The Donald D. Oh, M.D. Blog

4 Ways to Break the Stigma Around Mental Health

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:44:46 GMT

The stigma surrounding mental health is often a huge challenge that stands in the way of getting effective help. When individuals feel ashamed or scared to ask for the help they need, mental health problems can intensify with disastrous results. It's estimated that over 11.4 million adults suffer from serious suicidal thoughts each year, according to Mental Health America. Mental health stigmas must be removed so more people can feel comfortable seeking help. Here are four helpful ways you can help break these stigmas.

1. Use Thoughtful Phrasing

Much of the stigma surrounding mental health is perpetrated through insensitive terms and phrasing. When an individual is struggling, using derogatory terminology or stereotypes isn't helpful, and it can really put a roadblock up for someone who legitimately needs to seek help. Take notice of the words you use and make efforts to be intentional with your language.

2. Reassure Others They Aren't Alone

One interesting thing about mental health challenges is that most people have some type of mental health challenge at some point in their life. Some people struggle with these challenges all of their life. Talking about your own challenges is often very reassuring to others who might currently be struggling. Sometimes all it takes is to realize that you aren't alone to open up the courage you need.

3. Educate Yourself on Mental Health and Wellness

Misinformation and misunderstanding are two causes behind the stigma around mental health and psychiatric services. Mental health challenges are different for everyone. Things we don't understand often scare us. When you take the time to educate yourself, some of that fear and mystery surrounding the problem is wiped away. Not only does this help you to better help yourself but it also equips you to help others.

4. Recognize How Mental and Physical Health Are Connected

There is often a huge disconnect between mental health and physical health. This is inaccurate and unhelpful. If you want to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, continuously remind yourself that mental health challenges are similar to physical health challenges. These are problems an individual may need treatment or intervention to properly address.

These are just a few ways you can reduce the stigma that often surrounds mental health challenges. If you or someone you know needs psychiatric service , please contact Donald D. Oh, M.D. today. Our team of compassionate experts is here to help you on your path to healing.

5 Benefits of Visiting a Psychiatrist Regularly

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 17:54:34 GMT

Mental well-being is as essential as physical health, especially if you have a mental health disorder. According to Mental Health America, about 19.86% of adults have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Here's how regular visits to a psychiatrist can tremendously impact your quality of life.

1. Detecting Mental Health Disorders Quickly

Visiting a mental health professional can provide early detection of a mental illness. A trained professional will notice signs you or your loved ones may miss. They'll also know your family medical history, so they'll know what mental illnesses you are at an increased risk for. Early detection ensures you get the treatment you need before your condition worsens.

2. Monitoring Your Medication

A psychiatrist is a doctor who can prescribe and monitor medication treating mental illnesses. This doctor can keep track of your experience with a prescription to determine if you are receiving the proper dosage. They can also address any side effects you experience. Having a medical professional who can identify whether or not a medicine is effectively providing treatment is vital.

3. Providing Personalized Treatment

No two individuals are the same, just like no two mental illnesses are the same. While one person may experience many symptoms due to a specific condition, another may only experience one or two. Both of these patients require different treatment plans. When you work with a professional in the mental health field, you'll have a treatment plan that addresses your condition and symptoms.

4. Teaching You Coping Mechanisms

Just like a mechanic needs tools, you need tools to help you deal with life's stressors and mental illness, if you have one. A psychiatrist will work with you to develop various skills and coping mechanisms. Understanding and implementing these tools will improve your quality of life and personal navigation of mental health disruptions.

5. Helping You Prevent Relapse

Individuals with mental illnesses are more likely to have a dual diagnosis, including substance abuse. While struggling to deal with mental illness, patients are at an increased risk of relapse. A professional can work with you to prevent relapse by making recommendations related to your health, prescribing medication, and meeting with you regularly.

Working with an expert in psychiatry can benefit every area of your life. Are you or a loved one suffering from a mental health disorder? Contact the office of Donald D. Oh, MD to schedule an appointment today.

When Is a Good Time to Schedule a Psychiatrist Appointment?

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 11:33:41 GMT

Visiting a psychiatrist's office can be an overwhelming experience. Some people may not even know that they could benefit from such an appointment. The main goal many people seek through psychiatrist services is to overcome their mental health problems and addictions. According to Hopkins Medicine, approximately 9.5% of American adults will suffer from depressive illnesses annually.

With that in mind, some of the reasons you may want to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist could include extreme fears, suicidal thoughts, and frequent anxiety attacks. These issues can be detrimental to your mental health if they are not acknowledged and treated by a medical professional. Let's take a deeper look at these issues. If you're experiencing any of them, it may be a good time to schedule a psychiatrist appointment .

Stress and Anxiety

One common reason you may need to see a psychiatrist is if you're feeling stressed or anxious about your life. Whether it's due to problems in your workplace, relationships, or family, an appointment with a psychiatrist can help you. If you find that your anxiety and stress are impacting your ability to get out of bed in the morning, do your job, or be present in your relationships, you should consider seeking professional help.

A psychiatrist can help you identify the root cause of your anxiety. They can also help you develop an effective plan to address your needs. If you're struggling to cope with stress from your past, a psychiatrist can help you find the necessary tools and resources to understand them, accept them, and let them go. Moving on from your anxieties is often the only way you can continue to grow and prosper in life.

Depression

If you're feeling depressed, visiting a psychiatrist can be an ideal way to get help. Depression is a common mental health issue that affects people of all ages and causes a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms may include chronic feelings of sadness and worthlessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Severe depression can also interfere with your ability to eat, sleep, and concentrate. If you're struggling in any of these ways, schedule a psychiatrist appointment so you can begin to understand where your symptoms are coming from and develop a strategy to treat them.

Phobias

Another reason you might need to consult a psychiatrist is if you're suffering from phobias. Unlike a fear of heights or needles, phobias tend to be more severe, such as a fear of leaving your home or being in crowded spaces. When left untreated, these irrational fears can be debilitating to the point where they prevent patients from leading a normal life. A psychiatrist can help you identify what triggers your phobia and help you overcome it. Some cases may require exposure therapy, where a patient is gradually presented with a situation they are afraid of. This may begin with simple photographs and progress to full immersion, but the goal of this treatment is to help the patient learn that they can cope with their phobia and the situations that trigger it.

Relationship Issues

Having relationship issues is another reason why people seek out psychiatric help. Whether you feel disconnected from your partner or are fighting with them more than usual, a psychiatrist can assist you to cope with the situation. They can provide strategies and tools to improve your relationship and help you and your partner feel connected and fulfilled. Some psychiatrists may even offer couples sessions. That said, if you're struggling in your relationship, scheduling a psychiatrist appointment is likely a strong choice to make to convince your partner that you're dedicated to working things out together.

If you're looking to make a psychiatrist appointment, contact Donald D. Oh, M.D. today. We'll help you talk through your experiences and develop coping mechanisms and habits to improve your mental health.

Signs That Indicate You May Need To See A Psychiatrist

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 15:09:51 GMT

We all need a little help every now and then, and that's okay. Sometimes we can get so stuck in our head that it becomes difficult to see the forest for the trees. And that's where a psychiatrist can come in. They're trained professionals who know how to help people get out of their heads and into a healthier mental state. Here are some signs that indicate you may need to see a psychiatrist.

1. You Don't Like Yourself

Do you consistently think bad thoughts about yourself? Do you feel like a failure or a victim? If so, perhaps a psychiatric professional can help. Everything starts with how we treat ourselves. A psychiatrist is skilled at helping people learn to love and appreciate themselves and reduce anxiety and depression.

2. You Show Low Self-Esteem in Personal Relationships

If you feel inadequate around people, or you're constantly worried that they don't like you very much, it may be time to see a psychiatrist. Everyone has some self-doubt from time to time, but if you're feeling this way regularly, it's probably a good idea to seek help.

3. You Often Feel Despair or Hopelessness

If you feel like your life is pointless or that nothing good will ever happen to you, you likely need psychiatric help. A psychiatrist can help you with depression and negativity. This will allow you to avoid the tragic consequences of prolonged feelings of hopelessness.

4. You Are Struggling with Substance Abuse

When you use drugs or alcohol to cope with your feelings, it's a sign that you need psychiatric help. The substances start working against you when they no longer make you feel better and instead start causing more problems than they solve. A psychiatrist can help you get to the root of your substance abuse and teach you ways to deal with things without turning to the bottle.

5 You're Feeling Suicidal

Feeling suicidal isn't something to take lightly, even if it's fleeting. A psychiatrist will be able to talk about suicide with you and help you get through - or prevent - such a dark time in your life.

6. You Need to Recover from Disturbing Experiences

Sometimes we go through experiences that leave us feeling shocked, frightened, or overwhelmed. If you need to recover from one of these situations and you're not ready to return to your usual day-to-day life, a psychiatrist is trained in helping people deal with such things.

According to Mental Health America, one in five people in the United States will have a mental health problem at some point during their lives. It's important to take care of your mental health, and when it's not going well, a psychiatrist is the best person for the job. Need to talk to a psychiatrist? Call us today to book an appointment.