Although your physical health and wellness are incredibly important, you can't ignore your mental health. The United States is currently in the midst of a decades-long mental health crisis, and everyone needs to take steps to focus on their mental wellness. But, due to stigma and other factors, it can be tough to know when it's time to seek out psychiatry in Colorado Springs or look for other kinds of psychiatric services and treatments.
If you're unsure if it's time to meet one-on-one with a psychiatric care provider, we can help you determine the best next steps to take for your mental wellness.
Why Some Avoid Psychiatric Services in Colorado Springs
Mental health and wellness are different for everyone, and whether consciously or subconsciously, many people may not seek out psychiatric care even if they need it. The stigma surrounding mental health issues can be a major barrier for numerous people, as they may fear judgment or discrimination from others. Unfortunately, that stigma can make things worse as individuals may isolate themselves, and because they don't receive the treatments or support they need, symptoms can worsen, and the cycle can repeat.
Additionally, some individuals may not be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, making it difficult for them to recognize when they need help. Others may simply not know where to turn for help or may not understand the ins-and-outs of psychiatry in Colorado Springs.
Simply put, there are plenty of obstacles that can stand in the way of you and reliable mental health care services and treatments. Regardless of your situation, what you need to remember is that help is out there and it's possible to find long-lasting symptom relief. With the right psychiatric services and treatments, you can improve your quality of life and find a personalized path to better mental wellness.
Understanding the Field of Psychiatry
If you're unfamiliar with mental health services and the specializations that exist within this space, it can be confusing to understand psychiatry and what it's all about. In fact, many American adults are still easily confused about the differences between a psychologist, a therapist, and a psychiatrist. Let's set the record straight.
Psychiatry is "the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders" (psychiatry.org). Many types of psychiatric professionals are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. For instance, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an expert in psychiatry in Colorado Springs can both diagnose and treat all kinds of mental health conditions and disorders, including:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Emotional and behavioral conditions
- PTSD and trauma
- Sleep disorders
Therapists and counseling professionals are closely related to these psychiatric care providers, as they can diagnose and treat mental health conditions and disorders. However, these mental health professionals are often more limited in the types of treatments they can prescribe and facilitate.
If you need comprehensive support for long-term symptom relief, you need psychiatric services and treatments from a licensed psychiatric care provider.
How to Tell It's Time to Seek Out Psychiatry in Colorado Springs
There are a few common signs that may indicate it’s the right time to seek out psychiatric services and treatment providers. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with a psychiatric professional, like one of our care providers at Larson Mental Health:
- Intense feelings of fear, worry, or anxiety that interfere with daily life
- Severe mood swings between high highs and low lows
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Uncontrollable or overwhelming emotional outbursts
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Visual and/or auditory hallucinations
- Obsessive fixations on certain topics, ideas, or beliefs
These signs are common in many mental health disorders, such as ADHD, anxiety and depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and others. It's worth noting that these symptoms may not automatically mean you have a mental health disorder or condition. Symptoms may vary in severity and dissipate over time. That said, if you're experiencing any of these signs, it's best to get an official psychiatric diagnosis from a licensed professional to ensure you're taking the right steps for your mental wellness.
Get Started with Our Psychiatric Services and Treatments
Are you concerned about recent symptoms or specific mental health concerns? At Larson Mental Health, we can accurately diagnose your mental health condition and develop a tailored psychiatric treatment plan to address your concerns and symptoms. Our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are well-trained, fully licensed, and qualified to diagnose and treat all kinds of mental health afflictions, from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and more. No matter what your current mental health concerns may be, we can help you find the lasting relief you need.
Schedule your appointment with Larson Mental Health today to learn more about our reliable psychiatric services and treatments for your needs.