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I was going to jot down a few things about the docs you run into out there. Mainly cause I didn't have a clue as to what they actually do. I mean, really, till you have a mental break down you don't go to a yearly psych check up or anything.
G.P. or your General Practicioner.
This would be the regular old doc you head to for the flu. You can talk to them about whats going on with you and they can prescribe meds. This isn't really their area, so although they will help, they tend to take a slow route and try alot of different pills from my experience. But they can help you if you are comfortable enough to talk to your doc.
Therapist.
A therapist is someone you can talk to with confidentiality that will help you work on any baggage that you are dragging along that helps your depression drag you down. They are trained in techniques that can help a person overcome their problems. This so far is working well for me personally. My therapist started me keeping journals and other things. Suprisingly it works for me, although I never would have thought of such a thing. Then in sessions, she can ask me how certain days went or how I was feeling that day and I can read off what was going on with me. As far as I know most Therapist can't prescribe anything. Mine can't. This may be something you should ask when selecting one. I didn't because it never occured to me.
Psychologist:
Psychologist seem to be the folks trained to tell you what your problems is. A diagnosis if you will. They are the folks who went to school to study how the brain works. They often give you tests and that sort of thing. They give you the low-down on your illness. Rarely are they able to prescribe meds. You may want to ask about this so you can keep down the number of docs you have to see. I think these are also the ones that give you the "Evaluation" if you end up taking one. If you are headed to one or know it's coming, just keep some spare comfy clothes and some reading material in a bag in you car. :) .
Psychiatrist:
Psychiatrist are, I guess best described as more capable psychologist. They can diagnose your problems and are the folks that prescribe meds. They will also give you test and things of that sort sometimes.
The one I see does well enough and is pretty straight forward. He is a bit of a fan of prescribing pills though. I dont think I've went to him yet when he didn't fiddle with them and add something. But I am feeling better so it's working so far.
Sometimes its hard to really tell. They all seem to be folks in white coats that all seem to want you to do something. Either give a blood sample, temperature, pulse, take a multiple choice test, talk about your feelings on things, tell them if you hear voices or think of suicide. That sort of thing. You can try to do a little more research if you like, but they seem to like to play it close to the vest. Good luck. |