When to see a psychiatrist: 12 signs not to ignore

1. 1

   Low mood or loss of interest for more than two weeks

   Feeling sad, empty or flat, or no longer enjoying things you used to. See depression.

2. 2

   Worry you can’t switch off

   Constant anxiety, restlessness or a sense of dread. See anxiety.

3. 3

   Sudden attacks of fear

   A racing heart, breathlessness and fear of dying, with normal heart tests. See panic attacks.

4. 4

   Sleep problems for weeks

   Difficulty falling or staying asleep, early waking, or sleeping all day. See insomnia.

5. 5

   Big changes in appetite or weight

   Eating much more or much less without trying.

6. 6

   Intrusive thoughts or repeated rituals

   Washing, checking or counting you feel forced to do. See OCD.

7. 7

   Unusual highs

   Very little sleep but lots of energy, racing thoughts, overspending. See bipolar disorder.

8. 8

   Hearing voices or strong suspicions

   Believing you are being followed, watched or harmed. See psychosis.

9. 9

   Using alcohol, drugs or pills to cope

   Needing a drink or tablet to sleep, calm down or get through the day. See de-addiction.

10. 10

    Physical symptoms with normal tests

    Headaches, acidity, weakness or palpitations that doctors can’t explain.

11. 11

    Anger or irritability hurting relationships

    Frequent outbursts, regret and conflict at home or work. See stress & anger.

12. 12

    Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

    This needs help today — see below.

• A sudden drop in marks or refusing to go to school
• Withdrawing from friends, spending all day in their room or on screens
• Irritability, anger outbursts or aggression
• Not eating, not sleeping, or sleeping all day
• Self-harm marks or talk about life being pointless

See child & adolescent mental health for more.

Low mood in older people often looks like poor appetite, sleep problems, body pains or forgetfulness. New confusion, memory loss, suspiciousness or personality change should always be checked by a doctor — sometimes the cause is depression, sometimes a medical problem, and sometimes dementia.

1. 1.Write down what you have noticed and for how long.
2. 2.Book a consultation — in person in Surat or Ankleshwar, or online.
3. 3.Bring any medicines and reports, and a trusted person if you like.

Not sure whether to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist? Read psychiatrist vs psychologist. Wondering what happens at the appointment? Read your first psychiatrist visit.