I think I have mental health issues, what should I do?

Question

If I go to the doctor's, won't they say that I don't, as many people with mental health issues consider themselves to be mentally well? And if I say I need a rest from life, will they send me to a mental health hospital? I think I need to go to one, but I don't think I am a danger to myself or others. In the film "Girl, Interrupted" Susannah got sent to the institution for a 'rest' - I think I need this. How do I go about getting it?

Serious answers only please.

I've just had 2 weeks off from work, and feel the same. Have felt like this for 2 years and it's breaking me.

Theres so many different answers here, how do I know who to listen to?

But I want to be sectioned. Can I go voluntarily? Or does it have to be ordered?

Answer 1

whatever you do do not leave it. Too many people do have issues and try to carry the weight on their shoulders. You should seek help or confirmation that you do not from your GP. Do not leave it to get worse.

Answer 2

First let me say...you can FIRE THE DOCTOR! S/he works for you...not the other way around.

Second, it is really sad that some people here think this is something to make fun of. If you had said you think you may have lung cancer, would that also be turned into attempts at humor.

As a personal care assistant and someone who has received training in this field, I can tell you that whether you have an illness or not, you should see a therapist. If they discount you or won't listen, FIRE THE DOCTOR! Then go find someone who does care for about your well being. Therapy is something that I think just about everyone will need at some point in their lives, but very few will get. The coping skills we need to deal with tragedy and stress don't always develop, and their is no "owner's manual" for the brain.

So, that is my advice. Find a doctor who will listen and give you the help you need. And don't be afraid of being committed. Needing a "rest" will not get you commited to a psych ward. Usually someone is committed to a psych ward because of a suicide attempt or they pose some other danger to themselves or others.

Answer 3

I have suffered from depression in the past and I put off going to my doctor for a long time because I was embarrassed and though he would think I was wasting his time. But when I did eventually do it, it was a huge relief. I was given medication and allocated a councillor who I could speak to once a week. It made things so much easier. It was like a huge weight had been lifted!! Not everyone is happy about taking medication, if you're not then speak to your doctor about alternative rememdies like herbal treatments.

You won't be admitted to a mental health hospital unless your symptoms are more severe. The best thing to do if you need "a rest" is to book some time off work and go away for a couple of week. No even abroud, just somewhere relaxing to take your mind off things.

Good luck, I hope you fell better soon. xx

Answer 4

Different people find different solutions. e.g. eat more healthily, do more exercise, stop any drinking or drug taking, St John's Wort, anti depressants, counselling, talking to friends. You may need to try various combinations of these before solving your problem, it will take time but you can come through it. Don't even think about a mental health hospital until you've tried these options.

Some suggestions: read "Overcoming Depression" by Paul Gilbert available on Amazon - it uses Cognitive Behavioural Techniques - which if they appeal to you - are used often by counsellors. Different counsellors have different styles too so don't let one bad experience put you off - I'd recommend one with more psychological background.

You can go to your doctor but can talk about options other than medication if that worries you. Especially counselling. Don't be too afraid of the medication option, for some it's the helping hand which gives them the strength to continue to help themselves/or benefit more from counselling.

You may never understand what causes the depression for you but you will able to overcome it, it takes time and perseverence.

Answer 5

Well, the first thing I can say is that if you think you have a problem then go and see your doctor. I have known people in the past who have had mental health issues and have not identified it and not believed others when they get told of it.

I have also known people who have identified that they have a problem and have seen their doctor. It is unlikely that he will want to put you in a hospital for it, but instead send you to a professional who you can talk though your problems with and find other solutions.

Don;t be worried about seeking medical help. Even if you don't have a mental health problem it would still be advisable to see a doctor so they can advise you on what else may be wrong.

Good .luck.

Answer 6

Your life is not like the movies so do not compare it to them. If something really feels wrong in your life consult a counselor, they would have the best answers for you. If you are looking for a vacation from life, join the crowd, everyone would love for a doctor to tell them they need to take some time off to mend themselves but in all reality this is highly unlikely. It becomes even more unlikely when someone knows something is wrong because these are the people who are not a harm to society and do not need to be institutionalized. My best advice to you is:
A.) Make an appointment with a counselor
B.) When you have a firm date to start counseling talk to your boss/school adviser about taking some time off
C.) If B is possible, take some "me" time and things should get better
Good luck.

Answer 7

I would recommend going to your GP firstly as its ALWAYS better to get a professional opinion, but from what you have written there (which isnt alot to go by) you sound like you may be sufferring a little with stress. There are a LOT of things you yourself can do to help with this, it just takes a little effort. Most people know what they like to do to relax, be it taking a long soak in the tub with some candles, or pounding the pavement for miles on end with the ipod blasting out your eardrums, the point is, structure your day, so you have an hour or so to spend doing your chosen relaxation activity. There are so many different methods for relaxing it would be impossible to write about them all here (exercise, meditation, sleep, music, reading, walking to name a few) just find out whats your preferred method and give it a go, also avoid things like caffeine, alcohol, drugs, and food/drink with a high sugar content as these all make it hard for your brain to settle, good luck!

Answer 8

You should make an appointment with a psychologist for some one on one therapy. The psychologist will decide if you need to see a psychiatrist for medication or if psychotherapy will benefit you. Don't start with the medical doctor because they will just give you medication and there are so many side effects with some of those drugs and the docs use people as human guinea pigs. Most people can be helped with talk therapy and very few people are truly chemically imbalanced. You need a well trained experienced psychologist who can help you with tools to help you cope better with your environment.

Answer 9

Do not worry about doctors, go straight away. Mental illness is allot more common than you think. It is an illness and there is nothing to worry about. You will NOT be sent to a mental institution. You could try some herbal remedy's too like st Johns werts (or whatever its called) that have been proved to help.

However I would strongly urge you stay away from Seroxat Paroxetine as they left me with severe hypocondriosis. Not good.

Answer 10

Go doctors tell them EXACTLY how your feeling, why you feel this way etc (You could write to them even). Then they will assess you and decide what you need whether it be seeing psychologist, psychiatrist or counselling. Then it'll go from there.

They are not going to send u straight into a mental institute for a rest just like that... they would only do that if they are a danger to others or themselves.

They may just give u anti depressants.

It woulda helped if u explained whats up with you as to why u feel u need to go.

Answer 11

Firstly, go on holiday. Get out into the sunshine and have two weeks off, then see how you feel.

If you still feel off when you get back there are lots of people you can talk to - try the Samaritans - very helpful and have the right contacts to help you further - also MIND is a good MH charity.

Talk to your frinds about how you feel (sensible friends only) and your folks. Don't suffer by your self, that'll only make it worse.

Feel better kiddo.