In Indonesia, not many people use psychological counseling to deal with mental problems, even though they really need it. The reason is, there is an assumption that only crazy people need to do psychological consultations.
A psychologist is someone who studies the science of mental and thought processes, especially those related to behavior. Psychological consultation is a two-way communication activity between patients and psychologists to find solutions to problems with feelings or mental disorders experienced by patients.
This solution is given based on the patient's mental condition and way of thinking and its influence on the patient's behavior which is assessed by psychologists during the ongoing consultation.
What are the Benefits of Doing a Psychological Consultation?
Psychological consultation can help you resolve the problems and complaints that you are facing, especially those related to feelings, emotions, and behavior.
Prior to the counseling session, a psychologist will establish a good relationship and mutual trust with the patient, so that the patient can be more open to share the problems he faces.
The following are things a psychologist can do in a psychological consultation:
- Help you understand or change your perspective on the problem at hand
- Guide you to brainstorm or give advice for the problems you face, for example when faced with some difficult life choices
- Help you deal with sadness, anxiety, excessive fear, or bad habits that may have interfered with your daily life
- Help straighten out problems in relationships with other people, including with family, friends, or spouses
- Diagnose and help treat mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar, or even schizophrenia.
Unlike a psychiatrist, a psychologist cannot prescribe drugs to his patients. Even so, psychiatric conditions that require treatment can still be diagnosed by a psychologist. If the patient really needs medication, the psychologist will refer him to a psychiatrist.
When Should You Have a Psychological Consultation?
The following are some signs that someone needs to have a psychological consultation:
1. The problem is already very annoying
A problem can make it difficult for a person to concentrate on doing work or daily activities. Not infrequently problems make a person despair, excessive anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite. When a problem has interfered with your life and activities, you may need a psychological consultation.
2. Fail to solve the problem yourself
When you're feeling sad, anxious, or scared, you may have tried various things to feel better, for example, by venting, reading motivational books, or distracting yourself with exercise.
If all the ways you do are not working, maybe it's time for you to do a psychological consultation. Remember, asking a psychologist for help doesn't mean you're crazy or weak.
3. Venting the problem into a negative thing
Another sign you need a psychological consultation is when you're trying to get over your problem by doing things that aren't good for you, such as smoking, drinking, using illegal drugs, or even overeating.
4. Recently experienced a traumatic event
If you've recently experienced a traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, or job loss, it's a good idea to get a psychological consultation, especially if the sadness you're feeling doesn't go away.
The reason is, not everyone can face severe events like this alone and need guidance.
Problems in life can occur when we are not ready to accept them. Problems like this burden your mind, destabilize your emotions, and affect your daily activities. This of course should not be allowed and must be addressed immediately.
However, not all problems can be faced alone. Sometimes you need help to lighten your mind and find a way out of a problem. In difficult times like these, it's natural that you can't think clearly.
Therefore, there is nothing wrong with seeking professional help, namely by doing a psychological consultation. In this consultation, you can share all your complaints or concerns without fear of being judged.
