Which doctor to I see for depression?

Question

I have been having a very hard time for months. I have been hiding it well, but lately I am crying all the time for no reason and I keep having very terrible thoughts. I just don't know who to see first? I don't have a doctor here (I do have an OBGYN, but I don't really feel comfortable around her). So do I find a doctor, like a family practitioner and start there? Do I see a counselor first? Or do I try to find a psychiatrist? Time is up, I definitely need help now, I just don't know where to start.

Answer 1

Go see a psychiatrist.  They know more about depression and cant put you on some meds to allivate the depression.  I am on 80mgs of Prozac daily and love it.  It makes me a completly different person.

Answer 2

Start by finding a family doctor and having a physical. You want to rule out anything physical first, like thyroid problems. A family doc can also prescribe antidepressants but it is best to see a psychologist when using medication that affects your mood.

Answer 3

A family doctor can be helpful is there are any physical problems contributing to a mental disorder.

However, a psychiatrist or psychologist is the one to best deal with mental health disorders.  They can give you a solid evaluation to determine just whats bothering you.  

Especially a psychiatrist.  They are the only ones that should be subscribing any medication if you  need it.  A psychiatrist has the training for prescribing pysch meds.  They will know what works best for a person.  They also know what side effects there may be and what possible reactions a person  can possibility expect.

Whoever  you see, don't be afraid to express your thoughts and  symptoms.  Any professional can only help if they know what the problems are.  Don't hold back anything.  A good professional is understanding and knowledgeable.  They have probably have seen it all already.

One word of advice:  If you are place on meds, be sure to get counseling as well.  Meds can only do so much.  Counseling helps a person to undo any thinking that is contributing to the problem .  Counseling is always good no matter if a person is taking meds or not.

Don't do what I did.  I let it go unchecked for too long.  Take care of yourself now.

God bless.  Go with the grace of God.

Answer 4

I think you should contact a good mental health counselor first. Be very careful about going to medical doctors, many people are way too over medicated these days. A good counselor will determine if you need a referral to see a psychiatrist.

Answer 5

As you are saying that time is up and you definitely need help now, but you don't have a family practitioner........I would suggest you go to walk-in or Emergency in your community and explain just what you have told Yahoo Answers.  The general practitioner or emergency room physician will help you on the spot, and will help you find a GP and/or will refer you to an appropriate specialist and/or counsellor.  You may need a trial of medication.  They will take your concern very seriously.  Be very honest about your feelings.

If you are having ideas of self harm, you can call the crisis line.  To find the number, Google the name of your province plus crisis line.  You will get some 24 hour toll-free numbers to call.

Try to confide in a family member or friend you can trust.  Believe me, they will want to help you.  You need a safety net.

Know you are loved.  Be safe.  Best of luck.

Answer 6

See who your OBGYN would recommend as far as a family doctor. Or ask around for a good family doctor and go from there. The doctor would recommend the next step.

Or you can seek out a therapist, if you have any friends who you could ask. Or your religious affiliation would have a service. I know of a Christian Family Services and Jewish Family Services that have counselors at a discounted rate.

Hope that helps.

Great articles on depression and anxiety at www.depressionandanxietypain.com

SL