Do I Need To See A Psychiatrist?

How to Know When It May Be Time — and How to Find a Psychiatrist in Richmond or Henrico, VA

You are not the first person to ask these questions. . .

Maybe you have not been feeling like yourself for a while. Maybe you are wondering whether your symptoms are “serious enough,” or whether there is help for the uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, or stress you have been carrying.  In reality, psychiatric care can be helpful long before things reach a crisis point.

The truth is, many of the Richmond and Henrico, Va patients we see have waited longer than they need to before reaching out for support. If your mood, anxiety, sleep, or daily functioning has been affected, it may be time to consider seeing a psychiatrist. Although psychiatrists primarily use medications, they are trained to consider your whole health, and can recommend medications, lifestyle changes, and offer psychotherapy.

What Are Some Examples of When to See a Psychiatrist?

• You are feeling sad, down, and numb

• You are feeling nervous, on edge, or worried most of the time

• Fewer things bring you joy.

• You are sleeping too much, or not enough sleep

• You have intense physical symptoms that feel frightening, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, and have been told you may be experiencing panic attacks

• You have repetitive thoughts, urges, or routines that feel hard to control, even when you try to resist them

• You feel fearful much of the time

• You often find yourself expecting the worst

• You want your life to improve and need expert help getting back on track.

• You are having nightmares, vivid memories, or emotional distress related to painful past experiences.

• Friends or family members have gently suggested that it may be time to “talk to someone.”

• Your mood has been getting in the way of enjoying life, functioning well, or reaching your goals

Taking the Next Step

Reaching out for help for your mental health does not mean something is “wrong” with you. It means you are paying attention to your well-being and allowing yourself to feel better. Finding a psychiatrist can be challenging.

We recommend contacting your insurance company, using online directories such as Psychology Today, Therapy for Black Girls, Zoc Doc, or asking your primary care doctor for referrals.

At Gray MD Psychiatry, we have easy scheduling and we are currently scheduling new patient appointments. We are offering longer-than-typical visits, high-touch support, and expert care from a Richmond Top Doc psychiatrist, Dr. Rashida Gray. We can see patients across Virginia, including Henrico, Goochland, Arlington, and Roanoke.

Learn More or call us, 804-482-0464.