Why Do People Wait Until It Gets Worse?

You wouldn’t ignore a fever until it turns into pneumonia, right?

Then why do so many people ignore the early signs of psychosis or neurosis?

It’s a question I ask myself all the time as a psychiatrist. I’ve seen people struggle in silence for years, hoping their symptoms will just “go away.” Some wait until they’re in full-blown crisis mode before seeking professional help. Others turn to faith healers first, hoping for divine intervention before even considering a psychiatrist.

So, what’s going on? Why is there such hesitation when it comes to mental health?

Let’s talk about it.

---

The Warning Signs Are There—But They’re Ignored

Prodrome refers to the early signs of a developing illness. In mental health, this could mean:

• Feeling more anxious than usual
• Social withdrawal—avoiding friends and family
• Changes in sleep and appetite
• Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
• A gut feeling that something isn’t right

For psychosis, early signs might include:

• Unusual thoughts or beliefs that don’t quite make sense
• Feeling like people are watching or talking about you
• Hearing whispers or sounds when alone
• Becoming overly suspicious of others

For neurosis (like anxiety disorders, OCD, or depression), the signs could be:

• Overthinking everything to the point of exhaustion
• Constant worry, fear, or dread
• Uncontrollable intrusive thoughts
• Feeling like you’re losing control over your emotions

Yet, despite experiencing these symptoms, many people choose to wait.

---

Why Do People Delay Psychiatric Help?

1️⃣ “It Will Go Away On Its Own”

Many believe their symptoms are temporary—just a “rough patch” that will pass.

Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Mental illnesses, like any other medical condition, tend to worsen over time when left untreated.

2️⃣ Fear of Being Labeled “Crazy”

The stigma around mental illness is still strong. Many people are afraid of being judged by their family, friends, or society.

I’ve had patients tell me:

• “I don’t want people to think I’ve lost my mind.”
• “What if my relatives find out? They’ll never see me the same way.”
• “I can handle this myself—I’m not weak.”

Mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness. Seeking help is a sign of strength.

3️⃣ Faith Healers First, Psychiatrists Later

In many cultures, the first response to mental distress is not a doctor—it’s a faith healer.

Now, let’s be clear: Faith, prayer, and spirituality can be powerful sources of comfort. But mental illness, like diabetes or heart disease, needs medical attention too.

I’ve met patients who spent years trying exorcisms, rituals, or alternative treatments. By the time they came to me, their condition had worsened significantly.

Imagine having a broken leg and trying to cure it with prayers alone—without a cast or surgery. You wouldn’t do that, right?

Then why do we treat mental health any differently?

4️⃣ Lack of Awareness

Many people simply don’t know that what they’re experiencing is a medical condition.

I’ve had patients say:

• “I thought I was just stressed.”
• “I didn’t know anxiety could feel like this.”
• “Nobody told me these thoughts were part of a disorder.”

Education is key. The more we talk about mental health, the sooner people can recognize when something isn’t right.

---

What Can You Do?

If you or someone you know is experiencing early symptoms of a mental illness, don’t wait. Here’s what you can do:

✅ Talk to someone. A psychiatrist, therapist, or even a trusted friend can help.

✅ Get assessed. Understanding your symptoms is the first step toward managing them.

✅ Don’t be afraid of medication. If prescribed, it’s meant to help, not harm.

✅ Combine medical and spiritual support. You don’t have to choose between psychiatry and faith—they can work together.

✅ Spread awareness. If more people talk about mental health, fewer will suffer in silence.

---

📞 Need Help? Let’s Talk.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, neurosis, anxiety, or depression, don’t wait until it gets worse.

At Mind & Mood Clinic, Nagpur, we provide professional, compassionate, and non-judgmental care.

🩺 Dr. Rameez Shaikh, MD (Psychiatrist & Counsellor)
📍 Mind & Mood Clinic, Nagpur (India)
📞 +91-8208823738

Your mental health matters. Let’s work on it together. 💙

---

📌 Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms of mental illness, please consult a qualified professional for proper evaluation and treatment.