Four Tips For Talking To Your General Physician About Depression
You visit your general physician or family doctor for all sorts of physical ailments, from broken bones to the flu. But did you realize that you should also be talking to your physician about any mental health problems you experience, too? If you have been depressed, bringing the topic up to your doctor can be challenging, but the tips below will help you do so with greater ease.
1. Remember that you are dealing with a medical problem.
The stigma around mental health disorders causes some patients to think of them as being different than other health ailments. But your brain is a part of your body, and sharing a mental health problem with your doctor is really no different than sharing a problem with your nose or leg. Remind yourself of this as your appointment approaches.
2. Be honest when making your appointment.
Some patients are so embarrassed to talk about their mental health condition that they make an appointment for something else -- like a cold -- and then only bring the topic up when they are already in the doctor's office; this approach is not the wisest. If you tell your doctor up-front why you need to see them, then they will set aside the time to deal with the problem at hand, and you can expect better care.
3. Know what your goals are.
Before you head into the appointment, know what your goals are. Would you like your doctor to refer you to a specialist for more treatment? Are you looking for a prescription that can help with your mood? Maybe you just want a few lifestyle recommendations to nip depression in the bud before it gets any worse. If you feel the appointment steering away from your goals, you can re-direct it. For instance, if your doctor starts prescribing a medication but you would rather be referred for a second opinion, you can tell them.
4. Be honest about your symptoms.
If you feel embarrassed about your depression, you may tend to minimize its severity and impact on your life. You may use phrases like "It's not that bad most days" and "I can deal with it." Try not to minimize your condition, and be honest with your doctor about what you are feeling. Their job is to treat you, and in the case of mental health, they can only do that well if you tell them what you need treatment for.
Follow the tips above, and do not be afraid to discuss depression with your family doctor. They will help you get the treatment you need.
