[melannie]

Hi all.

I've been feeling depressed continually for the past 2-3 years (especially in autumn when there isn't enough sunshine).

Besides, for the last 6 months (not often but stll...) I've been having anxiety symptoms (only 1 panic attack).

Would you advise me to go to a psychologist, or do you think it's better to consult a psychiatrist?

I haven't made up my mind yet whether to seek medical help, but I'll have to do it if symptoms continue...

Thanks in advance.
Hugs,

melannie

[leacon]

The major difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that the psychiatrist can prescribe medicine and has a medical degree. Most insurance companies in the US prefer you to go to a psychologist for therapy and go to a psychiatrist if medication is needed. When I was a teenager, you could easily see a psychiatrist for both therapy and medication. For some reason the usual way of doing things changed to the dual system. Good luck and I encourage you to see someone if you are having a hard time doing everyday things.

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Melannie!

Personal Opinion: Depression can be auxiliary to or an early presentation of other, non-mental illness. I believe it is in your best interests, situation permitting, to get as comprehensive a health screening as you can when you first begin to address the depressive symptoms. This means involving a medical doctor or psychiatrist (who is a medical doctor) from the start. Psychologists, due to their background, may be less apt to see possible health issues outside the mental-health focus of their field.

Wishing you good health in all ways!

[theotterone]

Originally Posted by Rohag

Hello & Welcome, Melannie!

Personal Opinion: Depression can be auxiliary to or an early presentation of other, non-mental illness. I believe it is in your best interests, situation permitting, to get as comprehensive a health screening as you can when you first begin to address the depressive symptoms. This means involving a medical doctor or psychiatrist (who is a medical doctor) from the start. Psychologists, due to their background, may be less apt to see possible health issues outside the mental-health focus of their field.

Wishing you good health in all ways!

I agree, but would like to add something...

A psychologist is a good place to start if the health screen is ok but you are still having issues. They have many evaluation/testing options to evaluate you with (as Rohag knows, I've done the MMPI - Minnesota Muliphasic Personality Inventory a couple of times). With the results of their evaluation, they can refer to to a psychiatrist if the results show you may benefit from medication. Keep in mind too, medication works best with some sort of therapy with it.

Hope this helps!

[Elysium]

I agree with what the peeps before me have said.

If you haven't gotten a physical in a while, I would schedule one with your PCP and have them run some general blood work, to include a thyroid panel. Sometimes depression, even longer term depression can be brought on/made worse by low blood counts or low thyroid levels.

At the same time, you could set up an appt with a psychologist. Most psychiatrists these days don't do as much counseling/psychotherapy and mainly are available for eval and prescription of meds in addition to your primary therapy.

I would also like to say that you can also find some good social workers who specialize in psychotherapy as well, and there are now psychiatric nurse practioners who handle case management and med eval/prescriptions as well.

Good luck with your treatment.

[melannie]

THANKS A LOT, EVERYONE!

ALL YOUR POSTS ARE VERY HELPFUL!

BEST TO ALL OF YOU!

Hugs,

[turquoisesea]

*agrees with other posts*

1. Get a general health screening.

Then I would say therapist first, then Psychiatrist if needed

[melannie]

Thanks a lot, turquoisesea!

I suspect there's been chemical imbalance in my body since I quit smoking and drinking coffee, which makes things even worse...

Hugs,
melannie

[tryingtobeme]

Originally Posted by melannie

Hi all.

I've been feeling depressed continually for the past 2-3 years (especially in autumn when there isn't enough sunshine).

Besides, for the last 6 months (not often but stll...) I've been having anxiety symptoms (only 1 panic attack).

Would you advise me to go to a psychologist, or do you think it's better to consult a psychiatrist?

I haven't made up my mind yet whether to seek medical help, but I'll have to do it if symptoms continue...

Thanks in advance.
Hugs,

melannie

From my experience, I would see a psychologist first. They can then direct you to a psychiatrist if they feel you need meds. Most of the psychiatrist's in this area only see you for meds only. A good psychologist will be able to at least find out what is going on and give you more direction.

I also agree with what other people have stated that depression can be related to other medical illnesses. I would set up with a reg. doc and a psychologist at the same time.

[melannie]

Thanks a lot, tryingtobeme!

Hugs,

melannie

[ECHOES]

Feelings begin someplace and getting help finding that someplace through psychotherapy helps us learn about ourself. That kind of help lasts a lifetime.
Psychotherapy is very interesting process.
Wanting to feel better and to have a full and rich life are wonderful things to want for oneself.

I was on medication for many years and decided to discontinue the medication to see what "I" was like without my emotions be blunted and numbed. It is a rewarding challenge to learn about me, to learn to feel what I feel, to find words for my inner experiences, to learn what begins the feelings of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and other experiences of fear. One can even explore where 'good' feeling like happiness and contentedness begin and what they are about.
Psychotherapy creates change that lasts.

[lynn09]

I pretty much agree with everyone else (((melannie))) - it isn't necessarily one or the other - get everyone involved starting with your medical doctor to check your general health, then evaluation by psychiatrist and psychologist. Make sure they are all communicating with each other so they are all operating with a complete view of your physical and mental status - you are a whole, complex being, and no one isolated viewpoint is sufficient.

[melannie]

THANKS A A LOT, EVERYONE!

YOU'RE HELPING A LOT!!!

THANKS FOR YOUR CARE, AND TIME!

WISH YOU ALL THE BEST
& HOPE YOU'RE HAVING A GREAT TIME!

HUGS,
melannie

[billieJ]

Dear Melannie,Yes, quitting nicotine and coffee, both stimulants would have a tendency to increase the fatigue which characterizes depression. Also sound like you benefit from being out in the sun. Girl, move to Texas. That's all we have! Otherwise, I agree with the other responders, an MD, a psychological eval, a psychiatrist as needed. Blessings to You ! ~ billieJ

Originally Posted by melannie

Thanks a lot, turquoisesea!

I suspect there's been chemical imbalance in my body since I quit smoking and drinking coffee, which makes things even worse...

Hugs,
melannie

[melannie]

Thanks a lot, billieJ!

Sending you lots of HUGS!!!

melannie