Many people believe therapy is only for those with severe mental health conditions. In reality, psychological services can benefit anyone facing emotional, behavioral, or life challenges — whether or not a formal diagnosis is involved.
In this article, we discuss some psychological disorders that need clinical attention; otherwise, the accumulating effects of not receiving proper treatment could ruin your life. Other situations and problems that can noticeably benefit from psychological services will be addressed in Part 2.
You may want to consult a therapist if you are experiencing:
Recognized Psychological Disorders
These are conditions that mental health professionals can diagnose and treat, often using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, or other methods.
►Depression
Feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or drained of energy for weeks or months. Imagine you are a young professional living abroad who used to enjoy exploring their new city now finds it hard to get out of bed, avoids social gatherings, and feels detached from loved ones back home.
► Anxiety Disorders
Excessive worry, constant tension, or panic attacks that interfere with work, studies, or relationships. Maral is a student who becomes physically sick before presentations at university, fearing judgment and failure, even when well-prepared.
► Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that feel impossible to stop. Ramtin is fed up with his habit of checking the door lock over and over before leaving the apartment because of an overwhelming fear of burglary.
►Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Emotional distress or flashbacks triggered by reminders of a traumatic experience. After a car accident in a new country, Ali finds himself avoiding driving entirely and feeling panicked at the sound of traffic.
► Eating Disorders
Distorted body image, strict dieting, binge eating, or other patterns that harm physical and mental health. Sara feels pressured to meet certain body standards in the new culture, leading to unhealthy eating habits and compulsive behaviors such as vomiting and taking too much laxatives.
Understanding these disorders is the first step toward taking control of your mental health. But they’re not the only challenges worth your attention—many other issues, though less severe, can still hold you back from living fully if ignored. In Part 2, we’ll explore these everyday struggles, how they quietly shape your life, and the practical ways psychology can help you overcome them. Don’t miss it—you may find answers to problems you didn’t even realize were standing in your way.