i'm really depressed, when do i know if i should see a psychiatrist?

Question

i've been really depressed for a couple weeks now, and everything just seems so bleak. I just wish i could disappear. But how dismal is it to think i'm crazy enough for a shrink? I just don't want to make myself feel worse or more crazy if it isn't necessary. But how do i know if it is? I've been depressed in the past, but now it seems to be interfering with everything, my work, relationship, and creativity. what should i do?

Answer 1

The fact that you realize now that something isn't right and that you need help means that it's the perfect time to seek help. Don't talk yourself out of it and think that it will get better if all you're doing is just pushing your depression farther and farther down. Don't ignore it--deal with it. Is a psychiatrist your BEST option? Maybe you don't need to see someone who can prescribe medication, as a psychiatrist could, but just someone who can help you talk through whatever might be going on in your life and help you get all of your cards on the table, so to speak. I know some people don't like medications, but sometimes they can be necessary, so don't totally write off the prospect of seeing a psychiatrist. I'm just saying don't limit your options. What's most important is that you get help. If for starters you need someone to talk to, the first link below has crisis-hotline numbers that at the very least can help offer referrals for you to people who can help you, and the people who staff these numbers are willing to listen as well. You will be in my prayers as well.

Answer 2

It is high time you consulted a psychiatrist. Do this without any delay.

Added to the above, please go to a park nearby your place, preferably in the morning when the dew is fresh. Walk barefoot on the grass for 5 minutes. The chill goes through your entire body and upto the brain. This helps in cooling your brain and gives a relaxation.

Now sit on the grass facing east when the sun rises. With the little fingers on the left nostril and the thumb on the right nostril, hold the nose. Take off the little finger breath in slowly from the left nostril, close the left nostril and hold the breath for a few seconds. Breathout slowly throgh the right nostril. You now do it other way round.

Why breathing exercise and why open space? The open space has lot of energies. When the sun rises, he sends out pleasant rays to soothen your body. When you breath in, you intake a lot of oxygen to your lungs and improves the blood circulation upto your brain. This relaxes the brain and your thinking process will change which will reduce your depression gradually.

Answer 3

Psychiatrists don't make you feel worse or more crazy. In fact, you can be proud to have the courage and strength to address your problems in a positive way. There are quite a few people who do nothing or do something destructive like take addictive drugs.

You can see a psychiatrist or a therapist in combination with your general practitioner. With either the psychiatrist or the therapist you can talk about your situation without taking medication. You can ask them to make a professional judgement call as to whether you need medication.

There are over-the-counter medications for light depression. Some have been well-studied and have positive research results. You would need to discuss them with the appropriate professionals or research them very carefully. They are St. John's Wort, 5-HTP and Sam-E.

Answer 4

A couple of weeks isn't long enough to say that it is definitely depression. Some people go through these "down" phases and recover on their own. If you are to the point where you are considering suicide, you can't concentrate on even the mundane things in life (like personal hygene and basic grooming) or if you are crying constently (for example), then you may want to consider seeking professional help.

Good luck!

Answer 5

psychiatrist must be a last option you know depression happen to everyone once in a life that doesnt mean it will reach to its worst...whenever you feel depressed take a good deep breath or take a nap divert your mind from that topic on which you are depressed play video games eat any type of tasty food go and take a walk in the park....woke up early in the morning and do meditation or yoga these things really help...as far as psychiatrist is concerned you should meet him when you feel suicidal or you feel like you cant take it anymore because psychiatrist treat people by giving them strong medicines and i think its better to do these exercises and keep a strong willingness about overcoming your depressiong.....

Answer 6

If your depression is interfering with your activities of daily living, it's time to see someone. A word of advice. You said you had been diagnosed in the past. If and when the doc prescribes you something, don't stop taking it because you feel better, realize you feel better because you are taking what he prescribed. Now, go make that appointment. If you think talking through your problems will help too, you need to schedule a psychologist appointment too. He/She can't prescribe medications, but they can help you identify problems and what to do about them.

Answer 7

You should see your medical doctor and get a good check up -there could be a medical reason for you being depressed sometimes that can very well be the cause. in any case your doctor may give you a prescription for your nerves or depression, Don't call yourself crazy-you are not out of your mind but you are depressed. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Answer 8

When depression or other mental health problems interfer with everything else, it's time to seek out a psychiatrist.

Answer 9

Being depressed is not always considered 'crazy'...It is usually from a chemical imbalance..in the case of clinical depression...Like you said..when it starts interfering with your daily functions and other family members...time to either start praying for strength to pull out of it, through God and Jesus..or talk to your doctor depending on who you put more faith in....Don't hesitate though...no need to let your world crumble around you...you are loved and mean more to God than that..Good luck and God Bless

Answer 10

all a shrink is going to do is tell you what already know about urself. If there is something inside of you that you find is a problem,first figure what it is a and then how can u change. so something times in life your just depress and u feel about and u feel that world is on ur shoulders. and its okay just do ur best