How to Determine If Someone You Love Should See a Psychiatrist

Most of us at one time or another has had a relative or friend who needed extra support during a particularly stressful period of time. In the journey of life, we will all struggle at some point. For most of us, using problem-solving and stress management skills will get us through it.

However, there are times when people simply cannot pull themselves up by their bootstraps and "get better". These struggles necessitate seeking psychiatric help to have the problems assessed. Although it can be incredibly difficult to tell someone we love that he needs "outside" help, sometimes it simply must be done. This article focuses on the psychiatrist as the professional who can provide necessary treatment.

What is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental and emotional illnesses. He/She is able to prescribe medication which can be helpful when someone is suffering from mental distress. Also, psychiatrists often refer their patients to counselors/therapists who employ "talk therapy" methods, which are helpful in assisting patients resolve personal problems.

Signs to Look For to Determine if a Call to a Psychiatrist is In Order

So, how can you tell if someone you love should seek psychiatric help? Read on for some common signs that a call to a psychiatrist is necessary.

• Has his mood recently drastically changed and he can't "shake it off"?

• Do his moods fluctuate, that is, does he seem calm and collected one minute, then irritated and angry the
next? Does he seem cranky much of the time?

• Has his personality changed? Maybe he used to be quiet but now he's quite boisterous.

• Perhaps he frequently mentions how "bad" he feels, or that he is unhappy with how his life is going.

• Did he recently get a divorce or have an important relationship end?

• Have you noticed he has gained or lost a lot of weight recently?

• Has he started drinking more alcohol lately or using illicit drugs? Are these actions out of character for
him?

• Has there been a change in his physical appearance?

• Does he show signs of confusion or anxiety? Is he constantly worrying about something specific or
everything in general?

• Is he avoiding his friends and/or withdrawing from others socially?

• Is he making statements like, "life isn't worth living" or "I just don't care anymore?"

• Does he say that he wishes he had someone to talk to?

• Maybe he fears he is sick and has some sort of a disease. Has he had these concerns checked out by his
general physician?

• Are there increased episodes of crying?

• Does he act strangely?

Chances are good that if you said 'yes' to some of the above questions, it may be helpful for your loved one to seek psychiatric help. Typically, one who needs psychiatric help is struggling in more than one area of his life, such as in family relationships and work. Noticing just one or two of the above characteristics about your loved one may not indicate a necessity to seek psychiatric help.

How You Can Help--Share Your Concerns with Your Loved One

It is important to talk with your loved one about what is going on with him and to share your concerns. Tell him what you have noticed recently. Ask if he has considered getting psychiatric help. Ask if he has had these same struggles before. If so, how did he get better? In the event he declines to see a psychiatrist at this time, inquire how he is going to manage the difficulties.

Attempt to solicit his agreement to attend a psychiatric assessment after an agreed-upon period of time, should his condition not improve. Say that you will go with him to the first appointment to see a psychiatrist. Providing him with support and encouragement will no doubt facilitate his efforts to resolve the current difficulties, either alone or with professional help.

Sources

Chaney, Rita (pen name-Pearl Grace). August 18, 2007. How to Tell if A Loved One Should See a Psychiatrist (Original version of this article). Helium website.

Professional experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Therapist.