Help! I'm Depressed! Is There a Psychiatrist In the House?

By Jane Jackson, MD

How long have you been feeling that things are “just not right” or that you “just cannot get it together”? Much less, “whats up with this relentless fatigue”?
Many studies show that adding therapy to depression treatment increases the chances of success. Many of you are familiar with the common “split” model approach to treatment where the psychiatrist limits her services to medication management, and the “talk therapy is delegated to a social worker or another mental health provider. Unfortunately, this form of treatment may cause difficulty if there is a lack of good communication between the psychiatrist and the other mental health care provider resulting in confusion for the patient.
If you want to discuss issues from your past or want to be coached on improving your quality of life, a skilled psychiatrist can help to make all of these things possible. In addition, there are some new approaches the doctor may offer that will significantly minimize the undesired side effects of weight gain or problems with sexual intimacy.
I urge you to take the time to find the right psychiatrist who can make a positive contribution to resolving your health care needs. You deserve it. Remember, seeing a psychiatrist is neither a luxury nor a weakness. You no doubt have spent untold hours taking care of others, so now it is time to help yourself. You do not have to face this challenge alone. In addition to reaching inside yourself to tap your own inner strength, you can gain valuable insights from an experienced professional who has a track record of successfully helping others who were suffering just like you.
What Are The Signs That Therapy May Be Helpful For You?
You have not found an objective person to listen to your problems.
You have difficulty making decisions and completing tasks.
You make plans, but just cannot get started.
You wonder why you cannot live up to your potential.
Crying spells come on suddenly for no apparent reason.
You harbor feeling of self hate.
You feel like you cannot do anything right.
You feel like a 10 pound weight is on your chest.
Life seems like it is more trouble than it is worth.
Here Is What You Can
Do To Help Yourself
Be action oriented and ready to participate in your treatment.
See a psychiatrist who has the compassion and skill to help you to accept yourself and grow as a person.
Show up on time for your regularly scheduled appointments.
Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not drink alcohol with your medicine.
Use the therapy sessions as a safe place to express your thoughts and gain insights and education about your condition.
If you cannot see a mental health provider seek out a trusted person to talk to such as a family member, mentor, or clergyman.
Seek help immediately if you feel like hurting yourself or others. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call a crisis/suicide hotline.
I sincerely hope these recommendations gained from my clinical experience and those of researchers Julie A. Ford and John D. Preston, Psy D, APP, for successful treatment for depression are of value to you. You deserve to feel your best.