing you from moving on with life, a psychologist can help you navigate these emotions and find healthy ways to cope.
Psychologists are experts in mental health conditions. They play a crucial role in helping individuals struggling with mental health issues by providing psychological therapy and counselling. Psychologists tailor their therapy to the individual needs of each client, allowing them to work through issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, addictions, emotional issues, stress and relationship difficulties.
Stress can manifest in physical ways. You might experience unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue. Noticeable changes in your health that may be linked to emotional stress can be a sign that you need to address the underlying emotional issues. Difficulty taking care of your basic needs such as eating healthy or getting enough sleep, can further compromise your physical and mental well-being.
Sometimes, we all feel stuck in the same place, unsure how to move forward. If you feel like you're not reaching your full potential, a psychologist can help. You might want to develop healthier habits or improve your relationships but struggle to make lasting changes on your own. Setting goals but struggling to achieve them can be frustrating and discouraging. If you're interested in personal growth and self-discovery, a psychologist can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve your goals - anyone can see a psychologist!
Mindstate Psychology has a team of highly experienced psychologists, some of whom are involved in the leading edge of research and therapy. You can find out more about our team or talk to one of our lovely administrative staff who can help you book an appointment. You might also like to read more about what a clinical psychologist is, or how to get started at Mindstate Psychology.
Regardless of what you chose to do, remember that there is always hope. There are options available to move forward, all you need to do is reach out. If you need to talk to someone now, lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
Psychologists are trained to treat a wide range of mental health disorders. These include anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder; mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder; and trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
They also address obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, and personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.
Additionally, psychologists can help with managing stress, coping with grief and loss, overcoming addiction, and addressing issues related to self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. Through evidence-based therapeutic approaches, psychologists work with individuals to overcome their mental health challenges and improve their quality of life.
Psychiatrist are medical doctors who have attended medical school before going on to specalise in the treatment of mental health disorders. Typically, psychiatrists prescribe mdeication and provide medical treatments for complex mental health disorders.
Psychologist cannot prescribe medications as they are not medical doctors. However, psychologists are still university-trained mental health professionals, and many psychiatrists refer clients to psychologists for psychological therapy.
Knowing when to see a psychologist can depend on several factors, including the severity and persistence of your mental health symptoms. If you are experiencing overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger that interfere with your daily life, relationships, or work, it may be time to seek professional help.
Other signs include difficulty managing stress, significant changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawal from social activities, and a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. Additionally, if you are struggling to cope with a major life change or traumatic event, or if you find that your usual coping mechanisms are no longer effective, consulting a psychologist can provide valuable support and strategies for improvement.
You can also talk to your local GP, who can help you understand what mental health services may be available and provide a referral. Ultimately, recognising the need for help and reaching out to a psychologist can be crucial to better mental health and well-being.
Seeing a psychologist is easy! All you need to do is contact us and let us know what you need help with. Our reception team will help book you in with one of our team who has experience in your area. You can find out more about the process of beginning to see a psychologist here.
Please note that while not required, if you wish to claim Medicare rebates, you must have a valid referral from a GP - find out more about fees and rebates.
Fees for psychologists can vary depending on the type of psychologist (clinical psychologist vs registered psychologist) and the individual psychologist's experience. Typically, fees range from $210-$280 per session.
Health insurance rebates, such as Medicare or Private Health, can also reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Find out more about fees and rebates.
