Should I see a psychologist or a psychiatrist?

Sometimes we all need a little extra guidance working through personal issues, regardless of the reason. If you're considering getting help but aren't sure where to begin or if you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist, here are some key things you should know.

Consulting with your regular family physician is the best place to begin.

• Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, their frequency, and how long you’ve been experiencing them.
• He or she will also examine you to assess if physical troubles may be responsible for your problems.

At a later date, you will talk to your doctor about which type of mental health specialist would best be suited to your situation – that is to say, whether you should see a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

Psychologists typically hold a graduate degree in psychology or social work.

• They specialize in the study of behaviour and behaviour modification.

In contrast, psychiatrists are first and foremost medical doctors who specialize in the physiological functions of the brain.

• Compared to psychologists, psychiatrists can make a medical diagnosis and possibly prescribe medication as a course of treatment to help alleviate your symptoms.

Patients often work with both to address a mental health issue and get on the road to recovery faster.

Several factors may prompt you to consult your family doctor about getting help. It may be that you’re going through painful grief or you no longer feel there is a purpose to life. You could also be experiencing anxiety, depression or confusion about specific circumstances in your life.

If any of these sound familiar, you might want to ask yourself the following questions:

• Is your emotional pain robbing you of your energy?
• Is the way you feel preventing you from functioning normally on a daily basis? Is it having an impact on your personal or professional life or on your finances?
• Is your illness making you suffer?
• Have you noticed any repercussions on your physical health, such as insomnia or heartburn?
• Do you feel as though no one understands you and that any advice from the people around you is useless?
• Are you convinced that there is no hope of your situation ever changing?
• Is this a recurring problem?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it would be a good idea to see your doctor to get properly assessed. Together, you and your doctor can take charge of your situation and determine treatment options, which includes if you would benefit from seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

If your emotional distress is oppressive and you can’t wait until your medical appointment, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately or call a crisis hotline for emotional support.

• Whatever you do, always seek help from a qualified healthcare professional if you're having an emotional crisis. The help is out there and available to you.

A qualified medical professional can help you determine what kind of help you need to get you feeling better, faster.