Do you sometimes feel so sad, lonely, and hopeless that you can't do anything? We all experience these feelings. But if they persist, and if they affect your daily activities to the point where you can't do anything, it may be more than just sadness. Today we're going to talk about one such condition, Major Depressive Disorder, and what to expect when you see a doctor for it.
Why am I being referred to a mental health specialist?
When you go to see your family doctor (Primary Care Doctor), he will listen carefully to your symptoms and, if he suspects that you may have depression, he will refer you to someone who has expertise in this area. Just like when we have a heart condition, we go to a cardiologist.
There may be several of these specialists:
- Psychiatrist: These are doctors who are specially trained to treat mental health problems. They can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication if necessary, and recommend other treatments.
- A Therapist or Counselor: They help you find solutions to your mental problems through conversation, that is, through 'Talk Therapy'.
The important thing is, this is not something you have to fight alone. Research has shown that eight out of ten people can control or cure their symptoms within as little as 4 to 6 weeks with proper treatment. So never be afraid to ask for help.
What happens when you go to see the doctor?
Your first appointment with a mental health professional or counselor may take more than an hour . That's because they want to get a complete picture of your situation. Let's take a look at the questions they'll ask you and the things they'll do during this time.
| Topic under discussion | What does that mean and why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Questioning about medical history | Your doctor will ask about your overall health, past medical history, medications you take, and family history of illnesses (especially mental illnesses). This information will help determine if there are other factors that may be contributing to your condition. |
| Mental & Emotional History | This is the most important part. You will be asked how long you have been feeling these feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress. Don't hide anything, talk openly and honestly. Start from the beginning if you need to. Also talk about how these feelings affect your daily life (work, family life, relationships with friends). |
| Psychiatric Evaluation | The doctor will ask about any symptoms you have. For example, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, weight loss or gain, and difficulty concentrating. They will also ask how severe, moderate, or mild these symptoms are. |
| Filling out questionnaires | You may be asked to fill out one or more printed questionnaires to help assess your mental state. These will help you get an accurate picture of your feelings and symptoms. |
How is the diagnosis made?
Using all of this information from you, your doctor will determine exactly what your condition is. They will often use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to do this. Simply put, it is a guidebook that mental health professionals around the world use to diagnose mental illnesses. A diagnosis is made by checking whether your symptoms match the criteria in it.
How can you prepare for this?
You can also do a little preparation before you go to see the doctor. This will make things easier for both you and the doctor.
- Write down your symptoms: Write down everything you feel, such as changes in sleep, changes in eating patterns, and emotions (sadness, anger, frustration) in a journal.
- Write down questions: Write down in advance what you want to know from the doctor, what questions you have about treatment, and what questions you have about medications. That way, you won't forget anything.
- Be honest: Remember, the doctor is there to help you. So don't hide anything or lie. Tell him exactly how you feel. That's the best way to get the best treatment for you.
Depression is not a weakness, it is a condition that can be well controlled with treatment. Therefore, it is very important to take the right steps and seek expert medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Major Depressive Disorder is a treatable condition. Never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.
- If your family doctor refers you to a mental health specialist, it is to provide you with the best and most appropriate treatment.
- When you see your doctor, be completely honest and open about your feelings, symptoms, and medical history.
- Treatment can help you recover very quickly. So don't give up hope. Talk to your doctor and develop a treatment plan that works best for you.
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