Knowing the Role of Psychologists on Mental Health

Psychologist is an expert in psychology that focuses on a person's thoughts and behavior. Psychologists generally use psychotherapy to help clients or patients overcome problems that affect their mental state and health. In solving psychological problems or improving patient behavior, psychologists can work together with psychiatrists and doctors who treat patients. Cooperation is carried out if the patient needs treatment as well as psychotherapy and counseling from a psychologist.

Types of Psychologists

General psychologists can explore different fields of psychology after graduating undergraduate psychology education programs (S1 or S.Psi). There are many fields of psychology that can be studied more deeply, including industrial and organizational psychology, clinical child and adult psychology, and educational psychology. After completing further education, the psychologist will have a Masters in Psychology (M.Psi). The following are types of psychologists:

• Industrial and organizational psychologist

Industrial and organizational psychologists (PIOs) study behavior in the workplace and help screen the best employees for certain positions, and increase employee productivity in a company or organization. In addition, PIO also has the duty to create training programs for company employees to increase knowledge and skills, maximize efficiency, and reduce company losses.

• Educational psychologist

Educational psychologists study how one learns. Educational psychologists can participate in making instructions and strategies for teaching. Most educational psychologists also learn about one's talent and learning abilities, and how social, cognitive, and emotional factors affect one's learning abilities.

• Clinical psychologist

Clinical psychologists examine, diagnose and treat patients suffering from mental health problems and psychological distress, using psychotherapy and counseling. Usually, clinical psychologists work in hospitals, mental health clinics, or practice on their own. Clinical psychologists can have specific expertise in the field of adult or child mental health, or have specialized in the field of treatment for drug abuse.

• Social psychologist

Social psychologists study and examine the behavior and mindset of a group in society. Social psychologists can also examine how attitudes, judgments, ways of communication, interpersonal relationships, and aggressive behavior can emerge in a group of people.

Psychologist's Conditions or Problems

Psychologists have in-depth knowledge about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment related to mental health problems. In addition, psychologists can also find out, analyze the causes, and provide solutions to psychological problems experienced by someone through changes in attitude or lifestyle. Some types of services and psychological disorders that can be handled by psychologists include:

• Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD, phobias, panic attacks, or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Mood disorders or mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
• Addiction or addiction, for example drugs, alcohol, or gambling.
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.
• Personality disorders, such as threshold personality disorders.
• Schizophrenia or other psychiatric disorders that show hallucinations or psychotic disorders in sufferers.
• Phobias or excessive fear of certain objects or situations.
• Patient conflicts with spouse, family, friends, or others.
• Psychological disorders related to traumatic events, such as being victims of domestic violence, sexual harassment, or natural disasters.

Actions Performed by Psychologists

Here are things that psychologists can do:

• Conduct psychological interviews and psychological test

Psychologists will examine and assess one's intellectual abilities and mental health through psychological interviews and psychological tests. From this examination, the psychologist can evaluate the intellectual level, cognitive advantages and disadvantages, talents and work preferences, character, personality, and psychological function of the patient.

• Psychotherapy or counseling

Generally, after making a diagnosis, a psychologist will treat someone who has a mental disorder, trauma, or phobia, using speech therapy or psychotherapy. The types of psychotherapy are cognitive, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, humanistic, and psychodynamic therapy (a combination of several types of therapy). Psychotherapy can be done individually, with family, couples or groups.

• Create a therapy or training program

Psychologists can also create therapeutic or training programs conducted by patients or clients at home, work, school, or other places. The therapeutic or training program needs to be carried out by the patient to help control, correct problems, or improve performance.

• Hypnosis therapy

Hypnosis therapy or hypnotherapy is one of the actions that can be done by psychologists who have taken additional training in the field of hypnos. Psychologists can do hypnosis to help patients control anxiety, phobia, addictions or additions, and mood or mood problems.

Sometimes, there are patients who need psychotherapy as well as treatment to cure their condition. In this condition, psychologists can work together with doctors who treat patients, such as pediatricians, or psychiatrists to provide the best care according to the patient's condition.

When should you consult a psychologist?

You are advised to get help from a psychologist if you experience psychological complaints, such as:

• Insomnia.
• It's hard to eat
• Hear or see sounds or things that are not real.
• Losing someone or loved one.
• Experiencing severe stress.
• Have anxiety disorders or are often restless.
• Loss of interest in what you like.
• Feeling helpless.
• Experiencing depression.
• Experiencing fatigue that never goes away.
• Have phobias.
• Having family or social relationship problems.
• Having bad habits or addictions
• Requires performance improvements for large events.

Things You Must Prepare Before Meeting A Psychologist

Before meeting with a psychologist, prepare these things:

• Take note of the main complaint or problem you have.
• Prepare your mental and physical to undergo examination and psychological treatment that will be received.
• Invite family or relatives to undergo therapy, if needed.
• Answer the questions and tell your problem honestly, to make it easier for psychologists to help improve your mental state.

Clear and complete information can make it easier for psychologists to diagnose problems or illnesses that you have, so that psychologists can provide the best psychological care for you. However, it also requires your cooperation and commitment in solving problems or psychological disorders experienced.