Do I Need to See a Mental Health Professional?

Your mental health affects virtually every aspect of your life, from how you feel in social situations to how well you thrive in your relationships and career. It even plays a considerable role in your physical health, influencing your ability to get needed sleep, manage stress, and eat a balanced diet.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, seeking professional support can go far – even if you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is serious enough.

At her private practice in Chicago at One Magnificent Mile, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Amanda S. Kleinman provides compassionate psychotherapy and medication management to improve your mental health and quality of life.

Please take a few moments to learn more about mental health support, including reasons to seek it and benefits to look forward to.

Reasons to see a mental health professional

There’s no “wrong” reason to seek mental health support. Just as scheduling routine checkups with your family physician can help ensure your physical health, having a quality therapist or psychiatrist in your corner can help keep your mental health positive.

That said, there are reasons to seek mental care as soon as possible, such as:

• Anxiety or depression symptoms that interfere with your life
• Difficulty changing disruptive or debilitating behaviors
• Difficulty managing an ongoing mental health disorder
• Difficulty regulating your emotions
• Effects of trauma, such as flashbacks, insomnia, or substance abuse
• Increased stress or difficulty managing stress
• Low self-esteem
• Navigating a major change in your life, such as a move, breakup, or job loss
• Panic or anxiety attacks
• Relationship issues
• Thoughts about suicide

You may also benefit from psychotherapy or psychiatry if your moods or life feel out of sorts, and you can’t seem to figure out why. 

What to expect from mental health support

The specifics of your ideal mental health care depend on your symptoms, the underlying cause, and your overall wellness. Dr. Kleinman tailors treatments to meet your unique needs. If she determines that you’d benefit from ongoing care, it may involve psychodynamic psychotherapy, transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), or medication management.

Over time, you can expect a range of benefits from seeing a suitable mental health professional, such as:

• Better problem-solving skills
• Better moods and sleep
• Boosted self-confidence and self-esteem
• Emotional clarity and regulation
• Feeling better able to cope with challenges
• Feeling supported (and less alone)
• Improved behaviors 
• Improved stress management
• Having effective tools for managing your feelings
• Healing past wounds
• Heightened self-understanding
• Reduced negative self-talk
• Stronger relationships

While therapy and appropriate medications aren’t quick fixes, gradual shifts can bring significant benefits that last well beyond your treatment. One study showed that most people experience improved well-being for 5-6 years after routine therapy.

To learn more about reasons to see a mental health professional or inquire about therapy, call our office or request an appointment with Dr. Kleinman through our website today.