You can get a referral to a mental health professional from your physician. You may also want to look up mental health professionals in your area. Your insurance company can help you locate a professional in your area that is covered by your insurance.
For example, if a child has difficulty in school, they may be tested for a learning disability. A person who feels down, lethargic, or like they can’t get out of bed may be tested for emotional disorders.
These questionnaires generally ask about how you feel, like if you feel sad, hopeless, or nervous often. They also may ask about your emotional responses to things, like if you get angry or upset when things happen, and your sleeping patterns.
Keep in mind that physical disorders or substance abuse may mimic psychiatric illnesses. For instance, if you have uncontrolled asthma, it may provoke your anxiety. [5] X Research source Padam Bhatia, MD. Psychiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020.
The mental health professional will observe you closely, including both your body language and what you say.
Interviewing of others requires your written consent. They cannot interview someone without your permission.
They may ask you about your social habits, like how often you date, where you go when you go out, and what kinds of social activities you engage in. You will also talk quite a bit about your childhood, including your family of origin and the dynamics of these relationships.
If you need, you can bring a friend or family member with you to support you if you think you need it to discuss difficult things. It’s better to be vague and tell the truth than to lie. For instance, you can confirm that you experienced abuse as a child but decline to discuss it further. This is more ideal than refusing to answer the question or denying that anything occurred.
You may be referred to multiple mental health professionals for treatment. If you need psychotherapy or talk therapy, you may go to a therapist, psychologist, or licensed social worker. If you need medication, it will be prescribed through a psychiatrist.
Consider asking a trusted family member, friend, colleague, or neighbor. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone in your real life yet, find a therapist you can talk to. You can also find support groups in your area through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or at local treatment facilities. [13] X Trustworthy Source National Alliance on Mental Illness Grassroots mental health-focused organization providing resources, support, and education for those affected by mental illness Go to source
Many common problems, such as depression, are made worse by the feeling of being alone. Many problems like this are very common, so you are not alone. People who have suffered the same problem can help you understand it and cope with it. 1 in 25 adults living in the United States experiences a severe mental illness that interferes with their ability to function. 1 in 6 adults in the United States takes some form of psychiatric medication. [15] X Research source
