15 Mar How do I know if I need to see a Psychologist?

How do I know if I need to see a Psychologist? Do I need a doctor’s Referral?

Unfortunately, regardless of how happy or privileged we think we are, we all encounter difficulties at various stages of our lives. Sometimes we are able to deal and overcome those difficulties ourselves; however there are times when we need objective, professional support.
Some of the most common reasons people seek Psychological help are: anxiety, depression, anger management, ante and post natal depression, sleep difficulties, low self esteem, conflict resolution, lack of assertion, bereavement, loss and grief, trauma, and employment related matters.

Depression and anxiety are the two most common reasons people see a Psychologist.

Depression

The following is a quick check list that may help determine if you are experiencing depression:

Depression is diagnosed when at least five of the following symptoms are present for a period of two consecutive weeks and it represents a significant change in the usual level of functioning.

• Depressed mood
• Withdrawal from family and friends – social isolation
• Loss of interest and motivation
• Feelings of worthlessness – low self-esteem
• Excessive feelings of guilt
• Loss of enjoyment of activities that once were pleasurable
• Sleep difficulties – insomnia or over-sleeping (hypersomnia)
• Weight and appetite changes (either loss or gain)
• Lack of concentration or indecisiveness
• Increased irritability
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
• Decrease in energy – feeling tired all the time even if getting enough sleep

Anxiety
The following is a quick check list that may help determine if you are experiencing anxiety:

• Increased heart rate
• Hot flushes
• Sleep disturbance – having difficulties sleeping (either getting to sleep or staying sleep or both)
• Trembling or shaking
• Limited concentration and memory
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Light headedness
• Excessive sweating in the absence of physical exertion
• Persistent levels of high anxiety about everyday events
• Racing thoughts
• Muscular tension
• Gastric upset

If you are just not feeling yourself or believe you may be experiencing any of the above issues one of our fully qualified and registered Psychologists at Vida Psychology can assist you.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?
You don’t need a Doctor’s referral to see a Psychologist. However, if you are an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, you may be eligible for Medicare to subsidise Psychological services.
You may also be able to claim Psychological services through your Private Health Fund.

Don’t put it off and act now.