Going to a psychiatrist can be a very challenging decision for some, especially in a country like India, where mental health has not been that well established for a long time. However, it can be a little scary to think that taking medicines for mental health concerns is a real thing. At the same time psychiatric treatment can be of great help to people struggling with their well – being.

Let’s start from what psychiatrists do – they are medical professionals that provide consultations for medicines in regards to mental health disorders or general anxiety as well, as of now psychiatrists in India do not provide psychotherapy, unless they have a diploma or certification course in a particular therapeutic approach.

1. Provide assistance in in-patient or out-patient centers.

2. Medical guidance to corporate sector affiliations

3. Work in rehabilitation settings, mental well-being providers

4. Affiliate with social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, NGO’s and start ups for consultations.

When can we consult a Psychiatrist?

There are a few instances that might indicate a referral to a psychiatrist needed. Practicing mental health practitioners, as well as general physicians who treat patients that are also going through;-

1. Multiple stressors (family, relationships, work life)

2. Burnout

3. Psychosomatic ailments

4. IBS

As well as other concerns that are related to the mind – body connection.

Psychiatrists usually provide medication that ranges from ;-

1. Mood stabilizers

2. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors

3. Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

4. Opioids

5. Ketamine

6. Other stimulants

Psychiatrists also help with understanding the brain chemistry of the client and seeing if there are hormonal imbalances or deficits, for example – serotonin deficits and dopamine deficits can cause mental disorders like depression and anxiety. Psychiatrists then prescribe medicines like SSRI’s and SNRI’s to balance the deficits.

Psychiatry and psychology work hand in hand when dealing with more severe form of disorders and concerns, for example concerns like ;-

1. Suicidal ideation / attempts:

clients who struggle with suicidal thoughts or self harm either actively or passively need a psychiatric consult due to the severity of situation and threat to their life.

2. Harm to someone else (aggression towards others):

If a client is a potential threat to someone else’s safety or life, even then psychiatric medication might be needed to at times sedate the client or provide some sort of relief to their outbursts.

3. Other severe mental conditions:

disorders like schizophrenia, bi polar disorder, severe depressions, borderline personality disorder and even dementia can require psychiatric aid.

Considering all these parameters, if we have anyone in our known circle or someone struggling with these disorders, suggesting them a psychiatrist referral can be very beneficial.

What should I anticipate from a psychiatrist’s appointment?

Being organized can help you make the most of your meeting with your psychiatrist. Some strategies to get ready are:

● Make a note of the most crucial topics you wish to cover with your psychiatrist.

● Talk about any new symptoms or modifications to previous or current symptoms.

● To make it easier to monitor how your symptoms evolve or impact your quality of life, think about keeping a daily notebook of your symptoms.

● Talk about any alterations in your general physical well-being.

● Talk about the history of mental and physical health issues in your family.

● Tell the psychiatrist what other people think of you, particularly your loved ones, close friends, and coworkers. Their perception of how you are doing, can give insight into how others around you are observing you.

● Bring a list of all the current medications that you may be using. Include prescription medications; over-the-counter medications; any vitamins, supplements and herbal products; and any recreational drugs.

Destigmatising mental health is very important, especially in a country like India where taking medication for mental health related concerns can be deemed taboo or bizarre, and can be also invalidated by society.

But understanding that just like any other organ, our brain is an organ too and thus it also requires the same amount of nourishment and care that other organs do, would you hesitate to reach out to a doctor when there is something wrong with your lungs or you have difficulty breathing? Or maybe with your kidneys? Or your heart? Similarly, asking yourself that what makes us hesitate from seeking help when it comes to the brain can give a lot of clarity and insight into the process of seeking help.

Being gentle towards ourselves and our needs requires a lot of courage and patience to hone and put it into practice, going to a psychiatrist can be definitely very intimidating and overwhelming but allowing yourself to feel these emotions and normalizing them for us, can lower the burden or responsibility of doing the same.

Psychiatry and psychotherapy are fields that work hand in hand, if you are referred to a psychiatrist, that is not something to be ashamed about, however it can be seen as an opportunity to practice your skills/become a better version of yourself.