Out of the about 20 million Americans affected by major depressive disorders and persistent depressive disorders, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, only about 60% are receiving help from a mental health care professional. If you suspect you have an underlying mental health issue affecting your life, seek the services of an expert in Irvine psychiatry. A psychiatrist is a qualified medical professional that can help diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

Common health problems you are most likely to encounter may include depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, or alcohol and drug abuse.

One of the main reasons you may not go for treatment for your depression is that you may not understand that you need treatment. Often, symptoms associated with depression are common, which may mislead you into thinking you are alright and that they will disappear within a short period.

Also, you may wrongly believe that your depression symptoms are not severe to require treatment.

Because you appear to function normally does not mean you are not depressed. Also, remember that untreated depression can trigger or worsen health conditions. For instance, depression may cause the worsening of dangerous health problems, including cancer, diabetes, heart attack, coronary artery disease, or stroke.

Consequently, below are potential signs indicating you may need to consult your psychiatrist immediately to get treatment for your depression.

• Emotional dysregulation disorder

Emotional dysregulation disorder refers to your inability to control or regulate your emotional responses, and therefore you cannit fully engage with your feelings or the feeling of others.

Some emotions you can experience daily, like feeling irritated, sad, or angry, are usually not dangerous to your health. But, if you cannot manage or control them, you must seek a psychiatrist’s help.

• Sleep deprivation

You will find it difficult to get adequate sleep if you have mental health issues. According to experts, an adult’s sleep should last about 7 to 9 hours every night.

If you have depression, you will experience sleeping pattern changes, which may involve waking up too early, waking up a few or too many times during the night, or having trouble falling asleep.

Hence, your psychiatrist may demand that you maintain a routine sleep/wake time, take a 20 minutes nap during the day, get regular sunlight to align your body’s internal clock, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol.

• Substance abuse

Mental illnesses can contribute to your drug use and addiction. If you have a mental disorder, you may use alcohol or other drugs as a form of self-medication. In the short term, substance use may relieve stress and relax you.

However, with time, substance abuse will worsen your mental health as it causes negative changes to the brain’s composition.

If you must take drugs to feel happy, it is time to seek professional help.

• Reduced productivity at work or school

Depression symptoms such as trouble sleeping and concentrating may make it difficult for you to excel academically or in the workplace. For instance, you may miss work-related deadlines, skip going to work, or find it hard to perform regular tasks.

Contact Americas TMS Center today to schedule an appointment with an expert in psychiatry.