Mental health and its importance
We live in a time when everyone around us is moving or reaching for something. Nobody has the time to take a moment and reflect on their mind or health. While physiological illness might still get some attention if it's bothersome enough, mental health rarely becomes the topic of concern until it takes a toll on daily life.
Our emotions, feelings, and personalities make us human, and reacting to our environment is expected. What is abnormal is when we seem to lose control over our reactions or stop behaving reasonably in the situations around us. Being sad when something negative happens is a normal reaction, but living in a constant state of despair without any reasonable explanation can be a sign of depression.
Mental health has become the point of discussion for quite some time now as it's affecting more and more people and goes untreated by most. One of the factors that stops people from getting the treatment they need is the stigma around mental illness. It is vital to educate people about mental health and ensure that it receives as much attention as our physical health.
Often, mental health conditions are recognized at later stages and ignored or go undetected at early stages. Some of the warning signs in the early stages can be:
- If you're eating too little or too much
- If you're secluding yourself from others
- Low on energy
- Feeling hopeless
- Experiencing severe mood swings
- Self-harming thoughts
- Repetitive thoughts that are consistent and uncontrolled
If you are experiencing any one or multiple signs from the above, you should get help from a professional immediately or reach out to your friends and family, who can connect you to a professional.
Mental illness has a ripple effect on the person and the community. Not only physiological implications, but the productivity of an individual also suffers due to mental illness.
The rate of unemployment is higher in people with mental illness as compared to those who don't have such issues. High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more likely to drop out than their peers.
With all these facts, it is clear that mental health is more important than it appears on the surface, and overlooking or ignoring its advances would only push the world towards a more dangerous outcome.
Therefore, it is essential to contact a professional whenever discomfort or a persistent feeling is uncontrollable.
Education and training of psychologists
Psychologists have the license to treat patients with mental disorders through therapies and counseling. Becoming a psychologist takes a lot of schooling and training. First, you must earn your bachelor's degree, which can take about 4 to 6 years. Then, you'll go to graduate school, where you'll learn more about psychology through classes, research, and sometimes teaching. A psychologist practicing in the U.S. would have a degree in Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D).
Before graduation, aspirants must also complete a supervised internship for a year. You might need extra supervised practice time, depending on where you want to work. Psychologists must also clear specific exams to earn their licensure.
It is essential to seek professional help for mental disorders and reach out in the early stages. Going without treatments for long only worsens the condition and leads to dangerous results, which can harm both the person suffering and the people around them.
Different types of psychologists
A few of the subfields in psychology include the following:
- Cognitive and perceptual psychologists
Cognitive and perceptual psychologists study human thinking, memory, and perception. For instance, how humans produce and understand language and how the mind sees or defines reality. These psychologists collaborate with behavioral neuroscientists to study the biological fundamentals of cognition or perception. They also work with researchers to understand cognitive bias among people suffering from depression.
Clinical psychologists focus on managing and treating mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. These could include chronic conditions like schizophrenia as well as short-term problems like difficulties due to adolescent conflicts. Clinical psychologists may work with a particular set of people like couples, youths, families, transgender people, ethnic minority groups, and so on. Or, they may choose to focus on a specific problem like clinical depression or phobias.
Counseling psychologists help people identify their inner resources and strengths to cope with or manage serious adversity and daily problems. They conduct teaching, scientific research, psychotherapy, or counseling sessions with people of all ages, organizations (hospitals, schools, businesses), and families. Counseling psychologists help people understand their behaviors and how it affects their quality of life and environment.
Forensic psychologists apply the principles of psychology for legal purposes. Their expertise is most useful in the judicial system. They can analyze the defendant's mental ability to face a trial and help the judge give the proper judgment. They can even help decide the custody of a child in divorce cases. Forensic psychologists also research eyewitness testimony and jury behavior. Some forensic psychologists may receive training in both law and psychology to serve the judicial system.
- Developmental psychologists
Developmental psychologists focus on the psychological development of human beings throughout their lifespans. Earlier, they mainly focused on the formative years of childhood and adolescence. However, as life expectancy improved beyond 80 years, developmental psychologists began focusing on the behavioral, mental, and physical aspects of aging. They help older adults lead independent lives as much as possible.
Health psychologists focus on how psychological, social, and biological factors affect human health and illness. They study why some patients don't follow medical advice and how some handle their mental state during an illness. It helps them develop effective ways to change poor habits and manage chronic pain in patients. They develop treatment plans to promote physical and emotional well-being.
What is the difference between psychiatrists, counselors, and psychologists?
A psychiatrist is a certified doctor and can diagnose and treat mental health problems. They are qualified to prescribe medications and other medical treatments. Psychiatrists often handle more complex mental health problems that might need medication or medical care.
On the other hand, a psychologist has a doctorate and usually focuses on research or therapy. They treat mental health issues using talk therapy but can't prescribe medications.
A counselor, sometimes called a therapist, has a master's degree in mental health fields like psychology or family therapy. They can assess mental health and use treatment modalities such as talk therapy.
Why should you consult a psychologist near you?
According to the American Psychological Association, psychology studies human behavior. Psychologists practice psychology; they identify factors that affect mental health and treat the conditions.
While reaching out to family and friends is helpful and can provide temporary relief, getting professional help can only help you understand the reasons and help you gain control over it.
What should one expect during the first visit to a psychologist?
Your psychologist will start the first session by asking a few questions. They may enquire about your personal history, the reason for your visit, when your problem first started, what makes it better or worse, and your relationship with drugs and alcohol. It might take a few sessions to cover everything.
Your psychologist might request tests to understand your mood, personality, or memory. These tests help comprehend the root cause of the problem and achieve an accurate diagnosis.
Once they understand your situation, your psychologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan incorporating proven, research-based techniques. This plan could involve different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, or systems therapy.
Find a psychologist near you in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
While getting treated is essential, we also understand that people with mental health issues find it very hard to reach out to people or trust people with their conditions. Traveling long distances for consultation and hassles in getting an appointment can make one reluctant to get the help they need.
Zocdoc will place several specialists near you who can consult and provide an easy way to book appointments without leaving your home at any cost. Zocdoc has an algorithm that will give you all the information you'll require to book an appointment with a specialist, like their credentials, educational background, and experience in the field. You can also read verified reviews and ratings by past patients the doctor has treated to help you make an informed decision.
If you want to find a provider who accepts your insurance, add your insurance information (your insurance provider and plan) on the Zocdoc search. It will help you find in-network psychologists. Check out Zocdoc's patient help center for more information and solutions related to insurance.
Moreover, you can book online or video consultations without traveling to their clinic or location. Just look for a purple icon on the profiles of psychologists who allow such online consultations. Depending on the psychologist's availability, you can book appointments before, during, or after office hours. You can also book appointments on weekends and holidays if your schedule permits.
Booking appointments with psychologists near you through Zocdoc is safe, quick, and free!
Mental health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In the U.S. alone, 52.9 million people have experienced mental illness of some kind. Depression and anxiety disorder cost the global economy about $1 trillion in loss of productivity each year. It is the leading cause of disability around the world. Per the National Alliance on Mental Illness, those with depression have a much higher risk (≈40%) of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than a person with positive mental health.
According to the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), within Philadelphia, more than 17% of adults have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Additionally, there are several cases of drug overdose deaths that are constantly increasing the number of premature deaths in the age group 15-44 years.
Along with this, according to a 2015 survey conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 46% of adults in Philadelphia reported poor mental health during at least one day within the past month.
According to Philadelphia's Department of Public Health, drug-induced mortality and opioid-related mortality rates have been increasing in recent years. The figures mentioned above only suggest that the mental health landscape in Philadelphia is of concern, and one should address it immediately to stop the conditions from worsening.
Along with educating people, it is vital to provide helplines to people so they can reach out in times of need. Encouraging everyone to talk about mental health openly is also helpful.
Sources
National Alliance on Mental Health
Verywell Mind
American Psychological Association[1]
American Psychological Association[2]
Public Health Management Corporation
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
