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Dealing with docs and the insurance
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This can be some of the most anxious and scary things you have to deal with.
If you or anyone you know seems like they may be suffering from depression, please help them get help. I know all to well what can happen if you wait too long and dont take action.
A good start is with your human resources person at work. They know the insurance, and which direction to point you in. This alone can save you days of futile phone calls and you are also prepared knowing up front your liability.
There are some good websites out there with good info that may be able to help you. Trapped Minds on my link page is a good one. If your insurance company has a website, try to research the therapists, psychologist, and psychiatrist covered by your plan so you can make a more informed choice. Like myself, I had to find a female therapist, because there was no way I could talk to a man about my feelings and the things going on.
The co-pays and meds do add up, so try to talk to your docs, they tend to give alot of samples, or can maybe prescribe a generic alternative to the high dollar stuff.
Your G.P. (general practicioner) is someone else you can start talking to about it if you feel more comfortable with them.
The main thing is not to give up and get discouraged. There is nothing about depression to be ashamed of.
It's not much different than being a diabetic. If they take their meds and take care of themselves they are fine. If they don't they get sick and can possibly die if ignored long enough. Same with most depression and mood disorders. You take your meds, try to lead a healthy lifestyle, and maybe some therapy if you are inclined, and you can be ok too.
Also, depending on how you feel about it. Try early in the process to get your doctors to share info. I am trying this now and its a pain. You will basically have to fill out 2 release forms in detail about what records and what type and some times from when, for each 2 docs you want to be able to share notes to try to get the best care you can. And when you have a therapist, GP, and psychiatrist
its a pain. Paper work can only be mailed or delivered in person also just to make it a little more fun. No faxes. Go figure.
Most areas have clinics that give free inital evalutions, so there isn't a good reason not to start to see if you can do something to make your life better.
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