What's The Point Of A Doctor Visit?

[Matilda]

So my therapist keeps encouraging me to set up a visit with my doctor about my depression. She's not the first to advise that and I'm just curious, what exactly will the doctor visit do? I mean, I don't exactly know if I'm comfortable with the idea of medication yet so what else would it accomplish? Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure my dad's side of the family has a history with depression, but even then this just seems like it what caused by circumstances in my life. Anybody have any experience with this?

 

[Seagreen]

Maybe she just thinks it would be good for you to have support from an additional health professional. Your general practioner may be able to offer different kinds of services and treatments. My therapist and GP communicated regularly throughout my treatment. You may not wish to take meds but it doesnt hurt to discuss your options anyway. All the best.

 

[mrsps]

I am guessing if you T keeps encouraging you to see your doctor she feels you need to go on medication for your depression. I like you don't like the thought of taking medication for depression. There is however no shame in taking medication for depression and if it helps then that has to be a good thing. Your T may feel if you are on medication it may make things easier for you and then that will make it easier for you to progress in therapy.

 

[The Hermit King]

I went through the works with treatment for PTSD after I got back from Iraq. Over the years I have seen less and less doctors and now I don't take any meds at all other than Ativan when needed. I have not been to mental health in maybe 2 years but thats because I have been isolating. It works for me but I live alone and I get a pension and I don't have to deal with anyone unless I want to so I can get away with no therapy.

There was a time I could not function without medicine though so if you are having a super hard time therapy and/or medicine can help. My way of coping now isn't exactly healthy. I feel completely disconnected from the world and I have nobody to talk to. I don't know if anything I said makes sense I have no people skills sorry.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Some doctors will insist you see a psychiatrist, so if you go to your GP it may be a waste of time and money. My GP won't handle my mental health issues because she doesn't know much about PTSD and the best medications. Sort of glad she's smart enough (ha) to make that call and not be an egotist like many generalists who think they can just prescribe psychiatric pills without knowing much about the area. If you see a psychiatrist, his main function is to prescribe you pills so likely he will try to give you a prescription as that is sort of what he does. It sounds like your therapist at the very least wants you to consider the possibility of taking medication and exploring this option with a doctor.

 

[Eleanor]

There are lots of straightforwardly medical causes of depression. Thyroid problems, hormonal problems, nutritional deficiencies, chronic pain. low level infections... This site has a pretty impressive list : http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/depression.htm

That is why most responsible therapists like to make sure their patients go get checked out by an M.D.

All the therapy in the world won't help if you just don't have enough vitamin D, or have a thyroid problem, or out of whack hormones.

Also, depressed people are generally crap at self-care, and so are not likely to go to the doctor even if they are sick.