[Negative]

I've known for a long time that I have "mental issues". I don't see how could get any good from seeing one. How do I overcome this mistrust. I had psychologists etc when I was young and they didn't seem to help. I mean, the last one I saw seemed to think I was an alien.

The psychiatrist is mainly there to assist if you are on medications. They will be the ones that manage your meds and make sure that they are doing what they should for you. If you are not on meds, there is no point in seeing a psychiatrist.

[Thunder Bow]

One does not always have to be on "Meds" to see a psychiatrist. It is best to avoid medications if possible, when seeing a professional. It is best to tell the one who thinks you are an alien, about your home planet.

Originally Posted by Thunder Bow

It is best to avoid medications if possible, when seeing a professional.

i'm not sure about this. if you are badly suffering, then medication can be invaluable.

[Suldana87]

Originally Posted by Negative

I've known for a long time that I have "mental issues". I don't see how could get any good from seeing one. How do I overcome this mistrust. I had psychologists etc when I was young and they didn't seem to help. I mean, the last one I saw seemed to think I was an alien.

An Alien??? lol are you for real??? can you please share how that come about

[Negative]

For a long time I self medicated with class A street drugs and didn't bother trying psychiatrists for the most part as I didn't like them when I was younger. I've been clean over a year now and find myself feeling emptier than I ever did while I was using.

^ it might really do you good to get on some medication.

[lizardlady]

I see a really good pdoc (psychiatrist). He manages my meds for me. He makes sure they are working for me.

Thunder Bow, I disagree with those in the field who want to throw meds at folks, but for some of us meds are a necessity. I am unable to function without my meds. With meds I'm a functioning member of society working in a professional capacity. Without meds I'm a quivering mess hiding in bed with the covers pulled over my head.

[tradika]

A psychologist does not administer medication. They are for psychological testing and therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

[Negative]

Originally Posted by Suldana87

An Alien??? lol are you for real??? can you please share how that come about

Well I've had mental issues since childhood and seen psychologists and hated them, all through school I never fitted in and didn't trust anyone. Cue craziness in high school trying to fit in left me more alone finding comfort in drugs. Only time I saw doctors was for prescription drugs never for help dealing with issues. The one I did try talking to didn't seem very helpful and just prescribed Seroquel and it just got me more wasted along with other drugs I was taking (which I enjoyed at the time) I've been clean about 2 years now and I feel I need medication more than ever. A good and understanding psychiatrist would be a plus but I can't get over the feeling I'm being judged. I didn't need a shrink to tell me I had bipolar characteristics, I'd known that for years.

[archipelago]

People have very different experiences with psychiatrists because psychiatrists are very different. For instance, I live in a place where there is a whole group who primarily are interested in depth therapy and only do meds on the side if necessary. This used to be more common and is now becoming unusual, which is a shame because I honestly don't see how seeing a psychiatrist for a short visit every once in a while is going to be effective in providing decent care, even if just medications. Medications are tricky and powerful. It seems to me that they require getting to know the person pretty well before determining what would be best. That is not how the world tends to work these days. My therapist is a psychiatrist. He is warm, gentle, and caring. I have never felt judged by him. It is possible.

[Thunder Bow]

Of course, in some cases Medications are needed. However, some times medications are over used and can be addictive. Medications are OK, when tempararly needed to help a person dealing with sever depression and other acute issues. Meds can be like a street drug, to keep one from dealing their anxiety and anger. This is done all to much as a quick fix. In therapy, there are no quick fix. Always consult a Doctor before taking any medications. Ask questions.

[Hellion]

Originally Posted by Thunder Bow

One does not always have to be on "Meds" to see a psychiatrist. It is best to avoid medications if possible, when seeing a professional. It is best to tell the one who thinks you are an alien, about your home planet.

Well not initially but their main purpose tends to be prescribing medications, or changing them if there are bad side effects. Not that its the way it should be, but typically that is their role, therapists are there for the talking part.

But why specifically avoid meds when seeing a professional? I don't think it would be the best idea to just skip my dose of mirtazapine any time I have to see a professional, if and when I decide it isn't helping or isn't worth side effects I'd gradually stop. But currently though it has yet to do much for the depression itself it does seem to keep my base level of anxiety a bit lower.

[Hellion]

Originally Posted by Suldana87

An Alien??? lol are you for real??? can you please share how that come about

Perhaps that psychiatrist should be seeing a therapist...