What should I say to my shrink??? No judgemental people please!!!?

Question

OK...I feel sad all the time because I've had severe depression as long as I can remember - A lot of things have happened recently including the death of my mother that have made my depression MUCH worse!!! I feel both suicidal & homicidal & my shrink won't change my meds!!! She says "People are supposed to be sad sometimes" I understand that but the feelings I'm having are dangerous & I need help right now!!! I have said I feel suicidal & homicidal to her but she won't give me more meds or try a different one or anything.....What can I say to drill it into her head that I NEED SOMETHING ELSE NOW!!!! THIS ISN'T WORKING!!!! I make myself go out & do things every day & I still feel this way......I don't know what else to do!! I don't want inpatient treatment...... :(

Answer 1

I don't envy you a bit, but I do understand from past experience myself. It's so difficult to go through added devastation when you feel like your world is already devastating. Just know you're not alone. I know it may not be much now, but when the time comes and the pain in no longer there, knowing you were never alone can mean more than words can explain.

Let me also say that I commend you for realizing and acknowledging your feelings and wanting the help. Not enough people reach out and the fact that you are speaks volumes about yourself.

As plain and cliche as this may sound, my best advice to you is to seek another psychiatrist. Psychiatrists, doctors, teachers, and friends can all have their differences that may go against how we think or feel. While this is normal and healthy, in cases dealing with severe depression along with other problems can take time to find the perfect person to help you through it all. If you feel you are not getting the adequate care from your psychiatrist, then you have every right to find another, and another and another until you finally feel comfortable. Provided a person is of stable mind, or rather, stable enough to not attempt to play one psychiatrist against another (common in drug addicts), then there should be no problem at all for you to find someone new.

It took me going through 3 psychiatrists until I found the one that I felt the most comfortable with. She saved my life in more than one ways and I ended up a better person for it, despite how I felt.

My condolences for the loss of your mother and the loss of yourself; just remember that in the midst of death is when we just begin to live.

Answer 2

I am sorry you are feeling this way sweetie. Maybe, you should consider inpatient treatment if you are feeling hopeless and suicidal and homicidal, it may very well save your life or someone elses. I too have suffered from bouts of depression at different periods of my like. A traumatic event like losing someone you love can trigger severe depression. If you truly believe that inpatient treatment will not help you and your current doctor will not help you then you may want to seek a second opinion if this is an option. Just please remember that their are people out there that have been through similar things and that there are people willing to talk and listen without being judgmental. I hope things look up for you and if you just need someone to talk to I will have open ears.

Answer 3

While it is true that we should feel sad at times, that this is a normal component of humanity, it's not normal to feel what you do. Psychiatrists and psychologists aren't infallible and this particular one may not be right for you. You may need a change in doctor.

Inpatient care might be the best thing for you. Voluntarily admit yourself. It may be only a short stay - up to 72 hours - to help you through this. Another option may be outpatient treatment. Try speaking to your psychiatrist about this option. You can also call the mental health number for your insurance and request immediate assistance. And there are always 24-hour hotlines.

I'm so sorry for the frustration and anger you're experiencing. Is there anything else I can do for you right now? Do you need to talk?

Answer 4

OK, I have seen several psychiatrists/therapists before I found ones that seemed to be a good fit for me. It's hard, on the one hand, you don't want a doctor that simply tells you what you want to hear and coddles you so that you cannot push beyond your comfort zone and improve; on the other hand, you don't want someone who lacks compassion. Sounds like, in your case, this doctor is just not helpful. Keep in mind you or your insurance is paying for this treatment. You are a 'customer' of this doctor's business. Just as if you went into a store and didn't like the service or product you were provided, you have every right to go somewhere else. I really suggest you find a different doctor and don't worry about what or how to say it to this one.

Answer 5

I'm assuming that your GP knows about you seeing a Pyschiatrist, you should tell him/her that you really feel that you need to see another Pyschiatrist- your GP should make some phone calls to other shrinks and try and find one that he/she feels is best for you.

When you see your new Psychiatrist, and your medication is increased you will probably become very mellow and a bit out to it. My sister has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and had a complete breakdown last year and the medication that she is now on is a very high dosage. She is often very vague and becomes quite tired because of her illness along with the meds she is on but she is benefitting so much from them. When you are taking such a high dosage it blocks out your thought processes so you will not be able to think of the terrible things that pop into your head- this clear thinking allows you time to recover.


Good luck, I hope everything works out for you :)

Answer 6

She probably thinks you are looking for attention. Either that or she's a useless shrink. It sounds like you do have a serious problem though. I would try and tell her your concerns straight down while being completely serious. Mention the suicidal/homicidal feelings as well. Those aren't normal for people with the blues.

Answer 7

You do not have a good doctor if she is ignoring your comments. Any healthcare professional would listen to what you are saying. I am not a doctor and I can hear your concerns.

Switch doctors. Call your insurance and switch. If this sounds like too much, call her and say that you are dissatisfied and that you don't want to wait until you must be hospitalized before she will listen.

It sounds like your medication may need examined. Additionally, it is your doctor/therapist's job to be a primary source of open communication for you. She may not be the one for you.

Who says you only get one doctor in life? Do something for yourself. Empower yourself. By the way, I am sorry that your mother passed away, but just telling you sadness is normal for someone with a history of depression is not GOOD for YOU!!!!

By the way, if you are as desperate as you say, be open to hospitalization if necessary. Either way....feel better. And think better too;-)

Answer 8

Sorry about the loss of your mother. Parental loss seems natural, but the grief is still long term and complex.

It won't hurt to get a second opinion. Your job is to take advantage of all available resources, to protect yourself and those loved ones around you. This would not necessarily be "dissing" your current doctor. Just make sure whoever you are dealing with is a Medical Doctor. Non-MD therapists can come later.

Best wishes.

Answer 9

Ask her why the exact reason why she won't change them and tell her why you want them changed along with your unhappiness with her. Yes she is right everyone is sad sometimes but with those thoughts you are beyond a little upset. let her know that but if you tell her about the thoughts she can put you in the hospital so be careful or maybe you need a little break and may want to check out being in the hospital or a partial program. Whatever it is I wish you the best. Good luck! :)

Answer 10

Can you change shrinks? If this doctor won't listen, you, the patient, have the right to seek a second opinion or even change doctors. If you've told your current doctor all the things that you've just typed, then check with another doctor. If that doctor has similar recommendations, then that may be the best recommendation.

Good luck.

P.S., please don't commit suicide or homicide.