A psychiatrist is a person who has spent years studying the science of the mind. He has been rigorously trained in the latest science of the chemical soup that is the human brain, the darkest cellars illuminated by psychology, and intricate sociological studies through the ages. Psychiatrists have been trained to listen, to summarize, to quickly appraise the situation and to provide tangible solutions.
Gone are the days when only individuals on the verge of mental breakdown would approach the psychiatrist. That being said, there are certain sets of people who should be encouraged to reach for scientifically-backed, feasible approaches to deal with their struggles. After all, nobody should have to figure things out the hard way when help is so readily available.
1) The Brilliant Struggler
The Brilliant Struggler is usually a young student or working professional, known for his decent grades and moderate success. It so happens, however, that the Brilliant Struggler is not performing to the best of his potential. Anguished and disappointed in himself, the Brilliant Struggler tries hard, and attains brief moments of glory, but is unable to sustain himself there.
What the Brilliant Struggler should ask from a psychiatrist is a systematic, step-by-step plan and help avoiding pitfalls commonly encountered by others like him.
2) The Misunderstood Margot
Misunderstood Margot is all of us, a little bit. After all, how many times have we tried to convey one thing and accidentally ended up conveying something else, altogether? Misunderstood Margot is broadly one of three types of people- she tries to be caring, and is instead perceived as a nag; she tries to be exciting, and instead comes across as reckless; she tries to be practical, and is perceived as cold and unfeeling.
Usually sensitive and affectionate, what such people should seek is help improving their communication skills- verbal and non-verbal- in order to be better understood.
3) The Family in Dark Times- All for One & One for All
Families especially need to be smart in reaching out for help as soon as possible, because the members of a family are often so closely bound together. Families often trigger cascades of negativity, in times of joint crisis such as sickness or financial struggles.Family members are easily affected by one another, often in roundabout ways. One child’s problem behavior with drugs may be manifest in another’s social anxiety, parents’ struggle with anger issues may be mirrored in a child’s bedwetting.
Families that have hit a rough patch need a psychiatrist as an unbiased outsider to identify and smoothen issues.
4) The Tough Soldier
The Tough Soldier does not like asking for help. He is often responsible for others under his care, and does not like to expose his vulnerabilities to them.
All the more reason he should deal with his vulnerabilities in a safe, professional setting, without judgement or intrusion!
5) The Seeker of Joy and Refinement
I have the utmost respect for this fifth category of individual. The Seeker realizes that nobody is perfect, and approaches with an air of of eagerness to improve oneself in problem areas, such as managing anger or solving conflicts within a marriage. They seek maximum personal growth in a short time and are willing to make smart investments for it!
Working with these five groups of people is professionally highly rewarding, as these individuals usually flourish with brief and highly-focused intervention. A little bit goes a long way, and many of them do surprisingly well at the challenges life has to offer!