When life gets overwhelming. Stress, anxiety, fear of tomorrow...

There are situations in life that are literally paralysing. Thoughts revolve around this one problem, everything reminds you of it and doesn't let you function normally. And the worst thing is this powerlessness! It doesn't matter whether it's a personal problem, the one you have, i.e. in your family, with your partner, at work or of a social nature - a pandemic, a war, the suffering of innocent victims, growing hatred. A difficult situation always affects our mental health, causes fatigue, discouragement, frustration, a growing fear for the future, for your sense of security and your everyday normality that you love so much.

How to deal with such a difficult situation?

Above all, you need to be aware of the problem and accept what is beyond your control. Powerlessness is a feeling you have to come to terms with, even though it seems impossible. Name your feelings! Have you been feeling anxiety and uncertainty about the future for a long time, which causes your body to operate in a state of constant tension. You produce too much cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. This hormonal 'mess' has far-reaching effects. In the long run, stress wears you out - taking away your strength and preventing you from resting.

What does prolonged stress do to you?

Uncertainty, powerlessness felt over a long period of time creates stress which does not let go easily. And what are the consequences? The results of research are unequivocal. As a result of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus, almost every 4th Pole has observed symptoms of depression in themselves. What is worrying is the fact that most people do not intend to consult a specialist.

Why does this happen? After all, you wouldn't try to set a broken leg yourself or pull, for example, a sore tooth. This should also be the case for a "broken soul". If you feel that you are in over your head in various situations, or that you cannot cope with your emotions, do not try to heal yourselfi.

How can a psychologist help?

Firstly, remember that a lowered mood does not always mean depression. Sometimes it is a consequence of problems you cannot cope with. If the lowered mood does not impede your everyday functioning and you do not notice any symptoms such as: concentration difficulties, insomnia or psychosomatic pains, you can visit a psychologist. The specialist will teach you how to cope with your problems, tell you how to solve conflicts in the family or at work, show you how to cope with everyday stress. If you are not able to assess whether your symptoms indicate the beginning of depression, a visit to a psychologist will also be a good solution. He can assess your condition and refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary.

Get advice from a psychologist, especially as we can choose to visit one of the many CM Luxmed clinics.

Who will find help at the psychological counselling centre:

- children and adolescents with various developmental, emotional and cognitive difficulties,
- parents who have difficulties in raising their children,
- people in difficult life situations,
- people with depression,
- people who feel a lack of life satisfaction,
- when you have difficulties in communication and cooperation with the environment,
- when you have problems with self-esteem and autonomy.

When to see a psychiatrist?

Apsychiatrist is a specialist doctor who can help you in difficult, crisis situations. Youshould see a psychiatrist if your mood problems make it difficult for you to function on a day-to-day basis. If you lack the strength to live, feel anxious and fearful (often unjustified), have problems concentrating and sleeping. If you notice yourself having suicidal thoughts, such a visit is a must! In such a situation you should not hesitate at all! Consultation and support from a psychiatrist is also often necessary for people who have serious health problems that cause their mental condition to deteriorate significantly.

The psychiatrist is the only mental health professional who can prescribe medication or issue sick leave. Modern antidepressants do not have as many side effects as the preparations of several years ago. They are also not addictive, so we do not have to worry if the doctor recommends taking them for a long time.

You do not need a referral to the psychiatric clinic.

In summary, in which cases will a psychiatrist help you? In the event of:   

- mood disorders, anxiety and psychosomatic disorders,
- depression, neuroses, alcohol dependence,
- insomnia,
- psychotic crises, adjustment disorders,
- mental disorders of old age.