Community Forum

Do I have to find a psychologist to get prescribed anti-depresants or can I just find a regular doctor? thanks

 Reply posted for GLW.

Yeah, I know how that feels. I spent 2 days straight in the prone position, in and out of consciousness, in pain. When I do manage to get up, I slep towards the kitchen to make a small snack, and it has to be small to keep my stomach from acting up. I am off to the ER, today to retell my story to a doctor I will probably not see again the next time I go. This time around, I am not holding anything back. No more brave face, it hurts, its depressing and its a vicious cycle. The more people know about this, the faster we can find a cure.

 Reply posted for phlipjacks.

Psychologists are not able to prescribe medication (they undertake therapeutic work but do not prescribe). Psychiatrists prescribe. So do general practice doctors.

 Reply posted for phlipjacks.

NO KIDDING - I am there with you all!!!

It isn't only the UC that literally kicks your but (pun intended). But everything that goes along with it.  For me that is Arthritis, along with getting sick a lot, tired a lot, IBS.. then Too DEPRESSION!

Usually it is worse in the winter - this year I was hit around the beginning of July and just shrugged it off initially as going along with a bad flair up of my arthritis and fibromialgia.  After seeing the rhumatologist and getting a steroid shot, and talking about going on Remicade. I again thought ok it is the steroid, as to why I am not bouncing back.

Then my body started to calm down - but my moods are still erratic, crying one min then yelling at my poor kids the next.  The big blow came just this weekend - I was again denied SSDI.  The first time they didn't look at anything (only their 2 Dr reports, and I saw them for maybe 10 min total). This second denial, as of two weeks ago I did not even have a case worker, then I get a letter saying No.  What is up with that???  Now to think about having to try and find a lawyer, & how do I pay them?  I have NO income, except child support & another 3 weeks of Unemployment Insurance then next to nothing!

I have been slowly decreasing my hours that I was working, because every time I did more I would get sick for a week or two and be out of commission.  What can I do?  Where do we go from here.

Sorry for being such a downer - and crabbing.  JUST FED UP!!!!!

To answer your QUESTION: Yes your general practitioner can prescribe anti-depressant, good ones will suggest you see someone.  That can be a counselor who is not a doctor, they would in turn ask you to sign a consent to release information to go to your GP & the GP would prescribe the Rx.

I am seeing a good counselor along with my GP's advice.

 Reply posted for phlipjacks.

Good Luck, I hope everything works out for you!

 Reply posted for phlipjacks.

I know exactly how you feel. Was diagnosed with UC a few years back and it has been an emotional rollercoaster for me. I am fortunate where it seems that my flares subside in the Spring/Summer, but unfortunately return in the Fall/Winter. Have been on and off prednisone (40 mg was the highest) and that in itself seems to really mess with your emotions as well. I tend to isolate myself, so also reached out to a support group as I felt although my physical needs were being addressed through my GI, my emotional needs were not. I find these boards really helpful as so many of us can relate, and I also joined a support group in my area (which has also helped). You can get through this, and you are already moving in a positive direction.

Sending good thoughts your way....hang in there.

 Reply posted for phlipjacks.

I'm glad you have sought out a support group...taking that first step is hard.

Talking to a counselor or therapist was a good suggestion too.

You really do have your highs and lows with this disease.  Just when you think you have everything managed, it reminds you of it's presence.

I have gone 2 or 3 years without any problems and then something triggers my stress, which leads to fatigue and then depression.

You will start feeling well again. 

You're getting out...you're being proactive!  Great job.

Cheers,

SC 

 Reply posted for ACA11.

I thank you all for your kind and prompt responses. Ive been living with this illness for about 20 years now. I feel I have been through alot as most of you all have. I felt that the emotional part has finally caught up to me. Last year was pretty good to me. I had it all pretty much undercontrol. The symptoms were held in check, though never gone away. I dont think I ever remembered a day without diarhea, pain and abcesses. I was able to hold a good paying job before the stress and my surroundings got the better of me. (I lived with a person who constantly smoked around me) Now, I look at where I am at and get very depressed. Im 38 years old, living with my sister (who has generously taken me in) and have nothing to show for my efforts of trying a carve out a living. I have found a group that meets every 3rd tuesday at the hospital, its going to be my first time going. I hope I can meet people and befriend people who live in the area. I also hope they can give me some info about whats in this town that can help me out. Thank you all for your kindness, you given me hope. :)

 Reply posted for Ashley22.

There are plenty of clinics out there who will charge based on your income.  When I first moved out here, I battled depression (lost both parents 7 mos. from each other) and I went to a clinic and I paid very little.  I was able to get in to see their therapist (disqusting cheap to the point I could afford it) and they prescribed my meds.  And somehow, they did it so I only had to pay maybe five or ten dollars for it. 

There are other options, just need to keep searching and you will be ok.  I've been there, seen life at its darkest and I'm still here. 

Good luck and keep us posted.

 Reply posted for phlipjacks.

I work in a doctors office and a regular intermal medicine doctor can prescribe you an antidepressant. If y ou are really depressed you may want to see a therapist, it may help you along with the medication. When I was dianosed I was soooo depressed. Ventng through this website was actually the thing that helped me. I felt that talking to people who have been through what I have been through and go through what I go through on a daily basis feels better. Good Luck.

 Reply posted for phlipjacks.

I understand the depression.  You get hit with all the physical stuff (cramps/bathroom visits, etc), but the emotional wellness catches you off guard.

Seek out a family physician to go over your symptoms and discuss treatment options.  Or, see if there is a Crohn's support group near you.

As far as bills, I feel your pain.  I just see it as the debt that will never be paid.

 Reply posted for SemiColon.

I think I am very depressed about my Crohns. I am at a low point in my life. The saying goes, "Rock bottom, only way is up". I cant seem to find myself climbing up. My sister is helping me deal with it but she can only do so much. I have sought disability and medicaid to help the cost of getting back to at least well enough to function in society but of course they denied me. I do have a GI doc I can go to, but no way of paying him. I guess I will have to crawl back to the ER to patch myself up again. They dont require money up front. Thank you for the info.

 Reply posted for phlipjacks.

You can go to a family practitioner.  What's going on?

Let us know if we can help.  Write out some of your problems.  We may have experience something similar and be able to help.

Cheers,

SC