New member - looking to take the first step

[albatross94]

Hi i am a new member, mid 20s female and signed up to get some advice and perhaps start my journey towards getting better.

I have had un-diagnosed anxiety since i was a young child and had on and off low moods for most of my life as a result of social isolation and lack of dealing with past trauma(death of a parent at a young age, bad home life etc.). However in the last few years those low moods have gotten worse and have lasted for longer and longer periods and I feel like i may be depressed. I want to get better but i believe my issues are deep-rooted and based on my situation rather than a chemical imbalance and a simple medication prescription won't be enough to help me as i have built up a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms and bad patterns as a result of long term dealing with this on my own.

Long story short, I really want to be referred to a psych so i can get some long term help and i am really worried about going to see a GP as i have heard a lot of horror stories from people i know who have been pushed into taking medication rather than being referred to a psychologist (side note, i don't have a regular GP as i haven't been to the doctor since i was a child so it would be someone new). I am scared that they are going to just see DEPRESSION and ignore the other factors that have led to where i am now and possibly misdiagnose me, especially since my anxiety often means i find it hard to speak up.

I guess what i am asking is what do you think the best way forward is? Would it be better to just go direct to a psychologist? The cost would be much higher without a referral but i would have some peace of mind or am i worrying too much about going to see a GP and should just do it?

[Jacko777]

Hi albatross94, welcome!

I reckon, just do it! You don't have to take any medication if don't want to however, keep an open mind on that. I hope that a GP would respect your decision to avoid medication and find you an appropriate psych, if not, go somewhere else. It is really important to have a professional diagnosis which will lead to an effective treatment, you get that and you have great awareness about your self.

Try not to overthink it, make an appointment and go from there, you can always ring the Beyond Blue Support line if you have questions. Imagine, you are going to find new ways to respond to life, not out of a past trauma, I've been there and I'm excited for you! Take the step soon and get on that new journey.

Talk any time.

Jack

[Guest_4643]

Hi albatross94, welcome to the forums.

I'm sorry to hear about all of your struggles, and my condolences to you with the loss of a parent at a young age. There's no time limit on grieving so that's one thing to remind yourself.

As for the GP, I know how hard it is to find one, same with any health professional, but sometimes it can help a little. But I would recommend you do your research for a GP that specialises in mental health near you, and then try to make an appointment and attend, then explain your whole situation, or as much as you have time to share and feel comfortable with, so that they can (hopefully) get a better understanding of your situation. Usually a long appointment is better to discuss mental health so you don't feel as rushed, but it also depends on yours and the GPs' availability.

In terms of the diagnosis, I would suggest seeing a Psychiatrist, because they deal with medication and they diagnose you properly. Once again I would suggest doing research on this so what they specialise in, etc. Then if you're comfortable, make an appointment with them also, but you would have to get a GP to refer you to a Psychiatrist, you can choose one yourself or they can choose one for you but personally I find it better to choose one yourself. You'll need a referral to see a Psychologist too, but Psychologists don't make diagnosis' like Psychiatrists do and they don't talk about medication like Psychiatrists either, what they basically do is give you coping strategies (for example, grounding). It depends.

You can get a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP if you have Medicare (you can look that up on Google and/or ask a GP about this, it's pretty easy to get and understand).

Once again I'm sorry that you're struggling, but I wish you all the best and I hope that you're alright and that you somehow feel better soon, and get support from these forums and professionals. Good luck and take care, please be safe.

Love and hugs,

Tayla (PS - I'm 20 also).