Seeing a psychiatrist

So, being more conscious of present-day consequences rooted in the defences I built up due to a life-defining (thus far) childhood illness (epilepsy) I finally bit the bullet and spoke with my life-long GP today about getting help. I had spoken with him very briefly a number of years ago about a similar issue and at that time he straight away asked me would I like to go on anti-depressants. I told him I didn't, and I reminded him of that exchange today. I've never been on anti-depressants and I'm hoping that I can finally get counselling to help me. That was the purpose of my visit. I need to talk with a complete stranger and get their perspective and help.

When I had finished speaking with him, he suggested that he write a letter to get me an appointment with a psychiatrist. I was taken aback. He said, I suppose you don't want to go around home? Can you get an address in Dublin? Have you got private insurance? (No) He was as conscious of my privacy as I was. I gave him a Dublin address and he started to write the letter to the relevant psychiatric professional attached to the hospital in that area.

I must say I'm still moved by the time and conversation he gave me today. He has been my neighbour and doctor since I was first brought unconscious in an ambulance to hospital as a 7-year-old. However, I had never seen this side to him, nor had I ever talked to him like this before. As long as I've known him he was seemingly "one of the lads", off on the golf course by lunchtime each day and doing the minimum of work to keep above water. I'm so moved by his support for me today. He gave me about 20 minutes of his day and we talked about my current circumstances.

Anyway, I'm here wondering about visiting a psychiatrist. I was expecting him to recommend a psychologist who might have a speciality in treating patients who confront their issues via overeating as I do, or something else. 'Psychiatrist', on the other hand, has always conjured up a different world, a precarious one. He explained to me that the procedure is that he first makes an appointment with a psychiatrist and if he thinks it's appropriate the psychiatrist then makes an appointment with a psychologist. I wasn't aware of this.

I'm particularly concerned about how visiting a psychiatrist will affect things like private health insurance. Will this visit be on my record? Will it affect my future job prospects? I'm a deeply secretive guy at the best of times. And I've been trying most of my life to get away from being labelled for having an illness. What is a session with a psychiatrist like? Has anybody been helped by such visits? I need some professional who can give me insight, help me to understand myself and give me hope that I will stop going on these swings and roundabouts. I need stability in my life, a need which is currently being undermined by my being made unemployed two weeks ago and is pushing me into a frame of mind I cannot be in.

All constructive insight, experiences and feedback will be very welcome. Thanks.

sam34

Fuaranach wrote: »

Anyway, I'm here wondering about visiting a psychiatrist. I was expecting him to recommend a psychologist who might have a speciality in treating patients who confront their issues via overeating as I do, or something else. 'Psychiatrist', on the other hand, has always conjured up a different world, a precarious one. He explained to me that the procedure is that he first makes an appointment with a psychiatrist and if he thinks it's appropriate the psychiatrist then makes an appointment with a psychologist. I wasn't aware of this

that would be standard in the public services. in most services all referrals are seen in the psychiatric out-patient clinic first, and then if necessary they refer you on to their psychologist.

Fuaranach wrote: »

I'm particularly concerned about how visiting a psychiatrist will affect things like private health insurance. Will this visit be on my record? Will it affect my future job prospects? I'm a deeply secretive guy at the best of times. And I've been trying most of my life to get away from being labelled for having an illness. What is a session with a psychiatrist like? Has anybody been helped by such visits? I need some professional who can give me insight, help me to understand myself and give me hope that I will stop going on these swings and roundabouts. I need stability in my life, a need which is currently being undermined by my being made unemployed two weeks ago and is pushing me into a frame of mind I cannot be in.

All constructive insight, experiences and feedback will be very welcome. Thanks.

there's nothing to be scared about visiting a psychiatrist! it doesnt involve lying on a couch and talking about your dreams!

you'll be asked about your problems, the onset, duration, effect etc, your medical (physical) history, if there's a family history of psych problems, your alcohol/drug intake, a bit about your school/education, work history, relationship history.

it wont affect your future job prospects , but you may be asked about your medical history in any pre-employment forms etc, and then you should declare it.

best of luck, hope all turns out well

SerialComplaint

sam34 wrote: »

that would be standard in the public services. in most services all referrals are seen in the psychiatric out-patient clinic first, and then if necessary they refer you on to their psychologist.

I agree that there is nothing for the OP to worry about. An assessment by a psychiatrist would be a standard first step.

However, just to help the OP to set his expectations, that can be where the problem arises. There can be serious problems about the availability of counselling services within the public health system. It can be very difficult to get 1:1 counselling in the public system. There may well be therapy groups, depending on the nature of the condition, but 1:1 counselling is difficult to get.

MUSEIST

Seeing a psychiatrist is nothing like you might imagine, no couch where you sit on or anything. Its just like a gp visit and he/she will ask you a few questions. Its standard practice to see a psychiatrist first before reference to a psychologist. Good luck:)

LegacyUser

Hi OP. Like you, I went to my GP expecting to be referred to a psychologist straight away and was also referred to a psychiatrist. Firstly, it won't affect future job prospects and while it will show up on your medical records, they're the only records that I know of where it will show up. The only reason for sending you to a psychiatrist is to get a diagnosis from the psychiatrist about what exactly is wrong with you, what type of depression you may have, whether you are clinically depressed or not and to then form a treatment plan, which usually involves some form of therapy, such as counselling or behavioural therapy.

Honestly, seeing my psychiatrist really helped me. I have a condition that in almost all cases needs medication to manage it as it is life-long and severe, but I am able to manage without medication thanks to the help of my psychiatrist. Don't stress, they're there to help you and give you some insight and get you back on track.

condra

Psychiatrists vary. If you hear about a good one, go to her.