What do shrinks do to you

They can also prescribe medications. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with at least 11 years of training — usually more.

They first do a medical degree at university. Next they spend at least 1 or 2 years training as a general doctor. They then complete at least 5 years training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychologists have at least 6 years of university training and supervised experience.

They may also hold a Masters or Doctorate level qualification in psychology. Psychiatrists can provide a wide range of treatments, according to the particular problem and what will work best. These include:. Psychiatrists tend to treat people who need their medical, psychological and social needs considered. Someone who has attempted suicide or has suicidal thoughts will usually be seen by a psychiatrist.

Psychologists are more likely to see people with conditions that can be helped effectively with psychological treatments. This might include behavioural problems, learning difficulties, depression and anxiety.

As with all medical specialists, to see a psychiatrist you need a referral from your GP family doctor. This could be after a relative or friend has died, after finding out you have a serious illness, if you're struggling with infertility , or if you have lost your job. People with long-term health conditions are more vulnerable to depression, and talking therapies have been proven to help. Older people, especially those with depression, are as likely to benefit from talking therapies as everyone else.

Depression in later life, especially over the age of 65, is often dismissed as a normal part of ageing. But this is not the case, and talking therapy can improve your enjoyment of life if you're feeling low. Take a short test to see if you're depressed. If you've been physically or sexually abused, or have experienced discrimination or racism, you may feel able to cope with life better after a course of talking therapy. Couples therapy can save a relationship that's in trouble or help you through separation and divorce.

Ideally, a couple should go to counselling together, but if your partner refuses to join you, counselling can help you sort out lots of things on your own. If you're looking for mental health advice that you can start acting on immediately, try some of these tactics:.

Venting is awesome for a reason—it helps you get out your frustrations. This can be especially helpful if you want to keep track of changes in your moods or behavior over time maybe to discuss with a therapist later.

But it can also just be a place to work through something in a private, non-judgey space—something that you may not feel comfortable talking about just yet. Stress happens, and it always sucks on some level—whether you're overworked or overbooked or both. Still, Dr. Clark says. Or, if you don't have a free weekend to yourself in the next two months, consider how it's pretty great that you've got such a rich social life these days. In many cases, it's all about how you view it. And, of course, if you're chronically stressed and there really isn't an upside, consider viewing that as a welcome warning sign that you need to find ways to scale back before you burn out.

Sometimes you just need to step away from what you're doing or dealing with and get some air. Sure, getting regular exercise is important for mental health, but even just taking regular, relaxing walks can be soothing for your mind.

Plus, it may literally force you to take a breather when you need one. Instead of trying to ignore those thoughts altogether, try countering them with positive statements, suggests Dr. For example, if you're feeling anxious and regretful about staying in bed til noon one day, follow that with a reminder that you really needed some extra rest and alone time this week.

You can get back out there tomorrow. You know the ones—these are the people you know you can always call, text, or email when you need to feel a connection, Klow says. As well as counselling, there are many other types of psychological therapies or talking therapies that involve talking to a therapist about your feelings or problems. Read more about other talking therapies and how they can help.

Animated video explaining self-referral to psychological therapies services for stress, anxiety or depression. Page last reviewed: 8 December Next review due: 8 December Home Mental health Talking therapies, medicine and psychiatry Talking therapies and counselling Back to Talking therapies and counselling.

What can counselling help with? Counselling can help you cope with: a mental health condition, such as depression , anxiety or an eating disorder an upsetting physical health condition, such as infertility a difficult life event, such as a bereavement , a relationship breakdown or work-related stress difficult emotions — for example, low self-esteem or anger other issues, such as sexual identity What to expect from counselling At your appointment, you'll be encouraged to talk about your feelings and emotions with a trained therapist, who'll listen and support you without judging or criticising.

Counselling can take place: face to face in a group over the phone by email online through live chat services learn more about online tools for mental health You may be offered a single session of counselling, a short course of sessions over a few weeks or months, or a longer course that lasts for several months or years.