Psychiatric Help

Remember you are not Crazy, Mad or Bonkers, just ill.

I found seeing a Psychiatrist exceptionally helpful to establish the causes of my depression.

It was my CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) counsellor who suggested that I see a Psychiatrist. When I did see the Psychiatrist she could not understand why I had been referred to a CBT counsellor before seeing her. This could just be a case of NHS rationing or just the norm, I really don’t know. What I did find is that the Psychiatrist is NOT your counsellor. They will however judge what therapies are the most appropriate. They might make suggestions to your CBT counsellor as to which aspects of the therapy you should concentrate on. Also they may review your medication and indeed from the time you see the Psychiatrist he/she will probably dictate the medication you take.

Interestingly I had been on medication on and off for many years and this had prevented any realistic chance of me planning a family. My Psychiatrist informed me that she could medicate me with care through a pregnancy, should that be wanted. Your GP would not have the expertise to be able to do this.

My initial consultation took about 2 hours and cost £220. I was fortunate to have private medical insurance which meant I could be seen in a timely manner. If you want to see a Psychiatrist whether you have private medical insurance or not, you need to ask. I don’t think your GP will dish out referrals willingly. I don’t know why, but if you don’t ask you don’t get. The sooner you ask, the quicker you will be seen, particularly if you need to wait for an NHS appointment. During the 2 hour appointment the Psychiatrist asked me loads of questions about my life, childhood, family life, social life etc. It was not in anyway scary or intimidating. More chit chat. All the while, the therapist took notes.

Following my initial visit, I was sent a copy of the report that the Psychiatrist sent to my doctor. It was really enlightening. Amazingly this 2 hour meeting and the report that followed completely summed up the history of my illness and established the probable stress factors which were causing it. I had been suffering with depression for 7 years by the time I made it to a Psychiatrist and could have saved myself a lot of trouble had I gone to see one a few years ago. My job it seems was toxic and I needed to get out as soon as I was well enough to do so. Under no circumstances did she recommend that I ever return to my existing job.

It was quite cut and dried for me, but I think I probably knew this all along. I just needed some sort of validation. Like most things, I suppose all experiences will differ. Some people's problems will perhaps be more complex and difficult to solve, but I can just say that I found it amazingly useful. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.