New here, medications aren't working, looking for the next step?

[Saphira]

Hi there, 

Joined today,  hoping to find people that are a few steps ahead of me. Medications have been changed/upped numerous times over the last year and I am still not getting anywhere. I'm assuming I need to see a psychiatrist and or a Psychologist but not sure who to see first or what is more important. 

Hoping someone who has been through it will a good idea of who to see or what to do from here. I'm frustrated and fed up!

[Reaperbird]

Hey Saphira, and welcome! 🙂

Psychiatrist and psychologist are confusing right? But through experience I have a bit of knowledge on which is which.

A psychologist, is a counselor, and they're someone who will help talk you through anything that's been stressing you out. They can give you coping methods, advice, and are great to vent to.

A psychiatrist is a counselor too, but they particularly specialize in diagnosing mental health issues, and giving out the right medication for it.

If you feel the need to talk to either, you can talk to your doctor about a referral, or be put on a mental health care plan (which makes things cheaper/free).
You could probably see a psychiatrist to find out what medication would suite you best, and then book in to a psychologist for long-term support.

But that aside, I know how frustrating finding the right medication can be. I'm intolerant to most medications so I've had to change mine numerous times. I swear my doctor is sick of me sometimes! 😛

Anyway it's nice to meet you, and I hope I've helped a little bit, if not, then I'm sure someone around here can give you some better advice. They're pretty cool around here. 🙂

Hope you have a nice weekend! 😄

[BKYTH]

What are you being prescribed medication for?

[aingeal]

Hi Saphira,

Your GP is the best place to start. He or she can get your referrals going on a mental health plan and will have knowledge of physiologists and psychiatrists in area.

A psychiatrist will look more towards physiological aspects of mental illness for diagnosis and a management taking into account many factors. They will assess medication suitability to assist towards stability. They are the specialists in this area will most likely be the primary person prescribing medications.

A psychologist will look more towards the behaviour of mental illness and help develop coping and healing strategies . A psychologist doesn't prescribe medications.

You GP is also an important aspect of your support network as s/he will see you in between various psychiatrist / psychological support. If your GP is prescribing the medications, still ask for a psychiatrist referral on a mental health plan.

 BKYTH asked a good question - What have you been prescribed medications for.

Medications are something that need to be fine tuned to your specific needs - not every responds in the same way. If you are having trouble with stabilising, get to your GP and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. Its not a bad idea to google psychiatrists in your area to see who may suit you. Do a bit of research.

In any case - don't give up. That's only the illness giving you a hard time and you can get through it.

livelife xx

ange

[Saphira]

Thanks, I've been on multiple medications over the last 8 years. 

The idea of booking in to see both was overwhelming but will see what I have in the area and hopefully just book both in for ASAP appointments as medications really need to be looked into a little more. I'm in a good head space atm which makes things so simple but I know as I'm sure you do too things won't be the same in the morning, luckily I have a great partner who will help me or call them to book if need be. 

 Thankyou very much for yout reply 🙂

[Saphira]

Also the diagnosis is for Clinical depression

[aingeal]

Getting into the routine of appointments can be daunting; take it one step at a time, one appointment at a time. Space them out so it doesn't become overwhelming e.g. on alternate weeks / months.

You are fortunate to have a supportive partner, it makes a whole lot of difference with we have other rallying for us. And you are right, it is easier when our heads are clear, it almost feels like we don't need anything at all - but it is a good time to get things together for when we head downwards again.

livelife xx

ange