When should you get a mental health consultation?
Life has its ups and downs, and it's inevitable that we sometimes feel a little sad. But what if the sadness goes on for too long? Or if these feelings start to affect your physical, mental, emotional and social well-being? Then maybe it isn't just a few moments of sadness or disappointment, but a call from your body to get mental health support from a professional.
As a quick guide, if you, or someone you know, are experiencing the following symptoms, we recommend speaking with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Physical symptoms:
Insomnia, lack of concentration, rapid heart rate, fatigue, feeling tired easily.
Psychological symptoms:
Stressed, prolonged sadness, feelings of depression and hopelessness, self-blaming, obsessive overthinking or looping thoughts, mood swings and having suicidal thoughts.
Behavioral symptoms:
Excessive use of alcohol, addiction to smoking or substances, aggressive behaviour, prone to violence, unusual slowness or restlessness, speaking or smiling to oneself, oblivious to surroundings.
A psychologist or psychiatrist consultation is more common than you think. Just like you'd take care of your body and see a doctor when you have a flu or fever, it's important to get professional mental health support to properly assess individual symptoms for diagnosis and treatment.
Not only will you be able to understand why you are feeling those feelings, a psychologist or psychiatrist can help you better manage the symptoms and conditions whether via counselling or medication.
How can psychologists and psychiatrists help?
Both psychologists and psychiatrists are qualified to provide proper and appropriate mental health treatment for a range of mental health concerns including:
Violent tendencies
Relationship issues
Workplace issues
Alcohol and drug abuse
Personality disorders
Depression and anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
What is the difference between psychologist and psychiatrist?
While psychiatrists and psychologists are both trained to identify mental issues and disorder, their treatment approaches vary.
Psychologists focus on psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help identify issues causing emotional distress. For some people, talk therapy lets them discuss feelings and emotions triggered by stress, illness, grief, loss or trauma. For others, the therapy helps identify conditions like anxiety and depression. Typically, treatment will consist of a few sessions. The length and frequency of therapy sessions vary for individuals depending on the severity of the condition, and may be adjusted throughout the treatment.
Psychiatrists assess, diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders through the use of medication. During your first treatment, the psychiatrist will carry out an initial assessment of your physical and mental health, paying attention to your medical history, lifestyle habits, sleeping patterns and so forth. This helps the psychiatrist better understand your needs and condition before prescribing the appropriate medication. The length of each consultation and the number of sessions required depends on individual needs.
So when should you consult with a psychlologist or psychiatrist?
You may want to talk to psychologist on issues like stress at the workplace, at home or if you may be going through a difficult time. Speaking with a mental health professional helps you better understand the emotions you are feeling and the possible underlying causes, so you can manage the issues and symptoms with proven therapy.
If you suspect you have depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other complex mental health issues, you may want to consult with a psychiatrist for a thorough assessment. After understanding your needs and concerns, your psychiatrist will then be able to diagnose and prescribe the medication for you to get better.
Why consider an online mental health consultation?
Many can experience stress and anxiety at clinics and hospitals because of the queues and long waits. Some can even be turned away because of the long doctor waitlists. Doctor Anywhere lets you book a same-day appointment with our team of in-demand psychologists and psychiatrists anytime, anywhere via video call. Each consultation is fully encrypted for privacy and confidentiality.
How To Get a Mental Health Online Consultation?
1. Book Through Doctor Anywhere App: Download Doctor Anywhere app, and create an account.
2. Select the expert:
For psychologist
> Choose "Mental Health"
> Choose "Search for mental health expert"
For psychiatrist
> Choose "Consult a specialist"
> Choose "Psychiatry" and “Schedule an appointment with your preferred specialist”
3. Arrange an Appointment: Select a preferred date and time and confirm your booking. At the time of the appointment, launch Doctor Anywhere app and join the call.
Consult with a psychologist 1,000 THB for 30 minute/session
Consult with a psychiatrist 1,500 THB for 30 minute/session
* Free medication delivery within 90 minutes if a psychiatrist prescribes medications. (For consult with a psychiatrist only)
* Special Price of Mental Health Consultation Package *
* 1-time Payment for 1 - 4 Months Service *
