[1bookfish]

I'm just wondering if this is an issue for anyone else or if it's just me?

I just feel like healthcare professionals often just... don't take me seriously. It's incredibly frustrating, especially when I've felt like other people in my life have had the same attitude.

I just saw a psychiatrist for the first time today (from a self referral), and it felt like he was taking my concerns very lightly and even getting impatient with me when I tried to explain certain aspects of my concerns. I'm not sure if it's just my social anxiety telling me this, leading to misinterpretation, or if I did interpret the situation correctly. I almost felt like he thought I was an idiot (though I've been having this feeling a lot as of late with most people in my life, due to excessive stress).

A few years ago, I spoke with my general practitioner about a referral to a psychologist or a psychiatrist, and she told me she didn't think my depression was that bad because I push myself to go to work every day. I mean, I understand what she's saying, but... at the same time, just because someone pushes themselves to be responsible doesn't mean they don't have issues they need help with, you know? Maybe I don't have major depression, but I DO have various other issues and even trauma to deal with.

Maybe I'm just being stupid and whiny, or maybe this is a legitimate issue. I don't know. Does anyone else feel this way?

[SlumberKitty]

Have you tried a therapist? Most psychiatrists I've seen are a bit impatient. They usually have large caseloads (although you are in Canada and I am in the US so it may be different there) and they are usually given just a few short minutes with each patient. Although usually the intake is longer. I usually only see my psychiatrist (PDOC) for 3 or 4 minutes every three months. If something is wrong I have to be to the point because my appointment is only a few minutes. It's supposed to be 15 but it's never 15. He has to send prescriptions and write notes and so that takes up most of the time. Same thing with GP's. I don't think the majority understand mental health issues. But a therapist might be a good option for you. The appointments are usually longer than PDOCs 30 to 60 minutes and so you can take your time getting to know them and trust them and open up to them. It is very possible to have major depression and still go to work everyday because I have depression with psychotic features and I work full time. Just because you can function doesn't mean that you don't have a mental health issue. Keep being your own advocate until you get the help and care that you deserve. HUGS Kit

[ArtleyWilkins]

You might have to hunt a bit to find a good psychiatrist who will really communicate with you. Medical specialists can be a quirky, "superior" bunch.

I was always very high functioning, but my pdoc learned very quickly that I could work all day and end up in the hospital that night for a stay of anywhere from 10-14 days. Fortunately he understood that about me and didn't minimize my symptoms.

If you were going to the psychiatrist for meds, find a different one who will listen. If you were wanting therapy, I'd skip the pdoc and find a therapist.

Hope you find someone who will take you seriously.

[maybeblue]

Yes! I totally understand this problem. I went to a psychiatrist once and only once who was a total jerk and completely minimized my problems. I live in an area where there aren't many psychiatrists, so finding one was difficult. I agree with others who say if you want talk therapy, don't go to a psychiatrist, find a therapist...although let's face it, some of them are crappy too.

I was getting my medication from my GP for years and it was fine until for some reason it stopped working and my depression got way worse. So I went to a psychiatrist and it was worth it. It took a couple of tries though. I finally found one that did telemedicine. He took my symptoms seriously and figured out meds that helped. That said there is no way that I would have wanted to go into any specific details about trauma or other personal things I am sensitive about with him...just problems that I thought meds might help with.

I don't think it is you at all. Some of them are just jerks and you have to keep trying.