Psychiatrist?

redreamingme
redreamingme Posts: 62
edited September 20 in Motivation and Support
Has anyone been to one? I'm going to one soon and I'm really nervous. I've been to a school counselor a couple times but both times ended badly. Just wondering what I should expect, and they can't make you go on medication right?

Replies

  • amymeenieminymo
    amymeenieminymo Posts: 2,394 Member
    No, they cannot make you go on medication, though if they think you need it, they may try to persuade you. I saw two therapists (the first one didn't work out) after my mom died, and I was adamant that I didn't need medication. I was grief struck and no pill was going to bring back my mom, so I didn't see the point. But the doctor explained to me that it won't cure me, but it will make life easier. Rather than missing my mom and (insert analogies here) be walking through a rain storm and have a flat tire and be late for work, the medication would erase all the other stuff and give me blue skies, which in turn would make it easier to deal with the emotions I was feeling. Though in the end it was my decision to try it, so just try to keep an open mind that it may help, and it may not.

    On your first visit they will spend some time getting to know you.....what your childhood was like (in a nutshell, were your parents married, still married, did you do well in school, etc), they ask what sort of things are stressful in your daily life such as school, work, relationships, and then they'll want to know the basic thing that is bringing you in and what you hope to accomplish. It can be nerve racking, but as long as you and your therapist are a good match, it should really help and you should feel safe going and confiding in this person. If you do not, or if you find yourself disagreeing with them a lot, or feeling like they are steering you in the wrong direction, don't be afraid to speak up, or find a new therapist if need be. They are working for you, and if you're not getting what you need to from it, it won't do you any good. I could talk all day on this subject, so if you have any more questions, feel free to send me a private message.

    Good luck!
  • BrendaLee
    BrendaLee Posts: 4,463 Member
    I saw a psychiatrist once years ago, and it wasn't a great experience...not a bad experience, just not particularly helpful. Their main role is to diagnose and provide medication. A therapist/ psychologist will actually provide better therapy in most cases. Then again, your experience might be different.
  • Markieemel
    Markieemel Posts: 14
    DO NOT TAKE THE MEDS!!!!!!!!! I am currently on zoloft and i dont care what they say the are addictive. you will be dependent on them. I'm addicted and when i did try to get off them i was emotionally unstable and SUICIDAL BECAUSE OF THE PILLS. Please, please, please do not take them. Exercise will work jus the same if you're depressedl. please trust me.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    A good doctor should be willing to listen to you and develop a plan that will include your needs, preferences, etc.
  • MadWorld
    MadWorld Posts: 200
    I've been to several. I've seen good and bad ones. There's nothing to be nervous about. They are there for you. You hired them-always remember that. If you get bad vibes from them, look for someone else you feel more comfortable with.

    You do not have to take meds. A psychiatrist is generally only there to prescribe meds. They normally don't do much talk therapy. If you are looking more for talk therapy you are better off seeing a psychologist. Some will do both- but, I have not been so lucky.
  • SHBoss1673
    SHBoss1673 Posts: 7,161 Member
    The biggest thing to remember about a psychiatrist is that you have to be willing to work with them. They are there to help you through your issues, if you aren't ready to work with them, then it will accomplish nothing.

    So many people walk into a doctor (psychiatrist or other) these days and expect them to take care of everything for you. But that's not how it works, if you go in realizing that all they are there for is to give you some direction and a plan for YOU to do the work you need to, then you will probably have a positive experience with him/her. Remember, it's their job to help you understand yourself, but it's your job to deal with your problems and work towards becoming healthy.

    Best luck to you!
  • CasperO
    CasperO Posts: 2,913 Member
    This kind of health care is done by a team. Generally up to 4 players on the team.

    Psychiatrist - diagnoses disorders, monitors progress, prescribe meds. The shrink is a real MD Doctor who specializes in mental health. In most cases only a Doctor can prescribe medication.

    Psychologist - can perform testing and some diagnoses. Some may do some talk therapy.

    Social worker - can do some talk therapy within their specific area of expertise. Very good with outside-the-office care, home visits, stuff like that.

    Clinical Counselor (or just "Counselor") - talk therapy specialist. Performs diagnosis and talk therapy. This is the person most clients spend most of their time with. Most states require Masters' level training and licensure. ((Full disclosure, My wife in an LPCC Clinical Counselor)).

    So - the Psychiatrist may do the initial intake, do some talk and make a diagnosis. After that you may not see the Doc unless (s)he puts you on a med that needs followup. You may or may not be referred to a psychologist for testing to confirm or deny diagnostic issues. Then you may be seeing a counselor for therapy - which might be weekly, biweekly, whatever they feel is needed. If there are home issues, troubles with kids/custody/need help with insurance issues etc. a social worker may get involved to help with that.

    All of these people are working together, talking to each other, and working for you. They really can help if they're a good team and a good fit for you. You should be comfortable with them, and if you're not you shouldn't be afraid to ask to see something else. Especially your counselor. A good counselor is worth her weight in gold (I'm biased :smile: ).


    That's how I see it, after many years of marriage to one of the players on this team. "I'm not a counselor, but I slept with one last night".

    Ok honey, now you chime in and tell all the stuff I got wrong...
  • BrendaLee
    BrendaLee Posts: 4,463 Member
    This kind of health care is done by a team. Generally up to 4 players on the team.

    Psychiatrist - diagnoses disorders, monitors progress, prescribe meds. The shrink is a real MD Doctor who specializes in mental health. In most cases only a Doctor can prescribe medication.

    Psychologist - can perform testing and some diagnoses. Some may do some talk therapy.

    Social worker - can do some talk therapy within their specific area of expertise. Very good with outside-the-office care, home visits, stuff like that.

    Clinical Counselor (or just "Counselor") - talk therapy specialist. Performs diagnosis and talk therapy. This is the person most clients spend most of their time with. Most states require Masters' level training and licensure. ((Full disclosure, My wife in an LPCC Clinical Counselor)).

    So - the Psychiatrist may do the initial intake, do some talk and make a diagnosis. After that you may not see the Doc unless (s)he puts you on a med that needs followup. You may or may not be referred to a psychologist for testing to confirm or deny diagnostic issues. Then you may be seeing a counselor for therapy - which might be weekly, biweekly, whatever they feel is needed. If there are home issues, troubles with kids/custody/need help with insurance issues etc. a social worker may get involved to help with that.

    All of these people are working together, talking to each other, and working for you. They really can help if they're a good team and a good fit for you. You should be comfortable with them, and if you're not you shouldn't be afraid to ask to see something else. Especially your counselor. A good counselor is worth her weight in gold (I'm biased :smile: ).


    That's how I see it, after many years of marriage to one of the players on this team. "I'm not a counselor, but I slept with one last night".

    Ok honey, now you chime in and tell all the stuff I got wrong...

    Love when she chimes in and cuts you down to size. :P She's spunky.
  • CasperO
    CasperO Posts: 2,913 Member
    I'm a manipulative b@stard Brenda. I know that if I shoot her a note "Hey - look at this thread. You wanna put your 2 cents in?",,, well, she probably won't. And in this case she should, 'cause she's one of a very few who really knows this subject.

    But if I chime in and type up a little "generally correct but slightly imperfect" info, she'll cyberstalk me (as she always does), and then jump in with both feet to set me straight. And the OP will get the info she needs.
  • mrsbeck
    mrsbeck Posts: 234 Member


    That's how I see it, after many years of marriage to one of the players on this team. "I'm not a counselor, but I slept with one last night".

    CasperO, I really, really, like you.

    I think for anyone looking at any sort of mental health care, your mileage may vary. I had horrible experiences in the mental health "system," but I also know people who had their lives changed for the better, and are healthy and happy now.

    Like previous posters have said, make sure you feel safe with the practitioner you choose. They can't help you if you can't be honest and open with them. It's a lot like weight loss...cheating and taking shortcuts doesn't do anything but cheat you out of results. You have to put the work in.

    Oh, and for any mental health professionals out there...I did finally find the right doc, and the right treatment plan. I'm pretty happy and healthy now...only slightly twisted these days!:devil:
  • redreamingme
    redreamingme Posts: 62
    Thanks everyone for all the feedback, it really helped me a lot : ]
  • CasperO
    CasperO Posts: 2,913 Member
    :wink: :happy: :flowerforyou: :drinker: :bigsmile:
This discussion has been closed.

Categories