A huge thank you! (And a question)

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2003
A huge thank you! (And a question)
4
Mon, 11-17-2003 - 10:40am
Thanks to everyone who responded to my post about being too embarrassed to get help. I know it's stupid, but everytime I decide to call someone, I chicken out. After this weekend though, I am more than ready to get some help. Saturday we went to a family gathering, and all I could do was just sit there and feel bad. I tried to get involved in conversations and act interested in what people were saying, but my brain just felt too numb to consentrate or contribute. I was listening to my step-sister rip on one of her neighbors who never comes out of her house and doesn't socialize with anyone, and I realized that was me and it made me feel sad because my mom and sister were agreeing with her. I guess I must be a pretty good actress because my family doesn't realize I'm the same way. Anyway, I started doing research on therapists and I also did some research on the local sleep clinic, since I've been suffering from insomnia (never sleep more than 4 hours a night) since high school. I know that sleep deprivation can cause depression, but depression can cause insomnia, so I guess I need to treat both at once. I don't know where to start though. Should I go to the sleep clinic and see what they say, or should I start with a therapist? Can a regular therapist even prescribe meds? The last therapist I saw told me I would have to find a psychiatrist to get meds, but I feel weird about just calling any psychiatrist and telling them I need medication. Can my regular doctor prescribe antidepressants? I really don't want to go to my regular doctor if she's just going to tell me to see a therapist, because I'm tired of wasting time and putting off treatment. I have the number of a therapist I'd like to try, but I'm just so afraid to make that call. I am really ready though, and I don't even care about the money issue anymore. If my husband doesn't like it, that's too bad because I am sick and tired of feeling so miserable. Anyway, thanks for you support and advice. I feel better just knowing that someone understands what I'm going through without judging me.

Stephanie

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-06-2003
Mon, 11-17-2003 - 10:56am
Stephanie,

If you're uncomfortable asking your reg. doc., I would suggest you start with the therapist. See what he/she says. If they recommend anti depressants, then you can go to your reg doc with that or seek out a psychiatrist. But the important thing is that you make the call to the therapist. Remember, YOU MATTER! Put yourself first. YOU ARE IMPORTANT! Hang in there. Hope this helps.

Traci

~ ML ~  

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Mon, 11-17-2003 - 11:30am
(((Stephanie)))

You know what? I have been dealing with depression for as long as I can remember and I can't even really say that I know the difference between a therapist and Pdoc.

I am also from Cda, so things work alot different up here.

But, I would like to say that those feelings you feel when around others are "normal" for depression. Sometimes it's like your brain says "okay, I've had enough now I am going to rest".

Anyway, take care

Pamela

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-18-2007
Mon, 11-17-2003 - 12:07pm

(((((Stephanie))))), you've made a great decision for yourself!

 

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CL-ladybug987

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-15-2003
Mon, 11-17-2003 - 12:55pm
Stephanie,

First of all, don't worry about being judged. No good reg doc or therapist will ever do that to you. For me, I went to my reg doc first, and had some blood work done, and an overall check up. He was wonderful. You never know if there is something physical going on and should rule that out first. My reg doc put me on Lexapro right away. He even gave me something to sleep (I was not sleeping more than an hour a night for over a month)I was also afraid of the judging thing, and it took a few weeks to feel comfortable enough with my psychologist to be completely honest with her. Now I tell her everything, and it is such a huge relief! NO JUDGING!!! No one wants to go on an antidepressant and it is not like other drugs that give you a high, so don't feel funny asking for it. I thought I would have to, but after explaining all I was feeling and going through, my doc actually suggested it. So, don't assume the worst, hope for the best. You can do it!

Good luck in whatever YOU decide to do.

love and hugs

Peg