Is there a stigma attached to attending the doctor for mental health problems?

Question

I've suffered from anxiety and depression since I was a teenager. I've never seen the point in doing anything with my life because sometimes I think that life is utterly meaningless.

I'm now in my thirties and I'm sick of feeling this way. I've never told anybody about my problems, and friends think I'm just laid back and cool about things - which is not really the case.

I want to go to my doctor but he doesn't know me as I've never attended him for anything (my previous doctor retired 5 years ago and thankfully I'm reasonably healthy, physically). I've only attended the doctor once in the past 20 years.

I'm just not sure how I go about it. Will he think I'm a weirdo because I feel this way? I'm not sure how to articulate my thoughts in front of him and I'm afraid of being stigmatised.

Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

I actually think that the term 'mental health' is not a good one because it lends other people to think that you have completely lost the plot or are nuts, when in fact most mental health conditions do not consist of losing your marbles.  If you are depressed you are sad, lacking in motivation etc not stark raving mad.  Fortunately, there is very little stigma attached to mental health these days, mainly because it is much more prevalent than it used to be - it is everyman at sometime or other.

The thing is loads of people are taking anti-depressants but you just don't know about it as people don't broadcast it.  When I actually told people I was on anti-depressants it was amazing the amount of people who then told me they were on them or had been at sometime.

Some doctors are better at dealing with depression than others, but do go to see your GP; you've suffered for long enough.  It's not a weakness to seek help it's a strength.  As your depression has been ongoing ask you GP if you can be referred to the Community Mental Health Team for an assessment - this is to establish whether they can take you on; some only take on cases where the person has severe depression which is enduring ie longterm.  Having a support/key worker would probably really help you because they would given you practical advice and also guidance on what to do to help yourself.  Alternatively, counselling may help you and more than likely Cognitive Behavioural Therapy would help.

I was doing voluntary work for nearly 3 years for DIAL and still having some bad days in there, and my Support Worker was telling me for quite sometime before I actually started to look for paid work to try it; she kept telling me to dip my toe in, and that I'd probably wished I don't it long ago - how right she was.

When you are depressed you need to recognise that you see life negatively and not as it really is, and your thoughts are also negative and distorted.  So when you think that life is utterly meaningless that is not how it really is, because there is meaning to life but it's just that you haven't yet found your purpose in life.  However, give it time and it will come.  Perhaps you need to try doing something different to find out what works for you ie what makes you feel good, feel purposeful/fulfilled, what you enjoy and maybe even get excited about.

I'm not saying the above in a flipant way, my journey has been a long and bumpy one with many setbacks, and just when I felt my life was finally on track and a happy one my partner and I have split; it's complicated and his choice not mine.

If you ever want any tips or suggestions feel free to contact me.

Answer 2

there are some good answers and i just want to add that there is still a stigma, mainly from employers so keep it to yourself and your closest friends. its a shame but in the real world very necessary.

Answer 3

Your doctor will not think you are a weirdo. Believe me, he has heard it all. Please see your doctor. There is no good reason for you to continue feeling this bad. There is no stigma attached. And if there were, who cares? You need to look out for yourself. YOu have this one life and it should be as happy as possible. Be your own best friend. Get the help you need to feel better. I hope you are soon able to experience the joy of living that you deserve. Best wishes!

Answer 4

First of all... be thankful for your sense of humor... I am loving your 'Rocky' avatar.  There is much less of a stigma now a days.  It may take a while to find a good doc, but you will.  Look up a psychiatrist through your insurance.  They are much more knowledgeable about mental health than a GP.  Good luck.  It's okay to seek help.

Answer 5

I've battled serious depression since my teen years and I still battle with it to this day.

About two years ago I was in the worst funk I had been in and finally went to my Dr. about it. You would be surprised how many people they deal with on a daily basis for mental health issues.

Don't hesitate to seek help if you think you need it. I'm not going to lie, I'm not "cured" and I still have my days. But it's nothing like it was before I started on medication. It's worth it. :)

Answer 6

My experience led me away from psycho-therapy and the "poison" they prescribed for me. I would suggest psycho-education. No drugs.

No personality conflicts. No searching for the "right" person. You are the right person to solve your problems with anxiety/depression. The program offered by The Midwest Center for Attacking Anxiety and Depression has worked for many people.

Answer 7

Hi,

I can understand your fears as I've suffered from depression since I was a child but only recently decided to stop messing around and seek medical help to have a real chance of dealing with this.

Dont worry, youre doctor wont think you're a weirdo and will have no doubt seen LOADS of people with depression and other mental health problems.  I too was worried about having to articulate and basically justify wanting help but dont be scared.  If you give your doctor a brief outline of whats going on he'll do a depression assesment on you which is basically asking how often you experience a list of symptoms that he'll read out.

Sadly there are some doctors who arent as clued up on mental health as they could be which is amazing seeing as its 2008!!! If you feel your doctor isnt treating you appropriatly or taking your feelings seriously you can always request to see another gp at the same surgery.

But the stigma really isnt what it was in the past, especially as your depression and anxiety will be able to be managed from the discretion of your gp surgery and maybe therapists at this stage.

Good luck.

Answer 8

I find it pretty hard to get my gp to understand what i'm saying, they seem to push the drugs pretty quick, i guess if you go to a psychiatrist or something, i think you need a referral in the uk which is why i've only seen a regular dr, they don't dig so deep to help you.

Answer 9

Just visit your new doctor and let them know you think you might have anxiety and depression, then let them know what symptoms you are suffering.  They will probably ask you a lot of questions about it.

Is there a stigma attached?  Only if you tell everyone thats why youre going to the doctor.  If they are curious just tell them youre getting a general physical check up.