When to Consult a Psychologist Online

We all have our fair share of problems in this life. Losing a loved one, getting fired from a job, an overwhelming feeling of guilt, accidents, traumatic incidences – all of these things may somehow significantly affect us internally. And if the going gets tough and the anxiety is getting out of hand, we call on the experts who can help – psychologists.

A psychologist is a person who studies the mental processes and behavior of humans by discerning, explaining, and documenting how people react and relate to others and external stimulus or their environment. 

Mental health issues, especially those which are recurring or are severe, can hinder the normal daily function of someone. Even though you are suffering from a mood disorder, something that happens in the mind, our body reacts to it all the same.

That is why if you think you are suffering from a mental illness, you have to seek a specialist or your primary healthcare provider. And because of the pandemic, your best and most convenient option is to find one online. 

If you are not yet sure, here are five signs that you need to see a psychologist online:

1. If your mental health issue intervenes with your normal functions and causes constant distress in your life.

This is an important sign that you need to take heed of. Any mental health diagnostic manual will tell you that if a mental problem is already intervening with your everyday tasks at work, at home, at school, or during social interactions – that is an indication that you need to seek professional help. Having a difficult time concentrating at work because of a recent loss of a loved one? Are you neglecting your family responsibilities as a parent because of your depression? Are you constantly making excuses not to go to school because of severe anxiety? If you are feeling overwhelmed and have lost your drive to do things that you regularly do without a problem before, you might want to talk to a psychologist online.

2. Everyone close to you got tired of listening.

Friends and families who are with you through thick or thin are the real MVPs. Your friends or close confidantes are your reliable listening ears especially if you need comfort or someone to talk about outside the family circle. And your family is usually your first and last line of strength when it comes to battling serious problems such as psychological disorders.  But even the most supportive ones also get tired and at a loss because of facing constant mental health issues, especially if they are not trained to deal with these things. They may start to distance themselves away fro you or not answer your call or chats immediately. That is understandable too. Dealing with mental health issues takes effort, time, and a bit of sanity sometimes. That is why you need to speak to a licensed psychologist for this. If you notice that some people are starting to pull away (maybe for their sanity, too), consider seeking professional help for the sake of not only yourself but your loved ones, too.

3. You’ve done everything but nothing worked.

You have enrolled in yoga class and learned meditation. You opened up to your closest friend and sibling. You joined support groups on Facebook. You even changed your diet and started eating more serotonin-rich foods. But the anxiety is still there and you are still feeling lethargic every day. You feel like there is no hope for you and you are starting to think that you are becoming a burden to your family and friends – which makes your anxiety and depression even worse. If you have done everything to cope with your mental health issue but it is still haunting you, try talking to a doctor.

4. People are starting to ask about your health.

Even people who are not close to you are becoming concerned. Your office mate who barely talks to you suddenly stops and asks “Is everything alright?”. If your family and friends are saying you should get professional help – you probably should.

5. You start abusing some medications or you become obsessive with something that relieves some of your symptoms.

The world is filled with problems and it is also full of temporary solutions. Alcohol, cigarettes, and some drugs are acceptable in moderation, but if you have started using them excessively, it might worsen your problem instead of alleviating it. Those temporary joys may also come in other forms. Obsessively playing console games or online games and addiction to pornography and gambling are signs that you are looking for help in the wrong places. The worst that can happen is f you aggressively vent out on your family or loved one, verbally or physically. When this happens, seek a therapist immediately.

Deciding to finally seek professional help is the first step towards psychological wellness. The second is finding a psychologist that you can trust. Do approach your family doctor who can refer you to a specialist. If you do not know anyone yet, do not fret. Consulting an Online doctor Vancouver is one alternative too. Online clinics are safer nowadays because they offer one-on-one talks with doctors and specialists without leaving your home or waiting for a confirmed appointment. Psychologists are available to talk to 24/7!