When to see a shrink

‘It is not true that only crazy people go to a psychiatrist.’

 In some countries, it is a status symbol if you see a shrink. Sad to say, in the Philippines, there is still a stigma attached to consulting with a psychiatrist, especially for children and adolescents. In clinical practice, I get to see children and adolescents because the school has ordered their psychiatric assessment because of some school misdemeanor.

Here are some reasons why one may need psychiatric help:

* History of developmental delay in speech, language, or toilet training

* Presence of learning or attention problems

* History of behavioral changes (such as excessive anger, acting out, bed-wetting or eating disorders)

* Current significant drop in academic or occupational functioning

* Recurrent episodes of sadness, tearfulness or depression

* Start of social withdrawal or isolation

* Harassment or being the victim of physical, psychological or even cyber bullying

* Diminishing or decreasing interest in previously enjoyed activities

* Excessive aggressive behavior (such as biting, kicking or hitting)

* Abrupt changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents)

* Decreased or increased sleepiness

* Excessive workplace or school absenteeism or tardiness

* Mood swings

* Presence of physical or somatic complaints (e.g. headache, stomachache, or not feeling well) despite a normal physical exam by your doctor

* Having a serious, acute, or chronic illness

* Presence of alcohol, drug, or other substance use (such as solvents or prescription drug abuse)

* Phase of life changes or problems in transitions (following separation, divorce, or relocation)

* Mourning or bereavement issues

* Child custody evaluations

* Therapy for sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or other traumatic events

* Assessment of a failed marriage

* Organ donor surgery/transplant surgery/repeated cosmetic surgery/sex transplant surgery

It is not true that only crazy people go to a psychiatrist. Government and private general hospitals usually have at least an out-patient psychiatric clinic. To choose a qualified psychiatrist in your region, please go to the official website of the Philippine Psychiatric Association, Inc. (http://www.ppa.ph/main.php). There are free psychiatric out-patient and in-patient services both for adult, child and adolescent individuals at the Philippine General Hospital. Government agencies with clinics also offer free psychiatric services for their employees, dependents and even their retirees, like at the Commission on Audit.

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(For questions on love, looks and relationships, do e-mail me at nina.halilijao@gmail.com.)