What type of doctor should I first seek for possible depression + anxiety?

General practitioner? Psychiatrist? Therapist?
I'm at a loss. I need help asap.

Another question: Can I be properly diagnosed if I can't quite put what I'm feeling into words?

Well I'm going to jump in here. There are several routes. Where I live in Canada

1. the usual method is to see your family doctor. They will do an initial assessment and make a referral to a psychiatrist. They in turn may refer you to a psychologist for therapy.
2 EAPs. Most employers have an Employee Assistance Plan. Generally they will send/provide some supportive information AND they will refer you or even schedule for you a therapist. This therapist may send you back to your doctor to have them write a prescription.
3. Local health region centralized intake. They will set you up with a therapist too
4. your Emergency Room. If you are feeling desperate this is your best resource for help. No turning up there won't mean you will be hospitalized. In most cases they will stabilize you, get a prioritized referral to a psychiatrist and prescribe you medication. They can also provide you with information on where to turn until you do get that referral.

This is Saskatchewan. I'm sure every country and region is different. But, I can't say enough, your family doctor is an excellent start.

Hello seeminglyreal: Not knowing more about your particular situation, it is difficult to be specific. In my area of the U.S.A. psychiatrists typically just prescribe & monitor medications. They may only see you for a few minutes every 2, 3, or 4 months. However, if you feel you need medication for your depression & anxiety, a psychiatrist is the way to go. General practitioners do not have the training necessary to properly diagnose you & prescribe appropriate medication. (It could be possible, however, that if you are insured, your health insurance carrier may require you to see a general practitioner first.)

If, on the other hand, you want to start out by talking with someone, then (in my area at least) you would want to see a therapist. This person might be a psychologist or s/he might have some other training & qualifications. However, a therapist will typically see you for an hour at a time perhaps as often as once per week. A qualified therapist can also diagnose you. And, no, you don't need to be able to quite put what you're feeling into words. Just do the best you can. Assuming that the professional you see is well trained & experienced, they will be able to figure out what's going on with you.

Now the other consideration here is with regard to who's going to be paying the bill. If you're going to be paying out of your own pocket, then of course, you're free to see whomever you can make arrangements with. However, if you have health insurance, & you want your bills to be covered, then you should contact your insurer & make certain that the professional you see is one they will accept. Also, if you don't know where to go, or who to see, your insurer may be able to provide you with a list of qualified professionals.

Hope this helps... I wish you well...

In the USA I'd say psychologist or psychiatrist as they're the best for diagnosing. A psychiatrist can also prescribe medication. If you just want therapy then a therapist can be a good place to start. Many general practitioners will only throw antidepressants at you (and not even entertain the idea of other medications) so I'd only start there if you have no other options.

I would definitely start with your primary Doctor. I believe it is best to rule out a physical reason for the way you are feeling. If all turns out well there, your primary can refer you elsewhere. Any decent psychiatrist or therapist would also want to rule out physical reasons first. Why start therapy or take medication when all you really need is more vitamin D

Go ahead and try putting your feeling in to words here. We might be able to help.

good idea. My appointments seem to go better when I have written things down.
whether here or elsewhere.
here, we can help if you need/want us to

Your MD, general practitioner. Sometimes there are "simple" medical reasons for depression...and that's where you need to begin. Also, many MDs are comfortable and familiar with the basic antidepressants and will prescribe them. Contact with your MD is often easier than with a PDoc btw and after initial tests, less expensive for updates.

Thank you so much for all your replies, guys. I really appreciate it. I'm currently in a bad financial situation. My only source of income comes from the government and it's only enough to keep myself in college. I did some research and found a mental health center near where I live, but a psychologist appointment costs $90, which is almost half of my income. I had a GP appointment this Monday but I was a in a bad place and questioning the point of everything, so I skipped it. I regret it now. I'd scheduled this appointment two months ago (public health service...) and its going to take just as long to reschedule it. I'm feeling so desperate. I've been trying really hard to keep busy to keep my mind off all that's wrong, but there's only so much I can do. I'm upset and panicking.

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If it becomes overwhelming, there are crisis numbers and emergency rooms.
DO NOT Cancel another appointment. No Matter What.

Seemlyreal in my area we have NAMI national alliance for Mental illness. They have counselors for uninsured/underinsured. We also have a few other organizations that will see clients based on income. my granddaughter recently came to live with me. She is 18 and I had to do some research to find help for her. she has no income.. good luck and keep on keeping on!