When life overwhelms. Stress, anxiety, fear of tomorrow....

There are some situations in life that literally paralyze you. Thoughts revolve around this one problem, around everything reminds you of it and does not allow you to function normally. And the worst part is the helplessness! It doesn't matter if it's a personal problem, the one only yours, that is, in the family, with a partner, work or of a social nature - a pandemic, war, suffering of innocent victims, growing hatred. A difficult situation always affects our mental health, causes fatigue, discouragement, frustration, growing fear for the future, for your sense of security and your daily normality that you love so much.

How to deal with such a difficult situation?

First of all, you need to become aware of the problem and accept what is beyond your control. Powerlessness is a feeling you need to come to terms with even though it seems impossible. Name your feelings! Have you been feeling anxiety and uncertainty about tomorrow for a long time, causing your body to operate in a state of constant tension. You produce too much cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine. Such a hormonal "mess" causes 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 for a long time breeds stress that does not easily let go. And what are the consequences? The results of research are clear. As a result of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus, almost one in four Poles have observed symptoms of depression in themselves. What is worrying is that most people, however, do not intend to consult a specialist about them.

Why is this the case? After all, you wouldn't try to set a broken leg or pull a sore tooth on your own, for example. This should also be the case with a "broken soul". If you feel that various life situations are overwhelming you, you can't cope with your emotions, don't try to heal yourselfi.

What will a psychologist help with?

First of all, remember that a lowered mood does not always mean depression. Sometimes it is a consequence of troubles you can't cope with. If your depressed mood does not hinder your daily functioning and you do not notice symptoms in yourself, such as difficulty concentrating, insomnia or, for example, psychosomatic pains, you can visit a psychologist. The specialist will teach you how to cope with your problems, tell you how to resolve conflicts in the family or at work, show you how to deal with everyday stress. If you can't assess whether your symptoms indicate the beginnings of depression, visiting a psychologist will also be a good option. He will be able to assess your condition and refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary.

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

Who will find help at the psychological counseling center:

- Children and adolescents with various developmental, emotional and cognitive difficulties,
- parents having difficulties raising their children,
- people in difficult life situations,
- people with depression,
- people feeling 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?

A psychiatrist is a specialist doctor who can help you in difficult, crisis situations. Youshould see a psychiatrist when complaints of a bad mood make it difficult to function on a daily basis. If you lack the strength to live, experience anxiety and fear (often unjustified), have problems with concentration and with sleep. Such a visit is a must if you notice suicidal thoughts in yourself! In such a situation, you should not hesitate for a moment! Consultation and support of a psychiatrist is also often needed by people who have serious health problems that cause significant mental deterioration.

A psychiatrist, as the only mental health specialist, has the ability to prescribe medication or issue sick leave. Modern antidepressants no longer have as many side effects as the preparations of a dozen years ago. They also don't have addictive properties, so we don't have to worry if the doctor recommends taking them for a long time.

You do not need a referral to a psychiatric clinic.

In summary, in what cases will a psychiatrist help you? In case of occurrence:   

- Mood disorders, anxiety and psychosomatic disorders,
- depression, neurosis, alcohol dependence,
- insomnia,
- psychotic crises, adaptive disorders,
- mental disorders of old age.