Any ideas on how to get started looking for help

oaktreegirl · 05-20-2009, 02:10 AM

So I just figured out I'm not covered by work, so I would have to pay for myself. (I only work part time.) I'm also not the dependant of somebody who would cover this. But I know I need some help for my depression. I can figure out how to pay for it. My family might help. That's not the issue. But I'm not sure where to start looking. Should I just start opening the phone book under counselling? How do I know what is good, and what is not.

I don't know if this is a stupid question. I just feel overwhelmed to get started, but I feel like I need to make a change in my life ASAP.

februarystar · 05-20-2009, 02:22 AM

I found my counsellor from a refferal from my doctor. That was helpful because there were about 5-6 counsellors/psycharists etc in the practice but the doctor had some idea about what each of their specialties were. Call up a practice and explain to them over the phone briefly what you want counselling for and they should be able to match you up. It may also be likely that your first appointment is slightly shorter and is more of a 'get to know you' type of appointment and at that point the counsellor may recommend someone who has had more experience in whichever area you are seeking help with.
The most important thing is that you can build a relationship with your counsellor so if you don't like them, dont be afraid to tell them that its not working and even ask for another refferal. A good therapist will understand and should be able to recommend someone.

thebluefox22 · 05-20-2009, 06:44 PM

If money is an issue I might begin looking for not-for-profit counseling centers in your area. A referral from your doctor might sometimes be helpful too. Any good therapist will be able to understand what you are going through and will make appropriate referrals if for some reason they are not a good fit for you. It might take a while to find someone you mesh with so hang in there! Finding someone who is knowledgeable about PCOS is difficult, but sometimes it does not hurt to educate others on your condition (in fact it can be theraputic!). I wish you all the luck in the world and please keep us posted.

oaktreegirl · 05-20-2009, 08:13 PM

Thanks so much for your advice, guys. There is actually a free "crisis centre" in my city, but I think that's more for emergency cases, for people who are suicidal, or something like that. I don't know what the cost range is for counselling, but if it is expensive, I might have to go with one session every two months or something.

I think I will talk to my doctor about it, but I am nervous. I'm not a shy patient. I can talk about body functions and any body part without batting a lash. But the thought of telling my doctor that I'm depressed makes me queasy. It's a private topic. Part of it is because the reasons for my depression are based on my personal situation, not necessarily PCOS. (However, the fact that, once I get depressed, I am barely functional in any aspect of my life for months at a time, probably is linked to PCOS.)

My doctor doesn't know I have PCOS, by the way. Or I should say, he doesn't believe I have PCOS because my test results came back normal. I did not push the issue with him, because I wanted to first seriously attempt natural remedies for my symptoms (irregular periods, apple-shaped weight gain). I figured if I didn't need my doctor to prescribe medications for me, it didn't matter if he believed I have PCOS or not. Unfortunately, I keep relapsing into depression, and then my commitment to any kind of health care for myself, natural or otherwise, falls by the wayside.

I don't know if I should talk to my doctor about PCOS or if I should just tell him I'm depressed and need referals. I guess it won't make any difference, either way, so maybe I won't say anything.

tracybirduk · 05-21-2009, 06:55 AM

Its really hard to say the word 'depressed', the stigma attched to it still makes us shy away from it. I dont know the stats for Canada but here in the UK, 1 in 3 people will have sort treatment from their DR for depression at some point in their life! It is nauseating but it will help you in the long run, that first appointment will be hard and anxcious, but just as soon as you say it it it becomes your DR's problem to deal with and you give him that responsibility. Stay strong, head up and just walk in and blurt it out!
Hugs
Tracy x

oaktreegirl · 05-30-2009, 11:11 PM

Well, to update, I have not gone to my doctor so far. It has been busier than usual, these past couple of weeks, although, in part I may just be making excuses. Actually, I know that's what I'm doing.

Anyway, since, for whatever reason, I feel so uncomfortable talking to my regular doctor, I thought maybe I should just pick up the phone and call a therapists office directly. From the phone book I found a couple of places that look like they'd be a match for me, and have good location. So now I'm just working up the courage to call. I get so anxious and nervous about doing things I haven't done before, especially in terms of interacting with people and asking them for help. That's one of the things I need counselling for! Just the other day I went to get glasses, but before going I was so nervous at the thought that there might not be enough sales reps to assist me, and I might have to approach somebody for help. I know, I'm ridiculous. But I need to get in that office, so I am going to make this call. (And then there's always the chance that, for some reason, this counsellor won't work for me, and I'll have to do this again, but I have to focus on the first step first, right?)

Since you all were so nice and caring, I thought I'd update you, although I'm sorry I don't have a more promising update. Thanks for listening, and for all your kind thoughts.

femmegrrrl25 · 06-01-2009, 03:49 AM

I'm not sure about the Canadian healthcare system, but in the states I've gone to county health care places (they offer low cost/no cost help if you don't have insurance or aren't covered by your insurance.) I don't know if that helps.