My hubby has been very depressed lately and showing classic symptoms of depression. We both know that he needs help and to be on medication, but where do you start? Do you just go to your family doctor and have them prescribe something or do you have to see a "special" person? What is he's only been to his family doctor once? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
2007-01-22 06:03:58 · 10 answers · asked by redpeach_mi 7 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Talk to your primary care doctor. In some cases, they will perscribe you an antidepressant, but most likely they will refere you to a specialist. As someone who has depression, I can tell you that the first thing you need to do, is come to the realization that it is not your mood or a phase, and is in no way your fault. Depression is a physical illness that usually results from defects in brain chemestry. Either the brain is not producing enough seritonin, is re absorbing too much therfore not allowing the synapsis to absorb it, or the synapsis aren't absorbing. In any case, medication can and usually does help to regulate the brains chemestry and normalize emotion. Most anti-depression medication is a reuptake inhibiter, allowing the synapsis more time to absorb the seritonin.
Most importantly, you must realize that treatment for depression is a long path. Sometimes it takes several tries to find the right medication, and doesage to find the balance your brain needs.
2007-01-22 06:16:11 · answer #1 · answered by Jason H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
At least you're both aware there is a problem. First thing to do is go see the family doctor and tell him what is going on. You can get a referral to a therapist. I'd hate to see you resort to medication without trying therapy first. It isn't a bad thing and definitely not a dirty word. Doesn't matter that he's only been to the family doctor once--get in there and he'll be able to get help. Good luck.
2007-01-22 06:08:00 · answer #2 · answered by battledragon6 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At least you're both aware there is a problem. First thing to do is go see the family doctor and tell him what is going on,Doesn't matter that he's only been to the family doctor once--get in there and he'll be able to get help. Good luck. get asap so he cab start felling like him old self again
2007-01-22 06:14:18 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first step is the realization. I think talking with someone is greater than prescription medicine. The problem is that your general doctor would send you to a Psychiatrist who will presribe a drug based on symptoms given. I'd suggest a refferal to a psychologist first to discuss the deprssion. Also since the depression is affecting your husband, don't be offended if you feel like he's hiding things to you. It can be easier do speak with a non judgemental medium for help.
2007-01-22 06:24:55 · answer #4 · answered by Sid Finch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, go to your usual family practitioner and let him know all the symptoms. He or she will take it from there. They might try a common anti-depressant first and see how or if it changes the way your husband feels. Later on they might refer him to a specialist - if necessary. Don't wait too long - depression is a serious illness that needs professional help!!
2007-01-22 06:09:09 · answer #5 · answered by Yvonne M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of primary physicians will treat depression. It may not be optimal, but if you don't have insurance for a psychiatrist, it may be the only choice you can afford.
If your income is low enough, you quality for sliding scale fees from social workers and psychiatrists. Check out Catholic charities:
http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/
Look for the Need Help? on the left. Put in your zip code and get help.
2007-01-22 06:14:01 · answer #6 · answered by hawkthree 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try some herbal remedies such as: st. johns wort
seeing a professional would be a good thing, but i would try to find the root of the situation. is it work, your relationship, kids, overall stress, or possibly a family pattern of depression.
maybe it would be as easy as to change some things in his lifestyle. like dieting and exercising more. cutting the stress out, within job or home life. seeing a counselor together as a couple, another view from an outside person, that could help in finding the root of the situation...
2007-01-22 06:11:58 · answer #7 · answered by mike 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on your insurance most likely....your insurance may require he get a referrel from primary care physician before they'll pay for a specialist....so, call your pcp-it's a good place to start anyhow (or call your ins. co. and find out what they require)......and if you have no ins. and are paying out of pocket then i'd go straight to the specialist as the pcp will not likely help you and it'd be a waste of money
2007-01-22 06:09:58 · answer #8 · answered by SNAP! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't waste time and money with a regular physician who might not be equiped or knowlegable enough to deal with full blown depression. Go see a psychiatrist a specialist in the field and get help ASAP. Ignored depression develops into severe depression and eventually suicide. Do you want that on your conscience?
2007-01-22 06:08:06 · answer #9 · answered by arubishka 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, start with your family physician. You say he is aware he needs help. So start there.
Don't walk.....depression can produce hasty, undesired results / incidents when not expected
2007-01-22 06:11:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋