The World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) defines mental health as a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being. A number of factors affect our mental health, this includes, our physical health, the environment we live in, our social health, our nutrition and how we understand the world we live in. More often than not, we will experience difficulties in life and these have the potential to impact our mental health, such as stress, losses and changes in circumstances.
If our coping develops into anxiety, depression, or relationship problems. Our ability to function effectively in our personal and professional lives is often affected. Seeking help from a psychologist can be a beneficial step towards improving your mental health.
A psychologist is a trained mental health professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Here are some ways in which a psychologist can help you improve your mental health.
- Assessment and diagnosis: A psychologist can assess your mental health symptoms and diagnose any mental health disorders you may be experiencing. This includes mood disorders, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorders, and PTSD. This process involves evaluating your symptoms, physical and mental health history, and personal circumstances to make sense of your concerns.
- Formulation: This is a feedback process where a psychologist synthesizes your information with their knowledge of psychological processes and theory into a story that helps to plan for treatment, or to give you ways to cope or improve your mental health plans.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, otherwise called talk therapy can help individuals manage their mental health symptoms. The best forms of psychotherapy are evidence-based . A psychologist can provide psychotherapy services that help you understand and manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors by teaching you evidence-based coping mechanisms and other strategies.
- Medication management: A psychologist can work in collaboration with your primary care physician or psychiatrist to manage your medication if you are prescribed any. They can monitor your symptoms and make recommendations to your GP or psychiatrist for adjustments to your medication as necessary.
- Relationships: Often, one’s own mental health impacts our relationships with others. This can often worsen existing mental health symptoms. A psychologist can help you navigate interrelational stressors that help you improve your communication, strengthen your relationships, and manage conflicts.
In conclusion, seeking help from a psychologist can be a valuable step towards improving your mental health. They can provide a safe and supportive environment where you can discuss your concerns and receive evidence-based treatment that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
If you are struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. The Centre for Clinical Psychology in Melbourne provides a range of psychological services that can help you manage your mental health symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Book an appointment today by calling 03 9077 0122 or visiting https://ccp.net.au/booking/. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking care of your mental health is essential for living a happy and fulfilling life.
Reference
World Health Organization (WHO), Mental health, 17 June 2022.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
