You want things to be better. But you’re not sure if you really have a mental health condition—or maybe you don’t think your struggles are significant enough to receive help. If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain, this blog is for you.
Every day, millions of adults grapple with the hidden challenges of mental health. While occasional sadness or anxiety is part of the human experience, prolonged and intensified feelings may indicate something more profound, such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or other mental health conditions. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that one in five adults in America experiences a mental illness, with nearly one in 20 living with a serious mental illness. Closer to home, over 3.3 million adults in Texas have a mental health condition—that’s more than three times the population of Austin.
Despite these staggering numbers, many Americans hesitate to seek help. More than half of those with a mental health condition in the United States do not receive any treatment for it. Yet with numerous proven treatments available, seeking a diagnosis can be the first step to healing for many. So just how can you tell when it’s time to talk to a doctor about those persistent feelings of distress or unease weighing you down?
Recognizing the signs and symptoms
Recognizing your symptoms is the first step toward understanding the potential need for a professional diagnosis. With the pervasive influence of social media today, many find themselves navigating through a wealth of mental health insights, often from qualified professionals offering their expertise. However, these platforms also host videos rife with oversimplifications and misinformation. For instance, videos titled “5 Uncommon ADHD Symptoms You Didn’t Know You Have!” or “I cried during this movie and realized I have PTSD! #TraumaCheck” might resonate with some viewers, providing a sense of validation for those already diagnosed. But they can also lead others down a path of self-misdiagnosis, mistaking shared human experiences for clinical symptoms.
When approaching relatable content about potential symptoms you’re experiencing, take note of what stands out to you. Consider tracking your feelings, noting their frequency and intensity.
Here are common signs of anxiety, depression, and PTSD that you may recognize:
- Anxiety: Persistent feelings of restlessness, muscle tension, uncontrollable worry, rapid heartbeat, and irritability
- Depression: Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, fatigue, changes in appetite, loss of interest in activities, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- PTSD: Intrusive memories or flashbacks of traumatic events, avoidance of things that remind you of the trauma, heightened reactions, and feelings of detachment or disassociation
While it’s crucial to be aware of these signs, caution is advised against alarmist articles that may sway you to jump to conclusions. Only a professional can provide a diagnosis that’s more accurate than any self-diagnosis derived from a viral social media post.
Read: What Does Neurodivergent Mean? Understand and Embrace Neurodivergent Conditions
Why should I seek a diagnosis?
Self-diagnosis, often fueled by internet research, does not consider your unique conditions and can be inaccurate, or even harmful. In contrast, a professional diagnosis, conducted by trained experts, can paint a comprehensive picture of your mental health and pin-point the conditions that may be affecting you. Such a diagnosis provides:
- Clarity and validation. Understanding what you are facing can be profoundly validating and relieving.
- Access to effective treatments. Tailored treatment options, including therapy and medication, become available.
- Support and resources. Diagnosis connects you to a community and resources that understand your struggle.
Read: From Isolated to Connected: How Group Therapy Works and its Benefits
Should I get diagnosed? A checklist for reflection
Knowing that it’s time to talk to a doctor about a diagnosis can be a turning point in your mental health journey. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to reach out for professional help, this checklist can guide your reflection. This is not a quiz—but your answers could suggest whether or not you may benefit from a diagnosis and treatment.
Consider the following:
◻ Interference in daily life: Do your symptoms disrupt your daily routine, work, relationships, or leisure activities? If your mental state is consistently hindering your ability to function normally, it’s a strong indicator that professional help could be beneficial.
◻ Intensity and duration of symptoms: Are the symptoms intense and have they persisted for a substantial period? Mental health conditions often involve sustained and severe symptoms that don’t alleviate on their own.
◻ Physical manifestations: Are there physical symptoms accompanying your mental distress, such as sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, or unexplained aches? Mental health can significantly impact physical well-being, and vice versa.
◻ Coping mechanisms: Have you found yourself relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms, like substance abuse or withdrawal from social interactions? This can be a sign that you’re struggling to manage an undiagnosed condition.
◻ Impact on relationships: Are your symptoms affecting your relationships with family, friends, or colleagues? Mental health conditions can strain interpersonal connections, indicating a need for intervention.
◻ Feedback from others: Have loved ones expressed concern about changes in your behavior or mood? Sometimes, those around us can notice shifts in our well-being before we fully acknowledge them.
◻ Previous efforts: Have you tried self-help strategies without seeing an improvement? If you’ve made efforts to address your symptoms but haven’t experienced relief, professional guidance could offer a more effective approach.
After reflecting on these questions, you might find a clearer perspective on your mental health needs. If many of these points resonate with you, it could be indicative of a deeper underlying issue, and pursuing a professional diagnosis could be your next step.
Read: How Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Help Depression?
Take the first step towards healing
The journey to better mental health can begin with a diagnosis for many people. Recognizing the signs and seeking a professional diagnosis can transform a silent struggle into a path of healing and growth.
If the signs mentioned resonate with you, or if you’ve been contemplating the state of your mental health, consider this a gentle nudge towards seeking help. Austin Anxiety and Trauma Specialists are here to guide you through the process, from diagnosis to tailored treatment. Schedule an appointment today and take that first, crucial step on the path to healing. It can get better. We can help.
