Depression- Medication/Counseling. Do they really help? Recommendations for Grand Rapids, MI doctors?

Question

I am depressed, I get thoughts of suicide and feel like there is no point in living. It is really affecting my life in every aspect. Does medication help? Will I become dependent on the medicine? Is counseling required to get medicine? I work out of town and it is hard to find time to sit down with a psychiatrist and talk about my problems. Thanks!

Answer 1

I would recommend you go to counseling by a licensed Psychiatrist (not Psychologist or Psychotherapist, they can't prescribe meds if you need them). Lots of people experience depression, and for some medication helps, is even necessary. For others, like me, it was just the baggage I was carrying around. I went to therapy for a year and never needed medication, and I've learned to deal with my feelings without medication. As for dependancy, not really, though you will need to be weaned off since it is a chemical alteration to your body. It is ABSOLUTELY necessary to see a counselor to get medication. I understand how difficult it is to make time, but your well-being is much more important than anything else.
I'm from NJ, so I don't know of any Psychiatrists in your area, but if you know anyone at all who has ever been to one, word of mouth is the best way to find one. Ask around if it won't be too embarassing for you.

Answer 2

Research points to a two-pronged approach to the treatment of depression. This two-pronged approach includes both medication and psychotherapy.

Finding the right medication for you can be a challenge, but is absolutely worth it. For some folks, it can be life-changing. You need to know, however, that the effects of anti-depressants are not immediate. In fact, it can take a few weeks for you to notice a difference.

Your best bet is to carve out time in your schedule to meet with a psychologist, and to consult with a psychiatrist who can help with medication management.

Hang in there,
~M~

Answer 3

First of all, you need to see a psychiatrist if you are suicidal for therapy. You may need to be on drugs, and they can prescribe them, but it is much better to discuss your feelings with someone and try to learn how to cope with life.

Otherimportant things; make sure you are eating properly (sugar and alcohol are depressants), getting regular exercise (raises endorphins which elevate mood) and have coping skills (there are books to assist and a counselor can help with this too). There are natural products to help with depression; St. John's Wort and another that is better, Phenocane, you can purchase in the health food stores.

Work is important, however, it is nothing if you feel you want to stop living. I suggest you also rethink your priorities in life.

Answer 4

Again... start with your MD.... depression is nothing to mess with.. I can say this with complete and total sureness... I suffer from depression complicated by panic/anxiety disorder with insomnia thrown in for good measure...

Therapy is a GREAT help... we all need someone we can say anything to that will not judge.. and that understands the symptoms of our quirks....

Can I say it will work for you.. No.. no one can say that.. but I can say.. if your talking about it here.. your looking for the help you need....

Depending on your insurance carrier you may have to call the mental health line to get services... start out with a threapist.... they can make some recomendations as far as for medications that you can talk to your MD about.. again.. there are a mulititude of med's out there.. I have been on everything from celexa to prozac to my favorite that seems to be working great Cymbalta... I have a son on Zoloft.. and it's honestly working very well for him.. has helped him with his anxitey issues a great great deal....

As far as therapy.. many places have hours up to as late as 7 or 8 pm.. at least one day a week.. and most of us nut's.. don't have to go in but once or twice a month.... so it's not like your setting aside an hour a day 3 or 4 times a week.. UNLESS of course your sucidal issues are umm shall I say extremely pressing.. in that case.. you need to be an inpaitent for a short time...

Remeber.. hurting yourslef may take the pain away from you.. but it leaves those that you leave behind completey devistated... I go through boughts of suicidal thoughts.. the ONE thing that stops me consistantly... I would not want my sons' to think it was their fault.. or to find me... Please please remember the emotional/physical pain you are feeling right now.. is nothing compared to the pain you leave those behind in....

Please seek professional help ASAP...