I’ve been battling depression and anxiety all of my life. A few years ago I was prescribed meds and had to go to a psychiatrist as a part of my mental health plan. The psychiatrist did more harm than good. He filled my head with thoughts that I hadn’t had before. Eventually I went off my medication as I took up running and found life was great, my bad days were lower and life was good.
This last year however I have been battling. I’m constantly tired, I hate being social, and i’m quick to anger. However I am scared to death of seeing a psychiatrist again. I feel I need medication again but I will not go there again. Do I have to see a psychiatrist to access medication to give me support? Just asking you guys is a big step for me.
don't think you have to. I got my meds from my GP.
I was terrified to go to a psychiatrist as I felt they will lock me up. But I was VERY lucky and found a lady who is ecxtremely hepful and resourceful AND has also medical knowledge . I mean she sees both sides -the mental and physical side of my illness ( I got mental illness and physical illness) ask a doctor ( any doc) for a trustful Psychiatrist. So gar every doc I got referred to from my GP was great. So I guess if you trust your GP they will hopefully refer you to a helpful Psychiatrist!
I suggest you make an appointment with your GP. You should book a long appointment and ask to have a mental health car plan done. They can disucss your depression. With my GP as part of my plan I saw a psychologist and continued to see my GP. She thought we could manage it with therapy and medication I had previously been prescribed. She decided if I got worse then I would see a psychiatrist. Not everyone with a mental illness and on medication doesn't have to see a psychiatrist. Some do (and I have in the past) but not all.
It is great you are wanting to get help again. It is a big step coming onto the forums as well
Thank you. I am very scared about being referred to a psych. The last one told me to stop relying on my wife for support or she would leave me. Obviously not the thing to say to someone who questions why anyone would find value in me. I just didn’t want to make a gp appointment if the psych was a mandatory thing.
Hi Anon, welcome to the site and I agree with MsPurple.
I had seen a couple of psychiatrists myself, both of them didn't offer any significant help or their approach wasn't what I was expecting, because I wasn't feeling the best, so my doctor referred me to a psychologist.
A psychologist has a much different way of counselling you and it may suit you much better.
