How do you decide you need to see a psychiatrist and tell your family?

jania59,
Your post is SO VALID. I would like to start a new discussion based on your comments. Would this be ok with you? I certainly don't want to be accused of plagiarism 😵‍💫😱 haha. Shelley. Ps, how are you feeling today? Maybe my silly question might have made you chuckle at me, that would be an honor if it did. Me, it's 1pm, I'm struggling to get out of bed, I need to go get my blood tests done, since the last results were weird and the doctor said, oh, it was just a contaminated draw, you can't have "that". I wanted to scream at him, then why did you order the (*&$%,& the tests? Is there an emoji for a "GoodGriefCharlieBrown" emotion?

In reply to @jania59 Someone already asked if you needed to tell your family about seeking mental health support, so I won’t repeat it. It’s private for a reason. Not everyone thinks it’s important, but it has been very helpful for me. I’m not sure there’s a DNA test for helping the choose a perfect drug, and I would be interested in how that works out. Having said this, I would recommend that you find someone a professional who can provide you with the support you deserve.

I have called 988 probably about 6-8 times since January of 2024. I started back in therapy in January 2024. 988 is great and has pulled me out of despair and hopelessness. I also connected with VSN for support. Veteran spouses network.

Frances, GeneSight is the only company that does test. Here is the blurb from their website:
“ The GeneSight Psychotropic test analyzes how your genes may affect your outcomes with medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. The GeneSight Psychotropic test provides your clinician with information about which medications may require dose adjustments, may be less likely to work for you or may have an increased risk of side effects based on your genetic makeup.”

I think it has its place in choosing the best meds for you. My family does know about me having depression and anxiety. I think it is saying I am seeking new treatment because what meds I am on are not working for me. Some people do think it is a mind over matter so why take meds…. The meds help to balance the chemicals in our brain. I did see a psychiatrist today and she adjusted one of my meds and I go back in 2 weeks. I also have a call into set up some counseling for me to work some of the stuff out in my head. Thanks!

frances007, 🩵 your name!
I thought she was kinda making a joke about the "trial and error " process in mental health medications. Did I misunderstand her?
Your comment on mental health support was very helpful for you, I am sure glad it was/is. Because mental health carries such high risks and stigma, would you clarify for me and others too, I believe we can all benefit from each other...
Did you mean professional or family support, or both? Thanx, ShelleyW

in reply to @shelleyw I'm sure I am not the only person who has come from a screwed up family, and as soon as I was old enough to "know better," I made it my mission to be nothing like those who raised me. I have succeeded. I have 2 sisters, one who has disowned me 5 years ago because she thought I was a hypochondriac, something I heard many say at the recent IDF conference. In other words, the disease is so misunderstood and misdiagnosed (my case). My "non-sister" told me she only wanted to talk about "recipes." I am better off without her. My family always felt that seeking psychotherapy was a weakness, but I saw and still see it as a strength. It took me a long time to find just the right person to talk to, and in the end it turned out to be a male therapist, something I thought I would never do(talking to a man). However, considering that the three previous female "virtual" therapists bailed on me, I decided to take my chances and I chose the first person in the provider directory from my insurance company. It is working out much better than I expected. While "traumas" from the past might always be a part of "who we are," I have learned to overcome the challenges I faced, and I would dare say I am much more emotionally intelligent as a result of the work I did with various mental health professionals during my lifetime. I'm not saying it is easy to overcome life's challenges, and it does take a lot of work (and money). For me, it was all well worth it. On the flip side, being as mentally healthy as I am can also lead to a sense of "being alone," because my remaining family members and some friends will always remain stuck in their strong denial system. It's really too bad that "mental health" care still carries a stigma, but I hope that that in itself would not stop anyone from "asking for help."