[secret_titan]

So I've had a few meetings with a therapist about depression. I still don't know if they actually think I have it or not. I was told to get screened from my regular doctor. He believes I have depression, but won't write me a prescription for anything unless the place I go to therapy recommends it. (I'm in the military, they communicate in my medical record)

Now, I told the place I go to therapy that if they think I need to be put on some sort of medication, they need to put it in my record. Then my therapist told me that he isn't a doctor and can't say if I'd benefit from it or not. I told that to my doctor and he still won't prescribe anything without their recommendation. So now I have to wait ANOTHER 2 weeks to see if they think I need it.

Nothing like jumping through hoops when you already feel worthless. Just adds to it thinking that nobody wants to help. The thing is, I feel good some days, not great though. Sometimes, I can be in one of my decent moods, then out of nowhere I just feel so sad. Perhaps I don't meet the requirements to get meds. I don't know. That's why I am trying to get help from what I thought was where I needed to go. I know it still is the place I need to go, just keep getting the run-a-round from both places.

I suppose this was more of a rant than anything, it sucks reaching out for help... and then not getting any.

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Secret_Titan! Go ahead and rant - it can be therapeutic.

Originally Posted by secret_titan

...it sucks reaching out for help... and then not getting any.

Oh, yeah.

Are all these people/docs you're seeing military, or are they civilian contractors on base, or are they off-base referrals?

[secret_titan]

Originally Posted by Rohag

Oh, yeah.

Are all these people/docs you're seeing military, or are they civilian contractors on base, or are they off-base referrals?

They are all on base, mental health and my primary doctor. I will have to ask for a referral if I keep getting spun in circles. Takes way to long to get any help needed in the military. Unless you want motrin.

[Rohag]

Originally Posted by secret_titan

They are all on base...

This is especially frustrating. With everyone on base I would have hoped for better coordination.

Have you tried the Medical Group Patient Advocate? In my day every MTF had some sort of Patient Advocate position (whether or not the person filling that position would be cooperative is another subject).

What are your chances of seeing a military psychiatrist (doctor)? Or, do you wish to avoid doing that for fear of it damaging your career?

[secret_titan]

At this point I just want to feel helped. The therapist I go through has to report everything through an O-3, since he isn't a doctor yet. I'm just starting to think it'd be faster to get a referral and go off base to get help.

[SophiaG]

Oh I remember feeling like this before when I REALLY REALLY wanted help with my depression. I feel like with these sorts of things they really do need to hurry up. It's much different than having physical pain I think since there is the risk of suicide if people with depression do not get the help they need right away.

Stupid mental health system. *hug*

Well maybe you could call around off base to see if it would be faster that way?

[secret_titan]

I could call around off base, but without a referral, I'd have to pay to be seen. My insurance doesn't cover me at all if I don't go through the proper channels. It really does suck. Hopefully I find something... anything out on my next appointment.

Good luck, secret_titan,