What is psychology?
"Psychology" describes the scientific study of the mind and behavior. The Greek term "psyche," which means life or breath, is the root of the English word "psychology." The word also signifies "self" or "soul."
The field of psychology strives to make human complexities easier — understanding people and gaining insights into their behavior. Although it is a vast field, themes like development, personality, thoughts, feelings, emotions, and motivations represent a small subset of what psychology aims to analyze, predict, and explain.
Some typical applications of psychology in daily life include:
- Providing treatment for mental health
- Curating educational programs
- Improving ergonomics (analysis of employees' productivity) in the workplace
- Enhancing the general performance of people
- Help to make better choices for personal health and well-being
- Making advances in psychological research
- Offering self-help
- Designing social programs
- Understanding child development
As you can see, psychology entails a significant amount of depth and breadth despite being a relatively young science.
A doctor of psychology is known as a psychologist. They consistently strive to decode the multiple aspects of the human mind and, in turn, add newfound knowledge of the field into practice by creating valuable tools and techniques that impact people's daily lives.
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist
Psychiatry is a medical specialty focusing on biological factors that cause or prevent mental health conditions. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat the conditions as any other physical illness. They have training in genetics, biochemistry, neurology, and psychopharmacology.
After completing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, psychiatrists take a written exam to get licensed. In addition, they must complete a 4-year residency — where they work with patients and learn to diagnose, prevent, and treat mental disorders. After licensing, they can practice as well as prescribe medication. As they are physicians by training, psychiatrists can order medical tests or conduct physical checkups.
Psychologists, however, focus on the social, cultural, and environmental factors that affect mental health. They rely on therapy and counseling to manage mental illnesses. Psychologists aim to identify the factors that explain the patient's experiences and suggest changes to their thinking style or habits.
Psychologists also differ in their educational background and training. After completing graduate school, they enroll in one of the two degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). It may take 4 to 6 years to earn one of these degrees. Many choose to train for another two years, working directly with patients.
Subspecialties in psychology
The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes the following specializations in psychology:
- Clinical psychology collaborates science, theory, and practice to understand better, anticipate, and treat problems with adjustment, handicap, and discomfort. It encourages adaptation, adjustment, and personal development.
- Clinical neuropsychology investigates the anatomy and function of the brain through behavioral and psychological processes. Neuropsychology may be required if a problem requires brain lesions or tests that involve monitoring electrical activity in the brain.
- School psychology entails dealing with students, parents or caregivers, and teachers in educational settings.
- Psychoanalysis focuses on comprehending and altering personality and other unconscious characteristics of behavior and thought.
- Child and adolescent psychology studies infants, children, and teenagers.
- Counseling psychology assists people of all ages with various emotional, social, occupational, health, and academic issues.
- Behavioral and cognitive psychology employs learning, development, and cognitive principles to assist with behavioral, thinking, and emotional issues.
- Couples and family psychology address issues that people may have in their relationships and families.
- Rehabilitation psychology helps people recover from injuries or illnesses.
- Geropsychology studies elderly individuals and their families.
- Serious mental illness psychology focuses on assisting persons with severe mental diseases, such as schizophrenia.
- Psychopharmacology is the use of psychological principles in drug production and study.
- Organizational psychology studies human behavior in workplaces and organizations.
- Forensic psychology is the use of psychology in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. A forensic psychologist applies psychology as a scientific discipline to the criminal justice and civil courts.
- Police and public safety psychology can help law enforcement officers and other public safety professionals.
- Group psychology and psychotherapy train group leaders to recognize problems and assist the growth of individual group members.
- Sleep psychology studies sleep and sleep-related disorders.
Common mental health issues
In recent years, mental health has become one of the more widely discussed issues across the world, and this is chiefly due to the acceptance of the fact that mental health-related stress and challenges are not restricted to your personal life anymore. Mental illness (and associated disability) is a leading cause of loss of productivity at work. For instance, clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) can significantly impair performance at work, pushing the patient out of the workforce for weeks, if not months, and even years.
However, people still hesitate in seeking help, and this may be due to financial distress, lack of awareness, or social stigma. In reality, the Florida Behavioral Health Association reports that 56% of American adults with any mental illness (AMI) do not obtain treatment.
Some of the most common mental health concerns that psychologists near you manage are:
- Generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) - Usually, we all face anxiety before an important event or a task, like giving a presentation or speech in front of a large audience. In contrast, a person suffering from GAD will experience severe anxiety about things that are not objectively threatening. Patients might feel nervous even going through the day doing regular chores, such as shopping, planning a picnic, or choosing a gift. About 3% of the population in the USA experiences GAD in an average year.
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) - Living in a constant state of despair or extreme sadness that lasts for weeks can signify MDD. People suffering from MDD require immediate professional intervention; the condition can even lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD) - We are often surrounded by people who react differently in social situations, and we often categorize them as introverts or extroverts. However, preferring some time alone is not a sign of mental illness on its own. Instead, patients with SAD suffer from debilitating anxiety and may struggle to function well in any social situation. For instance, they may feel hesitation and shame in ordering a product.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - OCD causes people to have repetitive thoughts and obsessions constantly. They may even form a compulsion to carry out specific behaviors or actions. Sometimes, patients with OCD realize that their actions or thoughts are unreasonable and harmful. Still, they usually struggle to control their urges regardless. Over 2% of Americans have received an OCD diagnosis at some point in their lives.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - It is a mental illness caused after experiencing a traumatic event. Experiences like war, accidents, disasters, or any form of abuse can lead to PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include being startled or having flashbacks.
Tips to improve mental health
While there is no quick fix to improve mental health overnight, you can always start with positive habits that may contribute to your overall mental well-being.
Experts from Mental Health America suggest a few simple tips to boost your mental health. These include:
- Start your day with coffee - Consuming coffee can directly or indirectly help lower your depression rate. You can even explore some additional healthy options like green tea.
- Maintain a gratitude and achievement journal - Follow the 3-3 rule: Include three things you were grateful for and three achievements you were proud of in a day.
- Plan getaways - This could involve camping with friends or visiting the tropics. Also, you can choose some budget-friendly options, such as picnics at a park with your loved ones or by yourself. Such quality time can boost your happiness for up to 8 weeks!
- Use your strengths to build self-confidence - Regularly practice something you are good at and enjoy doing; this can include your hobbies, such as sports, painting, music, dance, etc. Gradually, you can increase the level of challenge and try to achieve them.
- Laugh often - Laughter is the best anxiety reducer! Watch comedies, hang out with a friend who makes you laugh, or browse feel-good videos online.
- Unwind with a warm bath - This is an easy self-care option you can do once a week. A pro tip is to use Epsom salts in your bath water. Since stress can deplete magnesium levels in your body, these salts help soothe aches and pains and help boost your mood.
- Take it out on the paper - Talking to a close one or writing about upsetting experiences can decrease depression rates. Moreover, writing can be beneficial if you have nobody to share your thoughts and feelings with.
Furthermore, there are many other ways to keep your mental health well-balanced, and you can always do more of what makes you happier. However, it is always good to consult a professional, like a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, to get expert help when needed.
Finding the best psychologist near you
Even after we realize the importance of mental health, seeking help can be very difficult. Psychologists vary significantly in their experience, specialization, clinical interests, etc. A quality psychologist — who is friendly and hears you out — is especially tough to find.
However, with Zocdoc, you can effortlessly search among the top-rated psychologists in Phoenix who accept your insurance. Enter your insurance carrier, and we will display the best matching providers. All Zocdoc psychologists have detailed profiles that list their clinical experience, awards, board certifications, and more. You can also learn about the languages they speak and if they conduct a specific kind of therapy.
In addition to helping you make an informed decision, Zocdoc profiles provide verified customer reviews. You can quickly get first-hand information about the psychologist from current or former patients. Providers can also be sorted based on their gender, location, hospital affiliation, and much more!
Booking appointments with the best psychologists near you using Zocdoc is safe, secure, and 100% free.
Mental health in Arizona
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), around 4.5% of adults in the US live with severe mental health conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder. In 2017, 13.3% of teenagers between 12 and 17 had a major depressive episode, 9.4% had faced severe impairment from the same. Only 40.3% of adolescents reported receiving any form of treatment. In other words, the majority (about 59.7%) of those in need of mental healthcare may not be able to access care.
According to Mental Health America, in 2023, Arizona ranks among the lowest (47 out of the 51 US states and the District of Columbia) in access to mental health services.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness report about mental health in Arizona, around 1,030,000 adults in the state have a mental condition. As of February 2021, while 40.8% of adults complained of anxiety or depression symptoms, approximately 257,000 adults had severe mental illness. The data among teenagers was equally serious, with 87,000 adolescents having depression.
The report also stated that a shocking 321,000 adults did not receive any help for their mental problems, and 35.3% of them opted out of treatment due to cost issues. In 2021, 1,438 people committed suicide in Arizona, and a staggering 237,000 adults had thoughts on ending their lives.
Sources
American Psychological Association
Healthline
The Ohio State University
Verywell Mind
Mental Health America
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Medical News Today[1]
Medical News Today[2]
Mental Health America
National Alliance on Mental Illness
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