"No telltale sign of being psychotic emerges following therapy or psychiatric treatment."
Finding a trustworthy psychologist has become crucial in our modern world, where networking often takes precedence over relationships, and inner peace seems elusive. While solace can be sought in the quotes of philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche, it's essential to know where to find it.
Anna Demeneva, a psychiatrist-psychotherapist from "UGMK-Health" (Yekaterinburg), sheds light on the search for meaning in our lives and mental health, debunking lingering Soviet-era myths about psychiatric care along the way. According to Demeneva, the hardest task is finding personal meaning, and relying on others for this undeniably unreliable.
Instead, we should rely on ourselves and our inner drive to find it. Our minds may push us to solve internal problems through others, but that solace is temporary at best. It's possible that this very person - a close friend or spouse - may grow weary of our expectations, leaving us in a vulnerable position. Self-reliance is the lifesaver we need.
The pursuit of meaning is made all the more complex by our shortened planning horizons. While we've traditionally thought in long-term perspectives, our lives and schemes have crumbled in recent times. We now face a neurotic reaction to uncertainty, but it's important to remember that human health lies in adaptation.
Viktor Frankl, a prisoner in four Nazi concentration camps, found a measure of meaning even in those darkest of times, often helping newcomers adapt to their helpless situation. His story reminds us that even in the most challenging circumstances, there's always a way to adapt.
Our brains have a remarkable ability to adapt and change, known as neuroplasticity. However, our inherited value system and past experiences can sometimes make it difficult for us to see new paths. It's in these moments that we may seek help from a professional, such as a psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
The burden of finding the right specialist rests on us, yet many of us feel unsure where to start. Thankfully, there are directories like Psychology Today and Zocdoc that help narrow down your search based on location, specialty, and insurance. Local clinics and hospitals are another resource, as are recommendations from friends, family, or your primary care provider.
Of course, it's crucial to ensure the psychologist you choose is licensed and specialized in your area of concern, and that there's a good fit between you. An initial consultation can help determine if their approach resonates with you.
In the realm of mental health, self-diagnosis and self-medication are ill-advised, as it's only a doctor who can provide proper guidance. Symptoms such as sleep disturbances and the loss of pleasure in familiar things can signal the need for professional attention.
If you notice such symptoms in a loved one, express your concern and urge them to seek help. Let them know they're seen and supported, as this can be a crucial step towards recovery.
As Demeneva notes, admitting illness is never easy, but it's essential for our well-being. Seek help when you need it, and remember that mental health is just as important as physical health.
I'm not sure where to find a psychologist who specializes in mental health, but directories like Psychology Today and Zocdoc can help me narrow down my search based on location, specialty, and insurance.
In our modern world, self-diagnosis and self-medication in the realm of mental health are ill-advised, as it's only a doctor who can provide proper guidance.
