Doctor & Psychologist didn't help

[Lauren1990]

I believe I have suffered from depression and anxiety for most of my life, some stages have been worse then others, and lately I have been going through a really bad patch. I felt like it was putting a lot of pressure on my fiance and that was the last straw.

Recently I went to my local GP to seek help, he straight away told me that medication wouldnt help me without even asking any questions, at first I wasnt overly worried about his comment as I am unsure if I want to try medication due to the fear of becoming dependant on them. He gave me a referal for 6 visits to a psychologist whom only worked during the week so I had to take time off of work to go see her, he told me to have 2 sessions with her and then come back.

I went to two sessions with the psychologist, she was lovely but quite un helpful. The first session she just listened to all my problems/stories nodding and agreeing like "oh yes that really would have been awful" but not giving any advice, I felt like it was a big waste of time because talking to my friends gives me more satisfaction. She told me to make a vision board and write my problems on a piece of paper and put it under my pillow. The second session we spent doing her techniques for dealing with my thoughts, one was to name 5 then 4 then 3 and so on things I could see, feel, smell and hear around the room, another was to picture myself standing near a river and writing my problems on leaves and floating them down the stream. I am a very logical person and I just felt like an idiot doing this, we didnt even get through an hour session.

I am hesitant to go back to the same doctor or even a different one in fear of the same thing happening again. I felt like he almost didnt believe me that I was depressed or thought I was only there to get medication and now I have been very put off of the whole seeking help idea. I feel as though I was doing a better job by myself talking to my friends but I know that this can only go so far and wont help me improve past where I have been before, which unfortunately is still depressed.

I was wondering if anybody has any advice or has gone through a similar problem?

[MaryG]

Hi Lauren,

I'm sorry your experience with your GP and psychologist hasn't worked for you. As far as psychologists go unfortunately it can take a couple of goes to find someone that gels for you. You need to feel comfortable going to see him or her and more importantly feel that they believe you. The first counsellor that I saw just didn't work for me and so I stopped going. 

Strange that your GP would immediately say that medication won't help you. I would have thought that a bit more diagnosis time would be needed to reach that conclusion. If nothing else but to choose the most appropriate medication for you. There are a lot of different options.

So try not to be disheartened with your experience and maybe find a new psychologist either through your GP or from the resources on this site. 

Hope that helps Lauren and please keep in touch and let us know how you're going.

Mary 

[Le_Chat_Noir]

Hi Lauren,

I was reading some of the BB's ambassador's stories and MaryJo Fisher said this:

'...“If you need a psychiatrist, find one who works for you. Their being competent is not enough. I needed one who could tell me what to do – and he does....”

This is so true.  Not all GPs/therapists are going to be suitable and you need to find one that resonates with you.  Just because they've completed a degree in psychology/counselling/medicine doesn't mean they are going to be effective therapists.....for you.  I've seen about four or five different therapists over the course of my life and only one of these I found helpful, the others just seemed to be following the textbook theory.  Don't follow any techniques you don't feel comfortable with, and don't feel guilty for moving on from a therapist you're not comfortable with.  Like you, I've sometimes found talking with friends can sometimes be more helpful.  Do what feels right for you.

Hope this helps.

[Lauren1990]

Hi Mary, thank you for your reply.

I am thinking maybe I will go to a different GP and explain what happened this time in the hope that it wont happen again. Im not sure if most psychologists only work during the day or not but it was really inconvenient having to take a whole or half a day off of work to go see one.

It really just was a lot of effort with a very disappionting outcome.

I feel like maybe they are all going to be the same and it will all be just a big waste of time an effort when I could have used that time to work things out alone, I didnt really see how talking to a psychologist is any different to talking to friends anyway.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply, it does help!

Lauren

[Lauren1990]

Hi Guest 5957,

Thanks a lot for that, it definitely makes a lot of sense and im glad im not the only one feeling like this! It really helps a lot to know others are in the same situation.

Has given me a bit more confidence to go and try someone else.

Thanks again,

Lauren

[Mares73]

Dear Lauren may I suggest you go to one of the GPs listed on this site as they are all endorsed by Beyond Blue & have undertaken specialist training in mental health. There will be one near you. I'd also consider seeing a Pyschiatrist rather than a Pyschologist as they can provide indepth therapy if needed and are much more familiar with all types of antidepressants and can discuss pros & cons with you. I tried a Psychologist recently and found her so simplistic that I could or would of gained more from reading a Selfhelp book. But for initial treatment I'd highly recommend seeing a GP recommended by BB, getting a referral to a Pyschiatrist & then given your GP will be trained in treatment of depression they can take over your care & you may only do a 3 or 6 monthly review with the Pyschiatrist. Hope that helps. Mares x

[Lauren1990]

Hi Mares,

Thank you for your reply. Nobody has suggested for me to see a psychiatrist yet, maybe that is what I need. I feel the same about seeing the psychologist, I have gained more just from reading posts on this website!

I had a look at the GP's on this site and there is one not too far from me, I think I will make an appointment to see her and go from there.

Thank you to everyone for all of your support!

Lauren x

[Jon42]

Hi Lauren,

I've dealt with the same feelings most of my life.

I think (generally speaking, in my experience) that there are no yes/no, right/wrong answers with this stuff, which is why so many people think that finding help is hopeless, or even that needing help is right/wrong.

I tried a variety of clueless GP's and psychologists (mostly the former) and didn't believe in any of it.

I eventually found one that's helped me through a lot. She resonated with me immediately even though I didn't actually trust or believe her until a few sessions in.

My advice (advice is such a subjective thing because you have to follow what you're drawn to) is to keep searching, and know that you're not alone, and people get through it. And the other side is awesome. 

Let me know if you're in Victoria and I can give you some names of people that have treated me completely differently to every other 'specialist' I've ever met!

This is coming from the formerly most stubborn guy when it comes to this sort of thing so if I can get through it, I know anyone can!

[Lauren1990]

Hi Jon,

Thank you so much for your advice! Its great to know that people are in or have been in the same situation and have found someone or something that helps.

I am so glad I posted on this website, It really has made me feel so much better about the whole thing.

I'm not im Victoria but thanks a lot for offering 🐵 I am planning on making an appointment with a different GP after easter and seeing where that takes me.

Thanks again,

Lauren