Who can diagnose mental illnesses?
At the moment I can't help but feel useless with my symptoms of anxiety, and at times I feel like I'm lying about having it. I haven't been diagnosed since I don't have a specific family doctor I can just talk to, or a psychologist. Hence why I am asking; who can diagnose anxiety/depression? Can a regular doctor do so? I really need to know who I can go to because I experience those symptoms to the extent I get sick. I've experienced internal fevers, headaches, and nauseas in public (which have gotten to the point I had to vomit at a school bus transfer station). Please help if you know who can diagnose mental illnesses so I have that out of my mind. I'm a minor so I can't really seek something for myself.
If your school has resources you could use them, for example a school nurse/counselor/a teacher you trust, i think they will know where to direct you ☺️
@littleWillow7261 Yes, a regular doctor can diagnose some mental illnesses like anxiety. But some complex mental illnesses exist, that a regular doctor would not normally diagnose, and in that case the doctor would arrange for you to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist for diagnosis.
Some psychotherapists, counsellors, or other professionals might also try to diagnose mental illnesses like anxiety, but for the complex illnesses they would also send you to a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
So anyway, a regular doctor would be a good place to start.
In some places minors are allowed to see a doctor themselves, and it is confidential. This depends on the local laws where you live, and it depends on your age. You could contact a doctor's office, if you want, and ask them what the rules are. Or in some places there might be a helpline of some kind that you can contact to find out what the rules are.
Charlie
