Symptoms requiring immediate psychiatric attention

Warning signs

Mental disorders can manifest in many ways, but some signs indicate a critical need for professional help. These include:

Suicidal thoughts or intentions

Any thoughts of not wanting to live, planning suicide, or attempts to harm oneself are absolute reasons to seek help immediately. Do not stay alone with these thoughts.

Hallucinations and delusions

Perceiving things that are not real (auditory, visual, or tactile hallucinations) or holding firm false beliefs that don't align with reality (delusions) may be symptoms of serious psychiatric disorders like psychosis. These conditions require urgent medical intervention.

Severe and rapid mood swings

Episodes of excessive excitement or euphoria followed by deep depression or apathy and loss of interest in daily life may indicate bipolar disorder or other serious affective conditions. If mood changes significantly impact your behavior and functioning, a psychiatric evaluation is necessary.

Intense panic attacks

Sudden bouts of overwhelming fear accompanied by physical symptoms (rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, feeling of losing control) — especially if frequent and limiting daily life — may require medication and therapy under psychiatric supervision.

Major behavioral changes

Sudden aggression, emotional instability, impulsive or destructive behavior, complete social withdrawal, neglect of hygiene, or inability to perform routine tasks may indicate worsening mental health and should be addressed professionally.

Loss of touch with reality

Feelings of depersonalization (a sense of unreality about oneself) or derealization (a sense of unreality about the surroundings), mental confusion, and disorientation in time or space can point to serious psychiatric or neurological issues that demand prompt diagnosis.

Severe disruptions in sleep and eating habits

Dramatic weight loss or overeating, complete insomnia or excessive sleep that lasts for an extended period, and is not linked to clear physical causes, may be symptoms of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.

Obsessive thoughts and compulsions that take over life

Severe forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, where intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors dominate daily life, also require professional treatment.

Why it’s important to seek help immediately

Mental disorders, like any other illness, respond better to treatment when addressed early. Ignoring acute symptoms can lead to worsening conditions, complications, reduced quality of life, and in some cases, tragic outcomes. A psychiatrist is a doctor trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including prescribing medications when needed.

Seeking help from a psychiatrist is not a sign of weakness or "insanity" — it's a responsible step toward health. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, do not delay seeking help. Timely treatment is the path to recovery and a return to a fulfilling life.

Earlier, we explained why people have stopped dreaming and how to start again.

Sources: HuffPost, Health

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.