When and which specialist to turn to?
If a person feels their mental health symptoms are starting to interfere with their life, it is wise to seek professional advice. Changes in sleep rhythm, diet, relationships, coping at work or school may be gradual, but they are signs that are easier to notice than, for example, a decrease in joy. It is also worth considering the thoughts and observations of people close to you. For example, if you have one or two symptoms of depression within a few days or weeks, there’s no need to worry – if you already have them within a month, you should seek help. You should seek help immediately if you have suicidal thoughts or even plans!
A mental health nurse is a special nurse who, in addition to basic nursing training, has completed the specialization of a mental health nurse. If you have a mental health concern, it is advisable to go to a mental health nurse first.
During the visit, the mental health nurse will perform an initial mental health assessment and health risk analysis. A mental health nurse helps to identify the need for referral and works closely with a family or occupational health doctor, psychiatrist and psychologist. Clients as well their close ones are advised on mental health issues and health behaviors. Methods used include teaching various breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to cope with stress, relieve anxiety and tension.
A psychologist has completed a curriculum in psychology at an accredited university. The main content of a psychologist’s work is counselling on psychological issues. For example, you can contact them if you have problems with self-esteem, self-assertion or career choice.
Clinical psychologist
The work of a clinical psychologist is aimed at assessing, alleviating, treating and preventing mental distress, mental and behavioral disorders, disability and risky behavior. A clinical psychologist can be contacted when it is necessary to find out if a person has a mental disorder, to do tests and examinations. A clinical psychologist also treats various disorders and alleviates the symptoms.
The psychotherapist has graduated in psychology or psychiatry (or in some cases another field with sufficient training in psychology, such as a social worker), but has also completed special psychotherapy training, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family psychotherapy or psychodynamic therapy.
The occupational psychologist has completed basic studies in psychology and specializes in the field of occupational psychology.
It is worth turning to an occupational psychologist if you can no longer cope with work-related stress, you need help to cope with burnout, you want to change your work life but have no idea where to start, and with other problems related to working life.
At the reception, the employee is counseled on issues related to maintaining mental health and preventing mental health problems (incl. Reduction of work stress, psychological counseling, conflicts in the team, work-life balance, dissatisfaction with work, fast workload, heavy workload, burnout, etc.).
Job counselor helps you to think through and guide you to the circumstances surrounding your work – work organization, relationships at work, sense of duty, ambition and everything that makes your work enjoyable when it is balanced and difficult when it is out of balance.
An experienced counselor is a person who has been trained in counselling and provides emotional or practical support based on similar experience.
Psychiatry is a science and medicine specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of mental disorders.
A psychiatrist is a doctor who, in addition to the basic study, has completed a residency in psychiatry. The task of a psychiatrist is to diagnose a mental disorder according to the clinical picture, medical history and the results of various examinations. Depending on the symptoms and diagnosis, the psychiatrist will recommend intervention by a psychotherapist or prescribe medication. Psychiatric treatment is in line with international treatment guidelines.
Topics covered at the visit:
After the initial interview, an initial diagnosis is made, which is specified, if necessary, by physical health, visualization of the brain or psychological examinations.
If necessary and possible, treatment will be prescribed and recommendations will be given after the initial interview.
Treatment is continued with repeated admissions, where the effect of the treatment is monitored and adjusted if necessary.
A creative arts therapist is a specialist in psychotherapeutic treatment and rehabilitation. Creative therapy is a justified, purposeful and structured activity in psychotherapeutic treatment and rehabilitation, where creativity and art-based methods and techniques are applied to a clearly defined client-therapist relationship to achieve goals based on the client’s health condition.
There are four directions in creative therapy: visual art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, and dance and movement therapy (Estonian Association of Creative Therapies).
Visual arts therapy uses visual art tools and techniques such as paints, clay, photographs, painting, photography and filming. The goal of therapy is to improve coping with life.
Music therapy uses music and elements of music to help heal an illness or disorder and restore well-being.
Drama therapy uses art- and creativity-based media and plays out problematic situations.
Dance and movement therapy is based on the understanding that changes in movement lead to changes in behavior. This is a good way to relieve stress and improve your overall well-being.
Used sources
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