The emotions that can arise in reaction to everyday stresses may grow out of proportion, or may be completely absent. Eating may become a refuge, and sleep may begin to seem either irresistible or elusive. Alcohol or drug use may get out of control. The problems can be sudden, such as a panic attack or as hallucinations or thoughts of suicide. They may be more long-term such as a deep depression that causes everyday life to appear distorted or out of control.
People often seek psychotherapy when they have tried other approaches to solving a personal problem.
For example, people who are depressed, anxious, or have drug or alcohol problems may find that talking to friends or family members is not enough to resolve their problems. Sometimes people may want to talk to a therapist about problems they would feel uncomfortable discussing with friends or family, such as being sexually abused as a child. Finding a therapist to talk to who is knowledgeable about emotional problems, has patients' best interests at heart, and is relatively objective can be extremely helpful. Psychiatrists use a wide range of treatments. These include many forms of psychotherapy, psychotropic and other medications, and hospitalization according to the needs of each patient.