Do you sometimes feel so down, so depressed, and so alone that you don't want to do anything? This may be a normal sadness that goes away in a day or two. But if this situation continues for weeks or months, it may be a condition called depression . We know that it's hard to talk about this. Admitting that you have depression and asking for help are the two hardest steps in the treatment journey. But if you're willing to take those two steps, there are many treatments and doctors who can help you get back to normal.
Where can I get help for depression?
Once you decide to seek medical help , the best and easiest step is to see your regular family doctor (Primary Care Doctor). He or she can thoroughly examine your symptoms.
Keep in mind that sometimes symptoms of depression can be caused by other medical conditions (such as thyroid problems) or certain medications you take. So your doctor will first look for other causes.
Remember, your family doctor is your first stop on this journey. It's very important to start there.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may start you on treatment. However, if he or she feels that you need more specialized medical treatment, he or she will refer you to an appropriate mental health professional . Sometimes, even if you go to get medicine for a common cold or flu, your doctor may also test you for depression.
Who are the health professionals who treat depression?
There are different types of health professionals with different expertise who can treat depression. The person who can help you may vary depending on your situation. Let's take a look at who they are and how they can help.
| Professional Category | How can they help you? |
|---|---|
| Primary Care Physician | This is your first point of contact. They will identify symptoms, rule out other conditions, and provide initial treatment. If necessary, they will refer you to a specialist. |
| Psychiatrist | These are doctors who specialize in mental illness. They can diagnose and prescribe drugs . They are also trained in psychotherapy. |
| Psychologist | These are highly qualified people with doctorates in psychology (PhD or PsyD). But they are not doctors. Therefore, they cannot prescribe medication in Sri Lanka. Their main treatment method is counseling and psychotherapy. |
| Social Worker | They help resolve family and social problems caused by mental health issues such as depression. They help maintain a person's physical, mental, and social functioning at a good level. |
| Psychiatric Nurse | These are registered nurses who have received special training in psychotherapy. They often work alongside a psychiatrist to help treat and care for patients. |
Psychiatrist and Psychologist: What is the difference between these two?
Many people get these two confused. Simply put, it's like this:
- Psychiatrist: A doctor who can prescribe medication for your mental illness and talk to you about it.
- Psychologist: Not a doctor . He doesn't prescribe medication . Instead, he's someone who helps you solve your problems and change the way you think through conversation and various behavioral techniques.
Your doctor will decide whether you need talk therapy with medication or talk therapy alone and refer you to the appropriate person.
Don't be late to ask for help!
Depression is not your fault or a weakness. It is a medical condition that needs to be treated, just like diabetes or high blood pressure . The sooner you recognize it and seek treatment, the faster and more permanent your recovery will be.
There is another advantage to starting treatment early. That is, it increases the ability to prevent recurrences of this condition. So, don't be ashamed or afraid, think about yourself and your loved ones and ask for help today. It is a strong decision that you can make for yourself.
Take-Home Message
- Depression is not a weakness, it is a treatable illness. Don't hide it and suffer alone.
- As a first step in seeking help, see your family doctor (Primary Care Doctor). He or she will be able to give you the right guidance.
- A psychiatrist is a doctor who can prescribe medication. A psychologist is a non-medical professional who provides treatment through talking .
- Your doctor will determine what treatment is right for you and refer you to an appropriate specialist.
- The sooner you start treatment, the faster you will recover. It can also prevent the disease from recurring.
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