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New Delhi [India], February 10: Have you tried therapy for years but not get the results that you were hoping for? Or tried to get a specific diagnosis of your condition, but not get clarity?
In such cases, a psychiatrist may be the only one who can provide the specialised care you need. As doctors, psychiatrists can accurately assess and diagnose conditions, prescribe medication when necessary, and work alongside therapists to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Here are 11 situations where consulting a Psychiatrist in Delhi can be the best step toward healing and stability.
It's natural to experience moments of happiness and sadness from time to time. However, if these emotions persist for some time, they may need medical attention. Dr Sunil Mittal, Senior Psychiatrist, founder of CIMBS Mental Hospital, and Head of Clinical Governance at BetterPlace Health, says that "if symptoms of sadness or hopelessness continue for 2 weeks, despite different events in life, it may be time to visit a mental health professional and explore the underlying reason for these emotions". Prolonged periods of sadness or hopelessness are common symptoms of depression and a psychiatrist can help you explore your condition and prescribe treatment plans that include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Anxiety is a physiological response to stress. According to Ms. Lovleena Sharma, a clinical psychologist at BetterPlace Health, "Anxiety is like a black hole of never-ending worries, even when there's no reason to worry." When we face a threat, our body goes into survival mode and triggers the "fight or flight" response. At this stage, our body wants us to either proactively deal with the situation or run away from it. However, severe and chronic worry may be suggestive of an anxiety disorder. People with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) often worry excessively, feel restless, tired, irritable, and experience difficulty concentrating, even when there's no actual threat. A psychiatrist can diagnose your condition and prescribe the right therapy, or even medication, if needed.
Experiencing ups and downs is common for everyone, but for some, these shifts can be intense and unpredictable. Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, are often marked by dramatic and unpredictable shifts in emotional states. A person might experience periods of heightened energy, elated mood, and erratic or unpredictable behaviour, only to later feel profound moments of sadness, fatigue, and lack of motivation. These intense fluctuations can extend far beyond normal ups and downs, disrupting daily life, straining personal relationships, and affecting personal or professional performance.
Dr. Akul Gupta, consulting psychiatrist at BetterPlace Health, talks about a fascinating connection between depression and bipolar disorder. In certain situations, a person may only experience the depressive episodes of bipolar and not experience manic or hypomanic episodes at all. This can lead to a misdiagnosis and make the depressive symptoms even more frequent. Dr. Akul informs that 70% of people who experience 4 or more bipolar episodes in a year, called rapid cycling, were initially diagnosed with depression. In such a case, only a psychiatrist can truly tell the difference between the two conditions.
While some challenges can be handled on our own, others require external support to help us move forward and overcome them. Traumatic events such as the loss of a loved one, natural disasters, abuse, assault or war can have a deep impact on a person's psyche and cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that interferes with day-to-day functioning.
According to Ms. Ayushi Paul, a clinical psychologist at BetterPlace Health, trauma can impair a person's ability to focus and increase sensitivity to triggers, even in minor situations. It can create a sense of being stuck, even when the individual is not consciously thinking about it. Subconsciously, the brain remains fixated on the trauma, making it difficult to process events as they occur. Seeking professional help can be crucial in such cases, as psychiatrists provide tailored therapies and interventions to help individuals process trauma effectively.
"You are what you eat." You must have heard this phrase time and again and maybe even brushed it off, thinking it's just one of those things people say, but there is some truth to it. Food nourishes our brain and body with essential vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet supplies the essential nutrients required to maintain optimal bodily function and overall well-being. A lack of these nutrients causes dysfunction in our bodily processes, leading to physical health issues that can exacerbate your mental health stressors.
Sleep is the best medicine. A good night's sleep revitalises your mind and body, much like nourishing food fuels your system with essential vitamins and minerals. It allows your brain to clear out toxins and recharge, helping you face the day with renewed energy and focus. On the other hand, not getting enough sleep can disrupt your mental clarity, mood, and overall health, sometimes even hinting at underlying issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, or night terrors.
Humans are social animals, and isolating oneself can often worsen mental health issues. If you've been avoiding friends, family, or activities you used to enjoy, it could indicate social anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition.
Ms. Lovleena Sharma, a clinical psychologist at BetterPlace Health shares that depression throws off the dopamine levels in your brain, reducing motivation and energy levels to the extent that even the most simple tasks can feel difficult, such as cleaning your house, going to the market, or buying food. This feeling is called apathy and can cause anhedonia, which is characterised by a loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.
If you're finding it hard to focus, feeling all over the place, or struggling with even small decisions, it might be more than just a bad day. Sometimes, these signs could point to issues like depression, anxiety, or ADHD. For example, depression can drain your energy so much that even simple tasks seem overwhelming. Anxiety might cause your mind to race, making it hard to make decisions, and ADHD can make everyday organisation a real challenge.
Mental health can be complex, and some signs aren't always obvious. While many people are familiar with symptoms like mood changes or anxiety, certain experiences like seeing things that aren't there, or experiencing intrusive or irrational thoughts can signal conditions such as schizophrenia, psychosis, or other psychotic disorders. These conditions significantly impact daily life, relationships and overall well-being. While violence is a symptom of psychotic disorders, most people suffering from psychotic disorders are not violent. However, you should seek immediate help for psychosis because if left untreated, these conditions can be harmful to the person going through them and their caregivers.
It is crucial to seek help immediately if you experience any thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These feelings often indicate an underlying mental health condition, such as depression, borderline personality disorder, or other emotional challenges that require attention and care.
Dr. Akul Gupta of BetterPlace Health informs us that men are 2.5x more likely to be at risk of suicide than women because they do not feel comfortable asking for help, even in times of crisis. The stigma around expressing one's feelings is so strong that many men, especially in Indian society, may be deterred from seeking help, which can be disastrous for them and their families.
Reaching out to a psychiatrist or mental health professional can provide the immediate support and intervention needed to prevent the situation from escalating. They can help you understand the root cause of your emotions, offer effective treatment options, and guide you toward recovery.
One of the most obvious signs that it's time to visit a psychiatrist is struggling with an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Addiction is often a symptom of deeper, underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, or even genetic predisposition.
According to Dr. Akul Gupta, consultant psychiatrist at BetterPlace Health, some people cope with their underlying mental health issues by indulging in substance use such as alcohol, drugs, or stimulants. These substances trigger a dopamine hit, which gives them instant relief from pain and sadness, motivating them to do it repeatedly. Eventually, the brain rewires itself in a way that no other activity is as satisfying as the dopamine hit from the substance.
It not only impacts them and their physical health but also impacts their loved ones, relationships, and professional lives, and can even cause financial strain. Seeking help from a psychiatrist can be a crucial step toward breaking the cycle of addiction. Therapy can help uncover and process emotional pain or triggers, while medications may assist in managing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, or coexisting mental health conditions.
Frequent and explosive outbursts of anger can strain relationships, disrupt daily life, and negatively impact your overall well-being. A psychiatrist can help you understand intense emotional reactions that may stem from deeper psychological concerns, such as Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), unresolved emotional conflicts, or trauma. If these conflicts are left unaddressed, they perpetuate a cycle of frustration, guilt, and ruined relationships with others.
There are some great mental health clinics. Dr. Sunil Mittal, founder of CIMBS, is also the head of clinical governance at BetterPlace - a modern, comprehensive mental health solution designed for those new to mental health care and unsure where to begin, as well as individuals who haven't found success with previous treatments. Dr Mittal guides BetterPlace's commitment to providing precise, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health care with his 40+ years of extensive expertise in the industry.
If you are looking for a trusted Mental Health Clinic in Delhi, do visit BetterPlace, situated within the prestigious National Heart Institute, East of Kailash, New Delhi.
They offer end-to-end mental health services, bringing together psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, and very often, specialised doctors under one roof. Utilising advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment plans, BetterPlace ensures accurate diagnoses and personalised care for various mental health conditions.
If you are seeking mental health support in Delhi, BetterPlace provides a modern and integrated approach to care, ensuring that you receive the appropriate treatment tailored to your unique needs.
Before you leave, here are some common questions clients ask our psychiatrists:
World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as "a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community."
A good mental health helps you build resilience against stressors, makes you more adaptable, allows you to foster positive relationships, and be a contributing member of society.
Talking to your family about seeking psychiatric help can feel daunting, especially if they have misconceptions about mental health. However, an open and honest conversation can make a big difference. Talk to them about mental health and try to understand their viewpoints on it. If they have concerns, listen patiently and provide information about mental health treatment. Share specific examples of what you're experiencing and reassure them that seeking psychiatric help is just like visiting a doctor for physical health. After all, your mental health is as important as your physical health.
If someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, your support can play a crucial role in encouraging them to seek psychiatric help. Approach the conversation with empathy and concern rather than judgment. Be open, gently express what you've observed and let them know you care about their well-being. Encourage them to seek help and offer to assist with finding a psychiatrist or scheduling an appointment. Provide reassurance at every step of the way to make them feel that they are truly cared for. Your intervention could be the differentiating factor!
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