Avatar Posted by twentytroubles 64 days ago (Question)
I'm in my mid-twenties, in college/grad school, healthy, etc.

Should I go to a general doctor, and list the below? How should I go about changing things for the better?

I have health insurance, but am unsure of what would be covered. I would be reluctant to go to therapy because of the cost. Could a general practitioner doctor help me? Maybe I'm deficient in something-- iron, vitamin d, something? What kind of tests are there for depression and some insomnia, anyway?

I've been mopy and depressed, like I could cry over anything and nothing (occasionally do). Gloomy. I can't sleep, and if I do, it's too much. I don't have much energy, and am slower. I'm a pessimist/realist in general, so I figured it could be my personality for years, but I'm not even up to my usual standards of happiness. I used to figure it all was 'just my personality,' but I'm tired of not being as happy as I know I can be. (Sometimes, of course, I'm happy... but I don't see the good in everything often enough). I'm not super depressed, but just mildly enough to effect my daily living, relationships, and class/work. (I can't focus at work most days. Occasionally, I'll get a lot done and focus and feel 'normal,' but this is rare. At school, I've had a 4.0 for years, and decided not to enroll this semester so I don't blow my GPA again.)

For a year, I've had more and more trouble trying to sleep. Now, even when I sleep, I don't sleep well. It's been like this for months. I'm constantly late to class/work, because I'm exhausted and can't wake up in time. (I used to be on time or early everywhere, but I sleep through alarms and move slowly in the mornings.)

I have some repetitive behaviors- hand washing, door locking, placing things a certain way. But, it's not that bad or excessive. I could live with this part.

Social situations usually make me nervous. I'm shy, very safety conscious, don't drink/smoke, don't have anger issues, etc. I've toned down and improved my personality over the past almost decade about as much as I feel like I can on my own-- being compassionate, nicer, less/not hostile in general (in traffic, or in relationships), improved my patience/study habits/outlook on life.

How do I go about talking to a doctor?

What should I ask? What kind of tests could be done? What kind of common expenses is it normal to be expecting with insurance? Would some natural supplement help (I've read about Sam-E and 5-HTP)?

Should I consider/talk to a doctor about antidepressants and if those would do me any good? (I've never taken any form of prescription in my life.) What kind of risks (emotion, physical) might those incur?

Would it be best to try to improve my situation on my own?



Answers

Written by Thumbelina 64 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Wow, you have been very thorough in describing your symptoms and that's great! Usually it's the opposite. Let's see, where to begin...

First, I am not a professional but I have dealt with my own mental illness for over 30 years. So, I do have experience to rely on. If you have insurance, there was a law which came into effect in 2008 which required insurance companies to provide "parity" coverage for mental health services. What that means is you should now have any mental health service covered by your insurance, you simply have to contact them and they will tell you how much they pay and how much you pay. Laboratory tests, therapy, psychiatry, all of it should be covered.

From what you described, a good portion of it sounds like clinical depression. But it also sounds like there might be additional issues. If I were you, I would make an appointment with a Psychiatrist for a diagnostic visit. You could be diagnosed and then a course of treatment planned. The Psyciatrist could also write any prescriptions necessary for you. Please be very honest about all of your symptoms. That is going to get you the best help possible. Make a list of all of the symptoms you listed on your question here and take it with you. The Psychiatrist will also answer all your questions about natural supplements.

I would do all of this as soon as possible. You have a lot on your plate with being in grad school and all. The sooner you start feeling better, the more you will feel relaxed and perform better in your schoolwork.

I wish you the best.

Written by twentytroubles 61 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Thanks for the response!

I didn't know that insurance companies have to pay for mental care as well now. Could using insurance for this risk my rates going up? I have private health insurance, self-paid.

Would a psychiatrist really be the way to go? I think I'd feel more comfortable with a general practice doctor, but don't want to go to one and not be cared for either. Part of the reason for going to a GP would be to see if there's a cause for my migraines. (When I was 12, a doctor diagnosed me with migraines, assuming I'd grow out of them. I get them a few times a week, and it's getting frustrating and problematic). I also don't know if I feel like I have "real problems" to take to a psychiatrist.

Written by Clyde 47 days ago Rating: 1 | Rate Answer: + -

I do think a psychiatrist may not be so bad either. To me, worrying about whether or not your problems are "good enough" to see a psychiatrist about is usually a red flag that means you qualify.

Your regular doctor could possibly give you bloodwork, stuff like that, which may not be so bad, but other than possible treatment of your migraines, I wouldnt see much more what they could do.

Best,

Clyde


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