first psychiatrist appointment
hi guys, i've basically decided to reach out and seek help for my depression. it was the toughest thing i had to do as telling my parents i wanted to see a doctor for my deteriorating mental health was painfully excruciating. They're quite traditional and so I wasn't sure how well they would react to the fact that their daughter had to go see a psychiatrist -- in our culture, seeing shrinks was usually associated with being crazy/not normal. While they agreed to take me to one, my mom told me that if the psychiatrist prescribes medications for me I am not allowed to take them as "they will make me fat and swollen". I didn't really know what to say after that -- if he prescribes something to me then surely its for the better as he's the one with the medical degree? I also have body dysmorphia and had slight anorexia/bulimia in the past (my parents don't know) so it was a bit triggering and hurtful to hear my mom pride my looks and my weight before my mental health. How do I tell her that if I am prescribed medication it is there to help me and I need to take it, and that one or two symptoms (albeit triggering symptoms) don't matter in the long run?
@riocortez Long ago, seeing shrinks was indeed usually associated with being crazy or not normal. It has become more routine, generally, but even so you've overcome a big obstacle in getting your parents to agree to it.
For depression it's possible that a psychiatrist might want to prescribe medication, but he will also be aware that therapy is usually just as effective (possibly more effective, in the long term), and he'll normally be sensitive to your wishes and to your parents' wishes.
For body dysmorphic disorder I don't think there is any particular medication (although I'm not an expert). So it seems to me that makes it even more likely that he'll suggest therapy.
If your parents' traditional views continue to be a problem for you, that's almost certainly an issue that your psychiatrist will be familiar with, and I'd hope you should be able to ask him for help with it.
If you'd ever like to chat about your situation, feel free to click on my profile picture and message me.
Charlie
I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. It's understandable that you're considering transferring to a different clinic for better accessibility. Making that decision can be daunting, especially when it comes to choosing between seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist. At times like these, it's important to remember that both psychologists and psychiatrists play crucial roles in mental health care, but their approaches and areas of expertise may vary. Psychologists typically focus on therapy and counseling, using various techniques to help individuals understand and manage their emotions and behaviors. On the other hand, psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and may also provide therapy, often focusing on the biological aspects of mental health conditions. Given your diagnosis and the comprehensive services offered by carerxonline.com, you may benefit from consulting with both a psychologist and a psychiatrist. A psychologist can help you explore and address the underlying causes of your symptoms through therapy, while a psychiatrist can assess whether medication might be helpful in managing your dysthymia and anxiety. Ultimately, the decision between seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist may depend on your specific preferences
@riocortez It can be really upsetting when we feel like our parents value our physical shape more than our mental health.