How do I know when to see a Psychologist?

Life is full of challenges. Often, we’re able to get through these with the help of those around us, and the skills and strategies that we’ve picked up throughout our lives. Naturally, everyone experiences difficult periods in their life – so when you’re struggling, it can sometimes be hard to work out whether it’s time to see a professional to help you cope.

In our busy world, stress and other emotional difficulties have become so normalised that sometimes we think that struggling is normal and isn’t something that we should be trying to change. However, emotional problems can lead to serious mental health problems, physical illness, and a myriad of other issues.

People see psychologists for all kinds of reasons – including managing diagnosable mental health problems, grief, adjusting to life changes, coping with stress, changing ingrained habits or ways of thinking, or plenty of other difficulties. We know that the earlier people get help, the easier it is to get through problems. This might sound obvious, but people often let their problems escalate before seeking help.

So how do you decide when it might be time to seek professional help? We’ve put together some pointers to help guide you.

1)      The way you feel is getting in the way of how you function day to day
Pretty much all mental health problems include a level of functional impairment – that is, they get in the way of how you function at work, at home, at school, or whatever else you need to do. It might be that you’re feeling down all the time, you can’t concentrate, you’re unmotivated, you’re getting in arguments, or any range of difficulties. If your emotions are limiting your ability to cope with everyday life, it’s time to get help.

2)      Your emotions are heightened, extreme or out of control
If what you’re feeling is extreme or out of proportion to the reality of what is going on, this can be incredibly debilitating. Feeling overwhelmed by emotions can indicate underlying problems and can impact all areas of your life. If you’re finding yourself getting emotional about things that wouldn’t normally bother you or you’re having trouble controlling your feelings, it’s a sign that it is time to work with someone who can help you gain skills to regulate your emotions more effectively.

3)      You feel stuck
“I just can’t seem to move forward on my own” is one of the most common things that we hear from clients. If you’re finding yourself stuck in a place, a relationship, a situation, a cycle, that you don’t want to be in, and you’re not sure how to change that, psychologists can help you to work this out and to make changes to improve your life.

4)      You can’t stop thinking about what you’re going through
We often assume that with time, we will get over things – but sometimes that isn’t the case. It might be a trauma, a death, the breakdown of a relationship – or simply finding yourself ruminating over what others are thinking of you. If you’re finding that you are getting stuck on and spiralling into thoughts, it could be worth seeking help to learn how to get some space from your thoughts and regain control over your life.  

5)      You’re not enjoying things that you used to
When the things that you would usually enjoy start feeling dull, draining or even difficult to do, this is a clear sign that something is going on emotionally. Seeing a psychologist can help you to understand this, improve your mood, reconnect with your values, and gain more satisfaction from pleasurable activities.

6)      Your health is being affected
There is more and more research emerging which suggests that our mental and physical health are inextricably linked. When we’re struggling emotionally, it’s very common for our physical health to suffer as well. Stress can manifest in many ways, including gut problems, headaches, muscle tension, weakened immunity, poor sleep or loss of libido. If you’re feeling run down and there isn’t a medical cause for this, it is worth looking at whether there might be an emotional reason impacting your physical health. 

7)      You’re using drugs, alcohol, food or sex to cope
When things get hard we often look to things outside ourselves to distract of feel better. But if you’re finding that you’re habitually using substances or things to cope with your emotions, it’s worth considering talking about this with a psychologist.

8)      Your relationships are suffering
When we’re not feeling our best, it can often be taken out on the people closest to us. This might look like difficulty expressing yourself, feeling irritated or angry, or withdrawing from relationships and isolating yourself. Humans are social creatures, and we draw connection from having people around us. Connection is incredibly important in maintaining good mental health – so if you’re finding that your relationships are compromised, it’s a good time to get some help.

9)      People around you are expressing concern for you
Often people can see things more clearly from the outside. If people in your life are worried about you or have noticed significant changes in you, it’s a sign that something has shifted that you may need help with.

If you’ve noticed any of the above happening, perhaps it’s time to take the first step and give a psychologist a call. Working with a psychologist provides a non-judgmental, safe space where you can learn new skills and strategies to improve your wellbeing.

Our team of psychologists are highly trained and dedicated to helping you get back on track, and live a happier life. If you’d like to make an appointment, or just want to get some information or ask questions, feel free to give us a call on (07) 3482 3466 or submit an enquiry at www.involvepsychology.com