[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen a person realizes that it is time to get help for an issue they are dealing with, there are many paths they can take. Some include psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, coaches, religious leaders and other professionals. Perhaps they simply need a good cry or a friend to lean on. Common problems people face include anxiety and depression, trouble getting along with a family member or spouse, grief or chronic illness.

Different professionals deal with problems in different ways. Psychiatrists help patients with mental illness, but are also the ones who can prescribe psychotropic drugs – medicine that straightens out mis ring in the brain. These include disorders like severe depression, panic attacks, ADHD and a host of other disorders. Most of these remedies work best accompanied by support from a mental health professional. A psychologist can help gain insight into issues that need to be addressed or uncover buried or dismissed trauma. A therapist or counselor can also help in the same way, and are usually less expensive. Coaches help their clients get through a difficult period, reach their goals or clarify their purpose. While they do not treat mental health problems, they work with functional people to guide them. If a person prefers to gain their strength through faith, a religious leader may be a good choice. If one avenue doesn’t help, try a different approach or a different practitioner.

The most important thing is to resolve the issue or learn to cope with it. Be sure to resist the urge to wait and hope the problem resolves itself, or nothing will change.

Rhoda Ondov, MS, MFT, CPC, is a relationship coach and owner of Ondov Relationship Coaching, LLC, located at 14-14 E. Main St., Suite 8 (upstairs), in Somerville. Please contact her at 908-642-6256 or [email protected].