I'm depressed - which type of Dr. do I need?

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to search my insurance website to find a provider - do I choose a psychiatrist, a psychologist or licensed professional counselor (they list them all in the pull down menu and I don't know the basic difference)? I am seeking help for deep depression and anxiety. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I would start by calling and seeing your GP. they can help decide what type of Dr you need. Good luck

[Anonymous]

If it is low-grade depression, you might be best off with an LPC or licensed social worker as a therapist. If necessary, they can refer you for a medication evaluation.

However, if you are seriously depressed (suicidal thoughts, major interference with functioning, etc.), then you should go see a psychiatrist immediately.

[Anonymous]

If your condition requires medication only a psychiatrist (or other MD) will be able to write your prescriptions. I wouldn't rule out psychologists and counselors, though, just be sure to ask how they would arrange for medication and med management should that be necessary.

Best of everything. I truly hope that you start to feel better soon.

[Anonymous]

When I realized I was suffering from Depression, I saw my doctor first. He prescribed my medication, and told me to see a psychologist. I went into therapy, took medication, and started working out regularly.

The day I spoke to my doctor, I felt as if a weight had been lifted off of me. Three days into my medication, I already started feeling better. It has been a year now, and I am no longer taking medication, or going to therapy, but working out still helps a ton.

[Anonymous]

In my experience most GPs will write an Rx for an SSRI but anything beyond that (other types of meds, changing meds, adding meds, etc.) should be handled by a psychiatrist.
Most psychiatrists do mostly "medication management" and refer to a psychologist or clinical social worker for therapy/counseling.

[Anonymous]

It depends on the cause of your depression and anxiety. If it just happens without some past or present catalyst, it may be a good idea to go ahead and see a psychiatrist.

I realized after about 15 years that the vast majority of my depression and anxiety problems were actually symptoms of PTSD. Meds would not have solved my problems, but spending some time with a counselor made a huge difference.

Goos luck!

[Anonymous]

oops, I meant to type "good"

[Anonymous]

Like others said, I would start with a MD (whether that is a GP or psychiatrist) and whoever can see you soonest. Some psychiatrists don't take new patients for weeks/months.

Good luck -- I have been in your shoes and it can be scary.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't go straight to a psychiatrist. I'd recommend a visit to your family doctor, and finding a counselor or psychologist. Good luck, OP.

[Anonymous]

has anyone managed their depression without pharms?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:has anyone managed their depression without pharms?

I've been off meds for over 3 years now. I had PPD. I'm interested in other's who have also. I still feel depressed and lonely but I try to exercise and keep busy by working part-time. I belong to a depression group but it seems everyone is on drugs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:has anyone managed their depression without pharms?

I posted earlier. I have been off my meds for about three or four months now, I just don't need them anymore. Like the PP I don't feel depressed, and things are going really well. I didn't join a group, and stopped going to therapy seven months ago now.

I really think that I needed to make all the changes I did, when I did, to better things for me. I started my medication, then two weeks later started weekly therapy sessions, started exercising and eating better. I use my exercise time to really bring up the things that are bothering me, and work them out mentally, and physically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:has anyone managed their depression without pharms?

I posted earlier. I have been off my meds for about three or four months now, I just don't need them anymore. Like the PP I don't feel depressed, and things are going really well. I didn't join a group, and stopped going to therapy seven months ago now.

I really think that I needed to make all the changes I did, when I did, to better things for me. I started my medication, then two weeks later started weekly therapy sessions, started exercising and eating better. I use my exercise time to really bring up the things that are bothering me, and work them out mentally, and physically.

What have you learned most from therapy? Did you pick up any good cognitive therapy points?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:has anyone managed their depression without pharms?

I posted earlier. I have been off my meds for about three or four months now, I just don't need them anymore. Like the PP I don't feel depressed, and things are going really well. I didn't join a group, and stopped going to therapy seven months ago now.

I really think that I needed to make all the changes I did, when I did, to better things for me. I started my medication, then two weeks later started weekly therapy sessions, started exercising and eating better. I use my exercise time to really bring up the things that are bothering me, and work them out mentally, and physically.

What have you learned most from therapy? Did you pick up any good cognitive therapy points?

One thing that my therapist said, that really has stayed with me, was that exercise was just as effective of a treatment as talk therapy and medication, for mild to moderate depression. She helped me understand that exercising, and by visualizing my issues, while doing it, really was a great way to treat myself.

I also learned not to keep things in, and that it is ok to express my feelings. I often felt as if I was a burden to others, and she assured me that if I thought I was a burden, than I was least likely to actually be one. Those who truly are burdens, never suspect that they are.

I had so much happen to me in such a short period of time, and no one to really talk to about it. I just kept everything in, and just kept plucking away at what I was doing, but I was barely functioning. I was full of rage, and was always yelling at my children. While I never beat my children, I did have the urge to hit them. Thank goodness I was able to suppress those urges, and not damage my children. Exercising has kept those feelings at bay, and I can thankfully say that I haven't had urges like that since before I was medicated.

I also now know what to look out for, and if the depression starts to slowly creep it's head, I will be prepared.