Mental health can be a touchy subject, especially when yours is affected. However, like other body parts, the brain can get sick and change how you think, feel and behave. Your ability to handle stress, control your emotions and act like yourself will also be affected until you resolve the mental health problem.
Everyone deals with poor mental health at some point in their life. In 2021, more than 57 million American adults had a mental illness. The signs of mental health can be mild, such as feeling sad, worried and tired. However, these signs can be intense and make it difficult to get out of bed, shower or eat. Mental illness can also cause you to get poor grades at school or be fired if you can’t do your job.
A mental health diagnosis identifies the mental health condition affecting your life. It also tells you the medicine and therapy needed to improve your mental health.
If you’ve never spoken to a mental health professional before or had a bad experience with them in the past, asking them for help may be scary. However, mental health professionals are usually kind and ready to help you regain your mental wellness.
Below is an explanation of how to get a mental health diagnosis and receive quality professional assistance.
Recognizing the Need for a Diagnosis
You can get angry, sad and moody even without mental illness. So, what are the signs that you need a mental health diagnosis and treatment?
- Sadness that doesn't go away after a few weeks or months
- Feeling anxious for no reason or about things that don't usually worry you
- Feeling very guilty for no reason
- Feeling very confused and unable to concentrate on anything
- Having difficulty differentiating between reality and your imagination
- Feeling the urge to harm others or yourself
- Often feeling very happy and then very sad even when nothing happens
- Feeling very tired, sleeping a lot or having problems falling and staying asleep
- Becoming very stressed about regular activities
- Losing interest in your hobbies, family and friends
- Using large quantities of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs
Types of Mental Health Professionals
You should only request a mental health diagnosis from these qualified mental health professionals:
- Primary care doctor
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Clinical social worker
- Mental health counselor
- Psychiatric nurse practitioner
- Psychiatric pharmacist
Steps How to Get a Mental Health Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed is the first step to understanding what’s happening in your brain and how to fix it. If you’re wondering how to get diagnosed, keep these steps in mind.
- Research. If you know someone who's been diagnosed with a mental illness, ask them for help finding a qualified professional. You can also ask your doctor, insurance company or local mental health organization to recommend a professional near you. Mental health hotlines and online mental health forums are also good places to find licensed mental health professionals.
- Book an appointment. After creating a list of professionals near you, call each and ask about their diagnosis process. You should also ask how much they charge and if they accept your insurance. Ensure you feel comfortable with the professional's methods before booking your first appointment.
- Attend your first appointment. During the appointment, the mental health professional will ask about your life history, medical background and why you're interested in getting diagnosed. Tell them about the mental health symptoms you've experienced and how a diagnosis would help you. You may be asked to book more talking sessions and complete some forms so they can fully understand your problem.
- Receive a diagnosis. After comparing your symptoms to those listed in a mental health guide, the professional you've been seeing will give you a mental health diagnosis. Don't panic if you're diagnosed with more than one mental illness. The mental health expert will create a treatment plan outlining the medications, therapies and life changes that can address all your symptoms.
Advocating for Yourself in the Diagnostic Process
Telling a mental health expert about your needs is part of how to get a mental health diagnosis. Don’t let shame over your mental health or fear of their professional experience keep you from talking about your symptoms or feelings about the diagnosis.
To advocate for yourself, create a list of things you need to know about your mental illness and the treatment process. Practice your questions at home in front of a mirror or with a loved one. You can also ask your parent, sibling or friend to accompany you to the appointment and help you speak up for yourself.
Mental Health Hotline can also give you important mental health information that will give you the confidence to stand up for yourself when getting diagnosed.
Call our hotlines today to get recommendations on mental health professionals near you and learn more about the mental health diagnosis process.