So, I should just go to the psychiatrist...?

Question

And telll him: Hi, I have dysthymic disorder/chronic depression.

People don't go to the doctor to tell them the diagnose (it's nuts), they tell them the symptoms, the doctor diagnoses. But I know I have that, I've done some research and my symptoms match. I always thought that this was just my personality and that while some people enjoy going out and having fun and such, I "enjoy" staying the whole week-end in my bedroom, alone, in bed doing nothing. I've been like this for years, since I was around 15 or even less than that... I'm 21 now. And I never wanna go out, it's a huge effort for me. I could stay at home lying on my bed forever, if it was for me. I don't care.
The thing is lately I've been chatting with people over the net and it just hit me. All people my age go out on week-ends and have fun at least one of the two nights, if not both. And I have no interest in getting out of my bedroom, ever.

Is it just nuts to go and tell him: "I have dysthymic disorder", cure me?

I've done therapy for about 17 years. Since my mom died when I was 2. years and a half. I've been with different therapist but I never brought this up because I didn't think it was a problem. I thought it was normal.

And I say psychiatrist because that's the way it works in the hospital I go. You first see I psychistrist and they tell you if you need psycotherapy, medication, etc, etc. But you have to set an appointment with the psychiatrist first.

Answer 1

i can definately feel you...i know exactly what u r talking about!I used to spend hours-months in my bedroom without getting out..! U sure have depression..i know that, u know that, the doctor ll know that! Dont worry, when i went to the doctor i knew i was suffering from depression and i told him that!Its not big deal to tell to the doctor that...But the doctor is there not for diagnosing u..he is there to help you from stop suffering from that!!!!Isnt it right?He ll give u some antidepressants and u ll talk for hours...that ll help you! I know what u r feeling right now..that u dont find it wrong to stay in your room and doin nothing.. i dont either..but u ll be happy to realise thattime passes go by more easily and more pleasantly when u r out with friends!

Plz go to a doctor and tell him whatu suffer from..he is there for helping u with that..not only for telling u "u suffer from depression"..plz girl for ur own shake!u ll find a new world out there..far from internet!

truly yours nora, this is from my heart:D
If u wanna reach me [e-mail] i have msn too.

Answer 2

Sweetie: the way it's worked is you see a Therapist aka: shrink. The Therapist determines if you need to see a Psychiatrist. Appointments are usually for an hour with Therapists and 15 minutes with a Psychiatrist.
You sound quite the norm - but people might have a time in their life when things get complicated or life is overwhelming. Therapists help calm things down and get you going on the right track. I enjoyed seeing my Therapist. I felt like he was my 'friend' that I unloaded all my stuff too an hour a week and that no one else knew. He allowed me to vent and helped me work out my own problems at my pace and with my own personality. I've found myself again and I like me alot!! Good Luck to you honey! Have a great holiday season!!

P.S. - I've been able to limit my meds to relatively fewer than before I saw my Therapist.

Answer 3

It's best not to diagnose yourself.

Too many people are on medication when a "good" counselor will provide you with solutions.l.

I've got some thoughts about people with dysthymic symptoms, they tend to be self absorbed individuals and would likely benefit from doing community services. When a person see others whose conditions are generally much worse then theirs they tend to get their head out of their a*ses..

The immobilization of depression can only be counter with ACTION. Take a walk, talk to a friend, jog, run with your dog, be with people not apart from them.

Answer 4

No. You go in and tell the doctor your symptoms. Do not go in with your self-diagnosis. Sometimes I think that the Internet has actually caused more harm than good because so many people diagnose themselves. You do need the doctor to talk to you about your symptoms. You do sound depressed, but you will need counseling, too. Not just medication. Who knows...you might be agoraphobia. There are many things it could be.

Answer 5

Psychiatrists don't give you a cure, they give you medicine to make you very odd. My mom had the same thing and was put on a medication and it gave her massive weight loss and gain, and almost put her in a trance-like state. I'd ask a doctor about it, not a psychiatrist, they don't solve anything.

Answer 6

To be honest, i think you should just go, tell him what you know to be your symptoms (not what you have read are the symptoms) tell him/her that out of concern you have been reading you and have drawn the said conclusion. She/he may disagree, after all they are the expert and may have further questions to what they feel may be the reason for your unhappiness. These things are easily treatable and although it may take time, it DOES get better. Good Luck.

Answer 7

I think it would be a waste of time. You dont need a psychiatrist. Just go out, find something you like & have fun.

Answer 8

i would phrase it differently...
i would say "these are my symptoms....and i've been doing some research and this is what i think is going on...."
...but i think i would definately tell him what i think, cuz no matter how great a dr. he/she is....they will never have the insight that you do into your life...you know yourself better than anyone else

Answer 9

I would go to just at least talk about your options

Answer 10

if your way of life is distressful for you then you should seek help...if not, then not.