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Re: Terminology » alexandra_k

Posted by Emme_V2 on April 28, 2013, at 6:53:14

In reply to Re: Terminology, posted by alexandra_k on April 28, 2013, at 4:14:10

> >Why don't we tell people who are depressed or anxious or otherwise experiencing a mental health situation "You are suffering and need to see a medical professional for treatment", be it their primary care doctor, a therapist, a psychiatrist, or maybe even all of them?
>
> because there are genuine issues around thinking that 'medical professionals' have any claim to authority when it comes to assisting people with those sorts of problems.
>
> there are pastors and counselors and friends and family members... there are message boards and there is art and music (to view, to make). there is travel. there is a walk in the park. there is tv, i guess... there are so very many things with the potential to alleviate suffering...
>
> and in my experience psychiatrists and medications haven't been the most useful. not by a long shot...
>
> so how come you think they get to be 'experts'
>
> ?

Because they go through extensive training to learn to treat people with these conditions. I respect their knowledge.

There are of course many options to treat distress, especially milder forms, and I wouldn't doubt their value.However, when the going gets rough, those avenues may not suffice. A walk in the park or a nice trip is not going to bring someone out of bad mania or turn someone back from suicidal depression, nor is a trip to an art gallery going to quiet the voices in a schizophrenic's head, although those can all be terrific and important add-ons to help someone regain their life.

It sounds like you have not had good experience with psychiatry. I and others, however, have had success with medications and therapists who are either Ph.D.s or LCSWs. I have seen several friends restored from terrible illness to normal functioning, and enjoyable lives with the right medications and backup from therapists.

If I need an air filter replaced in my car, I can do that myself with a trip to AutoZone. If I need a larger repair, I go to a reputable mechanic. I never had good luck with drugstore hair coloring (sure, some people do) - now I go to a professional and get better results. When my colleagues at work want certain types of information or analysis, they come to me because they know I have the professional expertise through my studies and training.

When I developed severe depression, I went to a good therapist. When that (plus, the yoga, plus the friends, plus hiking in the woods, plus you name it) wasn't enough to combat the worsening depression, I went to a psychiatrist and got successful treatment.


 

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