What Will My Doctor Do For Me
You might not feel comfortable talking to your doctor about any mental or emotional problems you are having. But your doctor can help you. He or she can:
- Ask you questions about your thoughts and feelings that might help you better understand what you are going through.
- Give you reassurance that you arent crazy but have a medical problem.
- Tell you what kinds of support are available, such as counseling.
- Offer you medicine, if its appropriate.
- Recommend lifestyle changes that can help improve your mental health, such as exercise.
- Refer you to a specialist, if they think that would be more helpful.
- See you at follow-up appointments to monitor how you are doing and how you are responding to treatment.
How Can Exercise Help Your Mental Health
Ive been advocating exercise as a therapy to combat depression. During lockdown, when a lot of us havent had access to gyms, Ive been doing a lot of home workouts, which I found really good for me, for my energy and keeping my mental health up. Ive been encouraging others to do the same.
A lot of my colleagues have struggled with mental health over the past year. There were a lot of dark months, especially when we were working during the second wave in winter time. At the end of a day, I didnt want to think about COVID or work, and what helped me get over it was exercise. I always loved team games, but we didnt have access to any of that, so I needed to find a way to keep active and get my mind off what we were seeing at work. I started doing a lot of home workouts. I got the resistance bands like everyone else! It kept me fit, for one, plus it kept my mind active and busy, and not thinking about the terrible things we were seeing at work.
What Are Some Of The Mental Health Disorders Better Tackled Via Online Therapy
Psychological health and wellness conditions are typically better dealt with via online treatment than face to face. In addition, on the internet mental wellness treatment is a different to traditional methods and hassle-free for individuals with hectic schedules.
Some of the psychological wellness problems that are much better tackled by online treatment consist of:
- Social stress and anxiety condition
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder .
- Clinical depression.
- Bipolar disorder.
Recommended Reading: Anxiety Depression And Alcohol Dependence
What If I Don’t Want A Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis can be a positive experience. You might feel relieved that you can put a name to what you’re experiencing, and it can help you and your doctor discuss what kind of treatment might work best for you. However, not everyone feels this way. You might have complicated feelings about what a diagnosis would mean for you or you might come to disagree with it entirely. It’s important to remember that a diagnosis doesn’t have to shape your entire life, and may come to be a relatively minor part of your identity.
How To Talk About Antidepressants With Your Doctor
Antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication? Whether you bring this topic up or your doctor does, this can be an awkward conversation. Here’s help.
Many of my clients have been prescribed medication for depression or anxiety by their primary care physicians. Some of them have initiated this discussion physicians after a discussion we have had about going the medication route. Others have had this discussion before they found their way to me, and chose medication.
Clients also tell me that their doctors suggested they consider medication, in many cases after receiving a medical diagnosis and their doctors concerns about how the diagnoses will impact them emotionally. I always appreciate when physicians have a concern for the emotional states of their patients. In fact, I many of my clients have told me their physicians recommended antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication when they first received their HIV diagnosis.
What I also hear from my clients is that the conversation with their primary care physicians about depression or anxiety medication is not always an easy one. They may not know how to bring it up with their doctor. Or they may have concerns about what they should know before consenting to beginning medication.
The Medication Decision is Another Opportunity to Team Up With Your Doctor
Here are some guidelines to help you to have this conversation:
Recommended Reading: Things To Do To Get Out Of Depression
You Can’t Concentrate Or Focus
Forgetting work deadlines or when to pick up your kids from a playdate? Feeling like your mind resembles an out-of-focus photo, and the fuzziness has made a dent in the way you weigh choices and make decisions? That’s your brain on depression. Being preoccupied with thoughts of sadness and emptiness can plunge you into a head fog that affects your job, memory, and decision-making skills, said Wolkin. In turn, that unfocused thinking can lead you to make poor choices or take on unhealthy, risky behavior.
What If They Dont Listen To Me
The last thing anyone needs is to gather up their courage to speak up, only to feel brushed off with patronising advice like you just need to exercise and sleep more. Or, try to take some time for yourself.
Or, worse, to just be offered medication after a quick 15-minute chat. Which can hardly be a full overview of you and your life.
The best advice here is to arrive prepared.
You May Like: No One Takes My Depression Seriously
Tip #: Take Ownership Of The Follow
Ideally, when a new diagnosis is made and a psychiatric medication is prescribed, a follow-up call or visit should be scheduled within one to two weeks. At this early stage in treatment, the doctor can confirm that the patient is taking the medication correctly, and assess whether he or she is seeing any improvement in symptoms or experiencing any side effects. But as recent studies of electronic medical records from across the nation reveal, doctors often schedule the first follow up appointment a month or more after the initial consult, missing the opportunity to intervene early in treatment.
Timely follow-up is important to keeping you and your doctor on the same page. If your doctor doesnt schedule a follow-up appointment shortly after you begin treatment, you need to do so. While it is asking a great deal of a patient to be proactive, especially when he or she is feeling down and vulnerable, the best outcomes result when patients play an active role in their treatment. Youve already shown courage by sharing your concerns build on that victory by continuing to own your diagnosis and treatment plan.
How Do I Ask My Doctor For Anxiety Medication
Is excessive fear, worry, or anxiety affecting your daily life? You are likely suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Help is out there. Many people are relieved to learn that you dont need to see an expensive psychiatrist to receive mental health help.
Primary care doctors are able to treat many common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Initiating a conversation about starting anxiety medication can be nerve-wracking, but theres no need to be intimidated. Remember the doctor is there to help you.
In this article well go over how to ask your doctor for anti-anxiety medication so you can feel prepared to get the help you need.
Recommended Reading: Common Drugs Used For Depression
Special Concerns For Teens
Maybe youre developing later or earlier than your friends and want to know whats going on. There might be times you feel more depressed or angry than you used to. New sexual feelings and behaviors can be confusing, too. Topics you never had to think about before, such as sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, may suddenly be on your radar.
Read Also: What Is The Best Herbal Tea For Anxiety
Why Is This Service Important For Mental Wellness
Mental services advantages are very important for the mental health of individuals.
In this day and also age, mental illness is a typical issue. To help them with their mental disease, emotional solutions are essential. These solutions can aid individuals manage their mental disease better and also provide some remedy for the symptoms of their mental disorder.
The mental solutions offered can be in-person or on-line based on what a person requires. They can also be supplied in various settings such as healthcare facilities, centers, institutions, and private practices.
Don’t Miss: Can Self Care Help With Depression
What Is An Online Psycho Therapist
An online psychologist is a mental health and wellness professional who provides restorative services to people.
People who need assist with their mental health can discover it online, as well as they do not need to go into a center or office.
Many individuals prefer this option since they feel extra comfortable sharing their ideas as well as feelings in the comfort of their own houses.
The online psycho therapist will pay attention to them and also help them solve their problems with various restorative methods. Talking To Your Doctor About Depression
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
During your appointment, youll also want to ask questions to clarify things that you dont understand. In order to prepare for your appointment, below is a list of questions that you may want to consider asking depending on how the appointment goes.
- Is it possible that my symptoms are being caused by some other underlying condition?
- How long will it take before I start to feel better?
- What course of treatment do you recommend?
- What types of therapy do you recomend?
- What types of medication do you recommend? What are the benefits and drawbacks to each?
- How long will I be taking medication? How can I tell if its working? What should I do if I miss a dose? What do I do if I dont like how it makes me feel?
- Are there complementary therapies I could use to manage my symptoms?
- Are there lifestyle changes I can make to help manage depression?
- When should I come back for a follow-up appointment?
- When will I hear about a referral?
- What should I do if I find myself in a crisis?
Also Check: Is Ritalin Used For Depression
How To Talk To A Doctor About Anxiety And Depression
You have decided its time to gather your courage and let your doctor know you are struggling lately. But how to talk to your doctor about anxiety and depression in a way that is productive? Or if you feel scared to?
And what if you worry its something more serious, like a disorder?
Make This A Major Priority And Not Just An Afterthought
In the busy medical practices, your appointed time with the physician is quite limited. Several patients see the PCP for a brief visit just once a year or even less. And, the primary temptation is to tell a large number of problems into a single meeting. That is not the right approach. If mental health problems are at the end of your list and thus are shared at the end, then very little time is there for your discussion and treatment planning. Instead, discuss the issues and signs at the start.
Read Also: Alternative Therapies For Anxiety And Depression
Ideal Therapists For Stress And Anxiety Depression And Also Partnership Problems
A therapist is an individual who gives emotional support, guidance as well as therapy to people. They also aid in solving issues connected to anxiety, clinical depression and also relationships.
Therapists aid individuals get over the adverse effects of stress and anxiety, anxiety and also anxiety by supplying them with an atmosphere that is secure and also encouraging. This can be done with Cognitive Behavioural Treatment .
There are lots of specialists offered online that give solutions at affordable rates. Nevertheless, its important to know the kind of specialist that you need for your specific trouble to locate the most effective one for you.
What Is Samhsa’s National Helpline
SAMHSAs National Helpline, , or TTY: is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.
You May Like: Helping Your Child With Depression And Anxiety
How Your Primary Care Doctor Can Help
If you suspect you may be suffering from depression, it might help to know that youre not alone. The Anxiety& Depression Association of America estimates that more than 16 million adults in the U.S. are affected by major depressive disorder in any given year. And that doesnt include millions of other people who are affected by persistent depressive disorder, postpartum depression, generalized anxiety disorder, or other related conditions.
Many of them start out by seeking care at their primary care doctors office. Many primary care doctorsi.e., the very kind of doctor youre seeing for your physicaltreat cases of mild-to-moderate depression quite effectively. They prescribe antidepressants and often make referrals for counseling or therapy. But in some cases, your doctor might believe you could benefit from more specialized care, especially if your depression seems to be more moderate-to-severe. In that instance, your doctor can refer you to a psychiatrist.
The bottom line is that depression help is available, and your doctor can help youif youre willing to talk about it.
Diagnostic Tests To Expect
Unfortunately, there isn’t currently a definitive lab test that can be used to diagnose depression so your doctor will do a few things. First, your doctor will perform a physical exam and run several different blood tests to rule out other conditions that might be causing your symptoms. Some of the possible tests might include:
- Complete blood count
Don’t Miss: Natural Remedies For Insomnia And Depression
How Do Narcissists Behave Sexually
As with many things in life, narcissists also have unhealthy relationships with sex and treat it as nothing more than a self-gratifying activity. After all, manipulation, control, and emotional abuse are their so-called trusty weapons that they hide behind in most circumstances, so why wouldnt they call on them in the bedroom too? The bottom line is people with this personality disorder are used to getting what they want and will only ever put themselves and their pleasure first, which doesnt bode well for a healthy sex life. Discover how they behave in the bedroom and what you should do if you are involved with one.
The Setting Of Achievable Goals
Do you want your symptoms and issues to be be gone immediately after talking with your Doctor or after seeing a psychologist for the first time and after one counselling session?
If yes, then, you are starting your recovery journey with the wrong mindset. Decide what you want to achieve from this appointment by undertaking some research to see how long it generally takes from diagnoses, staying the course with a treatment plan to achieving your desired outcomes. Reading about actual cases of people who have gone through something similar will help set your mindset and expectations.
When you have realistic expectations and goals, you will better informed and will become more confident to take the first step and how treatment outcomes can be long-lasting.
Dont Miss: What Is The Best Mood Stabilizer For Anxiety
Read Also: How To Fill Depressions In Asphalt Driveway
Exactly How To Handle Haters On Social Network
Hate is a part of social media sites. It is unavoidable, especially if you are involving with your target market. It can be challenging to deal with haters, there are some things you can do to make it simpler on yourself.
The first thing you should do is not involve with them to begin with. If they say something that triggers you, just ignore them and also proceed with your life.
You need to additionally choose what time of day you will certainly upload your material and also stick to it constantly. This will make it much easier for individuals who hate your content due to the fact that they will certainly see that you do not involve with them at particular times of the day or week.
Finally, try not to let their remarks get under your skin. Rather, concentrate on the positive feedback from others who sustain what youre doing. Talking To Your Doctor About Depression
What Is Mental Wellness In The Digital Age Talking To Your Doctor About Depression
Mental wellness has actually become a hot subject in the electronic age. With the boost of social media sites, even more people are coming to be a lot more open concerning their psychological health and wellness and also handling it. Talking To Your Doctor About Depression
Psychological wellness is a multifaceted term that includes psychological wellness and also psychological health. It is a state of optimal mental functioning in which individuals recognize their prospective, cope properly with tension, as well as make healthy lifestyle choices.
There has actually been an increase in our reliance on innovation to handle our lives in the digital age. This implies that we have to bear in mind what we are using technology for because it is affecting us psychologically as well as literally.
Also Check: What To Do When You Think You Are Depressed
How Can Depression Symptoms Lead To A Depression Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with major depression, you must have at least five of the symptoms listed above with at least one of the first two nearly daily for at least 2 weeks.
Depression symptoms can last weeks, months, or sometimes years. They can affect personality and interfere with social relationships and work habits, potentially making it difficult for others to have empathy for you. Some symptoms are so disabling that they interfere significantly with your ability to function. In very severe cases, people with depression may be unable to eat, maintain their hygiene, or even get out of bed.
Episodes may happen only once in a lifetime or may be recurrent, chronic, or longstanding. In some cases, they seem to last forever. Symptoms may appear to be precipitated by life crises. At other times, they may seem to happen at random.
Clinical depression commonly goes along with other medical illnesses such as heart disease or cancer and worsens the prognosis for these illnesses.