Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

24,601 Members
160,807 Posts
0 Online
Mental Health
/ Depression Support Group

Question About Psychiatrists

gordos4
gordos4
I started seeing a psychiatrist back in March-loooong overdue, by about 35 years. I was delusional to say the least. I always pictured laying on a couch, having the doctor listening to me, writing notes, etc. So far, he has very little interest in actually listening to me, he just wants to talk about meds & pawn me off on a counselor. The counselor was nice enough, but it turns out she has as many issues as I do, & it did me no good. I think I am so beyond counseling at this point. Praying to God has done more good than the psych & the counselor combined. The doctor is really sweet, he just has no time to actually listen to me. I am kind of disappointed. Although, he has gotten my meds straightened out. He charges my insurance company for a 50 minute visit, but I am only in there with him for 40 minutes tops, yesterday he was in a big hurry & I got 30 minutes of his time. Is this normal for a psych?? What has been your experience with the head shrinker?
JourneyHome
JourneyHome
A psychiatrist offers their expertise in medications primarily as a psychologist will work on why you are having issues. The two play very different roles. Most psychiatrist will listen to how you are feeling and make a decision if perhaps counseling would be a good option for you, and/or medication. Hope I've shared in a correct view of my understanding on perhaps what you expected. If praying has given you some peace and comfort, I would continue along with some other options if needed. Wishing you much success!
angeleyes92
angeleyes92
Journeyhome is right. Psychiatrists deal with meds and psychologists are the talking doctors. I know my pdoc (psychiatrist) listens to me to see if something needs changed in my meds but she isn't there to solve my problems.

I went to a tdoc (psychologist) to deal with my issues.

You may have to try different tdocs and pdocs to find the ones that work for you. I had a bad experience with my first pdoc to the point that I didn't sleep for a few days on the meds he put me on besides a few other problems. He didn't listen to me.
Community LeaderWanderingVet
WanderingVet
Yes .. replies #1/2 state it well.

Psychiatrist = prescriptions

Psychologists and Therapists = counseling

more or less.
rappciteeinblue
rappciteeinblue
When I was young, there was a psychiatrist who listened to me but after that, it was like the pattern changed. Most folks are right that a psychiatrist just listens to "how you are" and then just gives meds to deal with symptoms. They act like the symptoms of mood and behavior are not much more than the symptoms of a cold.

At least nowadays, many psychiatrists are beginning to realize the importance of the malleable mind being changed by thought processes and they use therapy more in conjunction with the meds.

Nutrition, excersise, a good support system and SOMETIMES a good faith community of your choice (as long as they aren't fanatics) is a good way to help with managing illness.
gustokitty
gustokitty
In my experience most of them are pretty useless, and get paid a lot.
perhaps something I could do, even with my disabilities.
koolman
koolman
How I got through my depression and anxiety, along with exercise and proper sleep, was watching TV sitcoms. The characters in those shows are way more screwed up than a lot of us are, we're supposed to laugh at those characters, and there's something cathartically freeing about being able to laugh at others' screwed-up personalities and situation misfortunes.
gramybear
gramybear
A Psychiatrists job is to get the short version of what is wrong, then send you out the door with a handful of prescriptions, the name of a Therapist they may recommend and say they will see you in a month, some say in 3 months as mine does. Fortunately my Psychiatrist has a RN that sees me before my Psychiatrist does and gets the long version of what is going on with me, which the long version takes about 10 minutes or so, then she comes in, fills out the scripts, and I'm on my way. I cannot afford a Therapist and I can't go to anyone in her office because she is 45 minutes away from where I live and my friend and neighbor has to take me because I don't drive. I remember years ago when the doctors use to actually spend time with their patient and not just a 5 or 10 minute conversation. And speaking for myself, prayer really does work, especially when others are praying for you as well so never hesitate to ask. Hugs GB
BonTemps
BonTemps
My psychiatrist appts usually last 15 minutes. The veyt first one was 30 minutes. The talk therapist or "counselor" usually last 50 to 55 minutes. My psychiatrist does listen and take notes.Even though the
appointments are short, Ive had a lot of success with him so Im sticking with it. He once made the comment "the best medicine is the
less medicine" meaning he will not heap pills on top of other pills.He tries to get me by on the minimum and I really like that.
chilvr
chilvr
oh for the good old days when psychiatrists actually provided therapy as well as meds. i get 10 minutes every 2-3 months with mine and that's it, can't afford a therapist. i do remember having a psychiatrist who gave me 55 minutes, i'd kill for that kind of care today. but insurance will no longer cover it, psychiatrists are too expensive.
hugs and puppy kisses
gordos4
gordos4
Thank you for your replies. Like I said, I was delusional. I live in a very small town, & there are slim pickins as far as counselors. The one I went to had so many issues herself, she wasn't able to help me. My son went to one of the other counselors here & he was more screwed up than he was to begin with. I guess I will have to break down & go talk to our new priest. The former priest & were getting to be pretty good friends, & then he got re-located. I was so disappointed. It took me 4 years to gather the courage to go talk to him. The last year has been the WORST of my life. Considering my childhood, that is saying a whole lot. I do like my psych. I just wish he would listen a little more. He cuts me off in the middle of a sentence to talk about meds. I find it a little rude & insensitive.