Do You Need Treatment?

Some common symptoms which indicate that you may be suffering from depression include decreased energy, loss of interest in activities which you previously enjoyed, loss of appetite, hopelessness, sleep disturbance and suicidality. 

Common symptoms which indicate that you may be suffering from anxiety include physical sensations such as racing heart, flushing, palpitations, a sense of overwhelming dread, and a fear that you will pass out or be unable to return to your normal state of mind.

Other symptoms include an inability to talk on the telephone, the need to engage in checking or ritual behaviors repeatedly, a discomfort of being in public places, or a specific fear such as driving over a bridge.

Extreme mood changes and fluctuations in highs and lows with behaviors that are dangerous or uncharacteristic could indicate bipolar disorder. A grief reaction which is not improving with time or is getting worse with time should also be evaluated and treated. 

There are many more conditions and symptoms which might be a focus of treatment but the underlying principle is that you should seek an evaluation and treatment if you are suffering from a change in your mental state, if you feel down for a prolonged period of time, or if you are engaging in behaviors or relationships that are unhealthy or self destructive. Treatment can provide relief from emotional pain and a return to your usual state of functioning, and very often can lead to an improvement in your baseline functioning with insight and self knowledge.