How to get professional help?

[11yrsnoob]

I'm a 27 yr old man suffering from depression since high school and anxiety issues since early childhood. After 11 years of living with depression and anxiety, I have finally realized that I need help. I got married recently and it only made things worse. I can no longer suppress the feelings and I feel like I should be on medication, at least for the anxiety issues. I have insurance but never used it. I need professional help. Where do I start? Do I just visit a psychiatrist or first get a mental health screening?

[t_nguyen701]

Whats up 11yrsnoob, I am finally getting help for my anxiety and depression for the first time after a very long time. According to my Doctor, I should see a psychologist first to be properly diagnosed, and then go from there depending on your level of anxiety/ depression. Call your health provider to see if they offer in-network/ out of network benefits regarding mental health and see if you can select from a Doctor from the list they provide, then narrow down your list by doing some research about them online. Be sure to pick an appropriate Doctor (you wouldn't pick a Dr. who regularly works with children for your issues). Hope this helps.

[11yrsnoob in reply to t_nguyen701]

Hi, thank you for the valuable info. I was gonna see a psychiatrist directly but it didn't make sense. My insurance provides free depression screening. I guess I could start there! Hope you find the help you need.

[summer1993]

Start at your normal every day doctor. That’s what I did, and they will point you in the right direction.

[radharose]

I went to my everyday doctor and she prescribed Lexapro for me. It took the edge off immediately (I know it takes several weeks but I felt it immediately). What a relief, it got me out of bed and now I can engage in life. I still have lots of anxiety during alone times (keep thinking of tough parental early childhood stuff, hard stuff that turns on my fight or flight response - no sex or physical abuse, just years of their nutty controlling emotional trauma) and I know I can reroute my circuit. I look forward to blogging with others. I've never done a self help group before.

[11yrsnoob in reply to radharose]

I have experienced a similar childhood and the physical abuse lasted till I was 20. My parents were controlling and I was convinced that nothing I achieve will be good enough for them. I recently shared my condition with them and they wanna help. It's convenient to blame parents but that won't change anything and certainly won't help my current situation. I believe my parents had their own issues but never had the chance to address or fix them. They had me and my sis in their mid 20s and we lived paycheck to paycheck even though they were well educated. I have come to realize that it's better for me and them if I forgave them and I did with no resentment. I used to fall into depression when I was between jobs and I used to think its only because I have no job and i'm sad. So I would just focus on finding a job and try to motivate myself and ignore the underlying psychological issues. I had severe anxiety issues since my early childhood but I thought I was just 'SHY'. Man, I can't believe it took so thing long to realize what was going on! I hope you find the help you are looking for!

[TalonNimbus]

Seems most people have already given great advice so I’ll just say good luck with your journey to getting some help.

[Hidden]

There are so many good resources, it is a journey finding the right medication that works for you but in the meantime you can be in therapy, journal out your feelings, express your feelings to those closest to you, and seek help from others struggling. You took a big first step admitting you need help.

[11yrsnoob in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for suggestions. Sharing what I'm going through really took some weight off my shoulders!