We all get down from time to time. Usually, we can get out from under the dark clouds with a little time and feel as normal as possible so that we can carry on and not get bogged down with negative issues. However, there are times when the negatives seem too great to bounce back from. When you get to this point, you should seek professional help. Here are a few examples of when you should turn to the assistance that can come from seeing a psychologist.
Your sleep or appetite has changed
Emotional distress usually shows up in changes to sleep patterns. If you suffer from difficulty falling asleep or have trouble staying asleep at night, you have an issue that needs to be addressed. The same thing for eating habits. If you suddenly have a loss of appetite or crave unhealthy foods, you should seek the help of a psychologist.
You don't seem to enjoy things you once did
While it is not uncommon to change interests, when you no longer find things you once enjoyed interesting anymore, that could signal a touch of depression. When you lose motivation to participate in activities that you used to enjoy, you can feel empty and unfulfilled. A professional can help you get excited about these activities again.
You are grieving a loss
It can be overwhelming to deal with the pain of a loss. That loss can be in one of many different forms. It could be a job, or a loved one. It could be something significant in your life that has changed forever. Grieving combines many feelings including sadness, anger, guilt, or other emotional pain that prevents you from moving on and coping with that loss. A psychologist can help you work through those feelings and heal.
Your work or school performance is failing
Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks that you could do with your eyes closed is a sign. Combining this with the feeling of falling behind or being overwhelmed can make even simple things appear daunting. When this happens long-term, it is easy to get discouraged and lose motivation or interest in what you are doing.
You have turned to drugs, alcohol, or risky activities to cope
Some people deal with stress by turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms. They may include drinking, drug use, or risky behaviour. These patterns are usually meant to numb the emotional pain and although they may provide short-term relief, they can lead to the creation of other, far more serious problems.
You struggle with making and keeping friends
Healthy, solid relationships are good for our well-being. However, if your relationships are full of conflicts, arguments, and disagreements, this can lead to serious emotional stress. A psychologist can help you build stronger and healthier connections with people and loved ones.
You feel suicidal
If you find yourself thinking about ending your life or harming yourself, this is not something to take lightly. When suicidal thoughts fill your mind, you must take action right away and seek the intervention of a professional who can help you break the pattern. A psychologist can also provide you with long-term treatment to keep your mind from dipping into that territory and give you skills to combat things if you see them heading down a dark path.
Do Any of These Examples Sound Familiar?
If you see yourself in any of the examples listed above, you may need to see a psychologist. Your local physiotherapist in Redcliffe Qld also provides clinical psychology. Contact Newport Physio and Health today to discuss how they can help you deal with emotional issues with psychology. Newport Physio and Health is far more than just physiotherapy. Contact them today to learn more.
Conclusion
Life is tough. Sometimes it is far tougher than it should be. Issues and activities we experience can result in feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, and worse. These negatives are often easy to shrug off and move forward from. However, there are times when they are so overwhelming that only a professional can pull us out from the shadows. When you find yourself on a dark path that seems to have no clear solutions, you need the help of a psychologist. They can help you navigate those negative feelings and get better.