First Steps to Help: Where to Start So You Won't Be Disappointed

When a person first decides to seek help, they often do it in the wrong order — and end up disappointed. Dr. Saulitis points out: for the first steps to work, you must first recognize the typical mistakes and "start with the main thing."

Step one: begin with a psychiatrist, not with fear of one

The main mistake is fear of the psychiatrist and of medication: "I won't go there, they'll drug me, turn me into a vegetable." Because of this, people rush straight to a psychotherapist, hoping it will solve everything. In reality, it is better to start with a competent psychiatrist, rule out serious psychiatric conditions, and outline a treatment plan. Only then turn to specialists who can carry it out better. Importantly: medication is not obligatory — first you need to understand the cause.

Step two: prepare your body

Many come to the psychiatrist as if "the head and the psyche are separate, and the body is separate." This is a fundamental error. According to the doctor, very many conditions are connected with or caused by bodily, somatic manifestations. So before the visit, gather all the information about your physical state — this makes it possible to choose therapy properly.

Step three: choose a private specialist

The doctor insists: for mild manifestations (sleep disturbances, anxious states, etc.) it is important to choose a private psychiatrist. Otherwise you risk losing the most important thing — your faith in the very possibility of help, ending up "as if on a conveyor belt." The exception is acute states, where the order is different.

Step four: understand it's a process, not a magic wand

The deepest mistake is expecting "magic words" or a pill after which "life will become easier, prettier, more fun." It won't be like that. The process is long, sometimes painful; results may come, but they can also quickly fade. You may need to change your approach to life, add psychotherapy, a psychologist — to learn simple life skills.

Step five: the team approach

Today the team approach is in trend: psychiatrist, psychotherapist, psychologist, and support all together. When they work as one, you can genuinely hope for results.

Practice: a checklist before your first visit

1. Recognize the fear of the psychiatrist as a mistake — it's the first barrier blocking help.
2. Gather information about your physical state (somatic manifestations) before the visit.
3. Start with a psychiatrist: rule out serious conditions and outline a plan.
4. Choose a private specialist when the situation is not an acute emergency.
5. Settle in for a process: be ready to change your approach to life and involve other specialists.