21/08/2025
Self-psychiatry" isn't a formal or recognized term in the field. However, "self" is a core concept in psychiatry and psychology, referring to an individual's sense of identity and personal experience. Understanding the "self" is crucial in understanding mental health and various mental disorders. There are also related concepts like self-concept, self-disorder, and self-talk, which are relevant to understanding how individuals perceive themselves and interact with the world.
1. Self in Psychiatry and Psychology:
Self-concept:
This refers to an individual's overall perception of themselves, including their beliefs, values, and attributes. It's a multifaceted psychological construct that evolves throughout life.
Self-disorder:
This term describes a range of experiences where individuals feel that their internal experiences are externalized or detached from themselves. This can manifest as feeling that one's thoughts are coming from outside or experiencing a sense of unreality about one's own thoughts or body.
Sense of Self (SOS):
In schizophrenia, a disrupted sense of self is often investigated. A disrupted SOS is thought to contribute to symptoms, social cognitive deficits, and other abnormalities.
Self-talk:
This is the inner voice or the way individuals talk to themselves, which can be both conscious and unconscious. Self-talk can be a tool for processing experiences, regulating emotions, and even enhancing performance.
Schema Theory:
This theory, used in psychology and other fields, explores how individuals organize and process information about themselves and the world.
2. Self-Care and Mental Health:
Self-care strategies:
These include regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, relaxing activities, setting goals, practicing gratitude, and staying connected with others.
Seeking help:
If experiencing mental health challenges, it's crucial to seek professional help. This may involve therapy, medication, or other interventions.
Support systems:
Having a strong support network of family and friends is vital for mental well-being.
3. Psychiatric Disorders and the Self:
Psychosis:
Individuals experiencing psychosis may have a distorted sense of reality, including experiencing hallucinations or delusions.
Self-harm:
People who engage in self-harm may have underlying issues related to their sense of self and emotional regulation.
In summary: While "self-psychiatry" isn't a formal term, the concept of "self" is central to understanding mental health. Self-concept, self-disorder, and self-talk are all important aspects of how individuals experience themselves and the world. Maintaining good mental health involves self-care practices and seeking professional help when needed.