Self-assessment is often necessary to determine when a psychiatrist is needed. In spite of the fact that you shouldn't attempt to self-diagnose any specific mental health conditions, you can recognize unhealthy behaviors, emotions, and thought patterns.   Mental health problems such as anxiety, stress, depression, or mood swings, even when they are temporary, may indicate a larger mental health problem that requires professional treatment. Professional setbacks, failed relationships, financial worries, and personal loss are common occurrences in life, but if it's affecting your ability to function daily or interfering with your interpersonal relationships, then there may be more to it than meets the eye.   Your ability to cope, react, and navigate through these life experiences determines whether or not you should seek psychiatric treatment.