bhsunny21 Posted November 23, 2009 Posted November 23, 2009 I think I could be depressed, but I am not sure what to do next. I don't have a family doctor, so I can't start there. I know I can find a family medicine doctor, but I can't see myself going in there saying right off that I think I am depressed. Is this something that people do often? I have never seen a psychologist or anything, but I know that typically patients have to be referred, so I have to start somewhere. Any advice or help would be great. Thanks!
PinkToes Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 I'd suggest starting with a family doc, and making an appointment for a basic physical or just an initial visit as a new patient. And it's totally appropriate to bring up the issue while you're there; the doc can do an initial screening and/or refer you to a psychologist. Some general docs will try you on medication, if this is something you're interested in and they are willing. That may be enough to help you get back on your feet.
Ronni_W Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 bh, You do not HAVE to have a doctor's referral. You could simply ask around for a recommendation, or check on-line or print directories. In my experience and based on what I've heard from others: Psychologists will give you labels and theories to try to explain your thoughts, feelings, attitudes and behaviours...but not so much help with uncovering where your thoughts and feelings come from, or how to change whatever you decide needs to be changed (beliefs, perceptions, habits, etc.) If you do go the psychologist route, you may want to find one who also has specialized training in psychotherapy so you can do a more in-depth exploration into your personal "stuff", instead of more from perspective of theories and generalizations about human behaviour and emotions. Best of luck.
dashing daisy Posted November 26, 2009 Posted November 26, 2009 Psychologists will give you labels and theories to try to explain your thoughts, feelings, attitudes and behaviours...but not so much help with uncovering where your thoughts and feelings come from, or how to change whatever you decide needs to be changed (beliefs, perceptions, habits, etc.) If you do go the psychologist route, you may want to find one who also has specialized training in psychotherapy so you can do a more in-depth exploration into your personal "stuff", instead of more from perspective of theories and generalizations about human behaviour and emotions. That is really interesting, my experience has been almost completely the opposite. I've never had a therapist try to explain my thoughts, feelings or behaviors...it's more of guiding me to what is bothering me, figuring out where it came from and improving what is going on now. I can't imagine that just explaining thoughts, feelings and behaviors through labels and theories would be that helpful. Sounds kind of like a doctor giving you a diagnosis and explaining theories about a disease without actually treating it. I guess it's nice to know what exactly it is, but knowing you have diabetes isn't that helpful if they don't give you insulin, if you get what I mean. If you want to see a therapist, you could look some up either through your insurance company, or ask a family doctor for some referrals. I think you could then call a few of the numbers, and ask what type of therapy they do. If you feel like you might need medication, you could also ask if they work with a psychiatrist.
Ronni_W Posted November 26, 2009 Posted November 26, 2009 I've never had a therapist try to explain my thoughts, feelings or behaviors...it's more of guiding me to what is bothering me, figuring out where it came from and improving what is going on now. DD, I'd say that you have been fortunate. I'm not really sure, but I think (have been told) it's that many psychologists don't do the specialized "talk therapies" training that psychiatrists and psychotherapists do as a matter of course. When I was a newbie client, I didn't know enough to know the difference but now I work exclusively with mental health professionals who self-identify as therapists instead of psychologists. To me, it says something about how they practice.
Meaplus3 Posted November 30, 2009 Posted November 30, 2009 I think I could be depressed, but I am not sure what to do next. I don't have a family doctor, so I can't start there. I know I can find a family medicine doctor, but I can't see myself going in there saying right off that I think I am depressed. Is this something that people do often? I have never seen a psychologist or anything, but I know that typically patients have to be referred, so I have to start somewhere. Any advice or help would be great. Thanks! Your best bet is to find yourself a good family Doc and explain how your feeling.A good Doc that listens well, should be able to guide you in the right direction. There is plenty of help for depression and it's very common.. so do NOT feel alone. Mea:)
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