[LonelyTree]

So I have a doctors appointment in like 10 days, and I plan to tell the doctor that I am depressed and think about suicide a lot. Interacting with people, especially people I don't know or people of authority like the doctor really freaks me out. So I want to be as prepared as possible.

I would prefer being treated with phychotherapy rather then some type of drug, but I don't know how much say I'm going to have. Can anyone tell me things I'll probably be asked or how I should tell the doctor? I'm really really nervous. What if I can't explain myself well? What if they don't take me serious? What if I say something wrong? If I tell the doctor I'm taking some type of drug will they put it in my file? Can I get in trouble?

I'm really hopeful that I'll finally be getting help but I'm also really scared. Can someone please help me out?

[CantExplain]

((LonelyTree))

[ECHOES]

Being treated with psychotherapy is your choice. You could call some psychotherapists in the meantime, and see if you can see someone to talk about what's going on with you.

A medical doctor is likely to prescribe medication.

Be honest and upfront with your doctor, as much as you are able. Try not to be nervous about saying the wrong thing or not being able to explain yourself; medical professionals are used to getting the full and true story from people who are not used to telling the full and true story. They will take you seriously. When you tell them you are thinking about suicide, they might ask you if you have a plan for it. Suicidal thoughts are always a serious thing, but there are degrees to how urgently serious they are, if you see what I mean.

Know what? You could say exactly what you wrote in your first post: "I'm nervous about this because I don't know if I'll be able to explain what I mean, and I worry about saying the wrong thing and coming across wrong". Or something like that. They will understand.

Good for you for getting the appointment. Keep us posted?

[Fixated]

Are you seeing your general practitioner?

Unless you are at a point where you need to be hospitalized (which does not seem likely w/o date and plan), you have every right to choose therapy over medication. Go in there with a list of concerns or symptoms written out for yourself. Ask your GP for a referral to a therapist if that is what you would like to try. Unless you need it for insurance though, you can make a therapy appointment right now.

Good luck.

[Crescent Moon]

Originally Posted by LonelyTree

So I have a doctors appointment in like 10 days, and I plan to tell the doctor that I am depressed and think about suicide a lot. Interacting with people, especially people I don't know or people of authority like the doctor really freaks me out. So I want to be as prepared as possible.

I would prefer being treated with phychotherapy rather then some type of drug, but I don't know how much say I'm going to have. Can anyone tell me things I'll probably be asked or how I should tell the doctor? I'm really really nervous. What if I can't explain myself well? What if they don't take me serious? What if I say something wrong? If I tell the doctor I'm taking some type of drug will they put it in my file? Can I get in trouble?

I'm really hopeful that I'll finally be getting help but I'm also really scared. Can someone please help me out?

I don`t know what kind of doctor you plan to talk to, but I would go straight to a psychologist or therapist. A GP is less likely to have much training/experience with helping you talk.. whereas a therapist/psychologist `s training is focused on helping you get it out and making you feel at ease.

If you start with a psychiatrist, their first line of treatment will ne medications. I don`t blame you for hoping to avoid that. Depression is often very responsive to talk-therapy. If your depression is severe, though, sometimes it will take medication, even if only temporary, to give you enough relief to be able to engage in and benefit from talk-therapy.

I congratulate you on your courage in deciding to seek treatment. I suffered from a deep depression for about 6 years that now, after moderate medication treatment and intensive psychotherapy, is now largely resolved. I`ve got my life back.

I`m also very impressed with the intelligence you demonstrate in reaching out to a community of people who are well-equiped to do so, in order to prepare yourself for what to expect.

My hat`s off to you!

[sconnie892]

LonelyTree - You should have a say in your treatment and I would express your wishes to your doctor. He/she can probably help recommend a therapist.

I have been using talk therapy for my depression and so far have not had medication. My t has been very respectful of that fact that I don't want meds. T has talked about trying meds several times, but each time I have refused and she has respected that choice.

[learning1]

I wonder what country you're from because the way it works might be different in different countries. I think what most or all of the posters wrote about makes sense for the way it works in the US. In the US, you can usually just go to a therapist without getting a referal from a general practitioner (gp) (regular doctor). That might vary depending on your insurance, but it has been the case with a lot of different insurance companies I've had.

A regular doctor might not be great with talking about depression compared to a therapist, so it could be better to just call some therapists and see who you think you'd like based on your phone conversation. A regular doctor would be more used to giving prescriptions for medication, but they can't force you to do that if you prefer therapy. My guess is most of them would appreciate that you're able to tell them what you want and they'd go along with what you want.

There's nothing wrong with going to a regular doctor first if that's more comfortable for you than contacting therapists. Psychology Today is a good website for finding therapists in the US.

If you live in another country, I don't know how it works, but if you ask on here, there might be other people from your country who could answer. It might be different in some countries if you have to get a referal from a regular doctor before you can get a therapist. Maybe someone from your country would know what questions the regular doctors ask.

[WePow]

I agree that honesty is the way to go. The only way to get the help you need is by putting all the cards on the table. Let us know how you are doing.

[LonelyTree]

Thanks everyone for the advise, its all helpful. I'll post an update here once I've gone to the doc's