Family doctors are often the first point of call for treatment. They can recognize symptoms and work closely with other mental healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists or psychologists.
Lagoy suggests looking for a psychiatrist who combines therapy with medication management. He also recommends finding one with a specialty that aligns with your specific diagnosis or concern.
You are concerned about your loved one’s mental health.
Often, they may resist seeking professional help when dealing with mental health concerns. They may feel stigmatized, not know where to start, or have real-life barriers to care (like insurance).
If you are concerned about your loved one’s mental well-being, consider asking them if they want to be evaluated by a family psychiatrist. You can find a qualified family psychiatrist near me by searching online or by speaking with your primary care physician. They can assist you with finding a provider that accepts your loved ones’ insurance. They can also advocate for your loved ones when navigating healthcare systems and addressing mental health issues. Ultimately, they can provide an accurate diagnosis and suggest treatment options tailored to your loved one’s needs.
Your loved one is threatening or hurting themselves or others.
A mental health crisis is a terrifying time for the person experiencing it and their loved ones. It’s important to recognize warning signs and get your loved one help as soon as you can.
Psychiatrists specialize in the treatment of emotional and behavioral disorders. They can prescribe medications, perform physical examinations and order diagnostic tests.
Family psychiatry treatment helps families learn how to communicate and solve problems better. It can improve family relationships and foster a feeling of closeness. Some of the techniques used in family psychiatry include psychotherapy and interpersonal therapy. Learn about the different types of family psychiatric treatment and how they can help your loved one. You can also find resources for suicide prevention and ways to keep your loved one safe.
Your loved one is displaying signs of a mental health disorder.
Family members can be crucial in recognizing signs of mental illness and encouraging their loved ones to seek help. They may also be able to accompany them to therapy sessions and actively participate in the treatment plan.
A psychiatrist can assess a person to determine if there is a mental disorder such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. A psychiatric evaluation is usually long (1.5 hours or more) and includes a detailed history and questionnaires.
People with mental illness often exhibit warning signs that include a change in mood, difficulty thinking clearly or acting strangely. They may also show symptoms of a psychotic episode, such as hearing or seeing things that are not there. They often stop participating in activities that sustain life, like eating or caring for themselves.
Your loved one is experiencing a manic episode.
Mania is a high mood that can result in reckless behaviors, like spending excessive money or taking risks with their physical safety. It’s usually a sign of bipolar disorder and can be treated with meds and therapy.
A manic episode is often characterized by racing thoughts and feelings of extra energy. According to NAMI, it might also be accompanied by delusions, like grandiose ones or auditory-visual hallucinations.
During a manic episode, it’s important for your loved one to continue their medication regimen and to stick to their routine as much as possible. They should also try to avoid large purchases and sudden trips, and they can even give their credit cards to a trusted friend or family member temporarily to help them avoid impulsive decisions during an episode.
Your loved one is exhibiting suicidal thoughts.
Suicidal thoughts are always a serious concern and should never be taken lightly. If your loved one says they are considering suicide or you find out they are making plans to kill themselves, have a private conversation about it in a non-confrontational way. Listen, be supportive and encourage them to seek help. Reducing their access to lethal items is also important.
Depending on the cause of their suicidal thoughts, treatment can include talking therapy and medication. Ask them if they take prescription medications and review the label with a healthcare provider. If they are in a mental health crisis, help them connect with services such as Crisis Support Services of Nevada at 988. You can even offer to call or go with them to their first appointment.
