By: Andrew Schiller, DO, Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Director of Saint Mary of Nazareth’s Psychiatry Resident Clinic Services
Edited by Lawndale Bilingual News
These days, people of all ages find they are just not satisfied with their mental wellbeing. Sadness or low mood, poor energy or sleep, worry or panic attacks, and trouble focusing or thinking clearly are all common and appropriate reasons to visit a mental health professional. As a practicing psychiatrist and physician, I talk to too many who regret not seeing a mental health professional sooner. Here’s some of the reasons they delayed seeking help.
Fear of Pills: Many assume that seeing a doctor means that they’ll be medicated, but this simply isn’t true in today’s mental health care. Skilled clinicians recommend scientifically studied lifestyle modification, psychotherapy, or even select natural dietary supplements to help treat a patient’s condition. For elderly who may already be taking several medications, alternative options are always explored. An example: many become depressed in the winter months as the days shorten, a condition we call Seasonal Affective Disorder. To their relief, I most often recommend artificial sunlight treatment in the mornings with an inexpensive daylight lamp, not medication.
Stigma: Many people are concerned about the stigma associated with mental health challenges. However, anxiety or depression are common in the United States. Friends and family members are more understanding today of mental health challenges than in generations past. Modern medicine and science have developed ways to help, and you have the right to learn what they are and consider them for yourself.
Belief that Medical Issues Come First: Young and old alike think they should focus first on their physical condition before addressing their mental wellness. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Mental health challenges directly impact your physical health, as in the case of a severely anxious patient who is prevented from leaving home to exercise due to worry. You don’t have to be physically perfect to address your mental health concerns too, and there are alternatives to address your suffering.
Self-Diagnosis: Many I speak with believe they know their diagnosis already. Those people often waste years trying to improve a mental health condition that they may not even have. A stark example is Sleep Apnea masquerading as Major Depressive Disorder. Sleep Apnea is a chronic sleep disorder that causes respiratory stress, often among people who snore or are overweight. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a condition that includes low mood, no longer enjoying activities, changes in your weight or sleep cycle, restlessness or hyperactivity, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide.
If you or a loved one is suffering from poor mental health, I encourage you to make an appointment with a psychiatrist. We chose this profession to help people on their terms, at their pace, and with cutting-edge treatment. At Prime Healthcare, we use an individualized approach to get to the bottom of your concerns and help you improve safely and as quickly as possible.
