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Psychologist or psychiatrist - your recommendation?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 8/27/2014 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
I think I just need a psychologist---someone to talk to or dump on without repercussions.  I don't think I need meds...just an outlet.  Maybe I just need an empty place where I can scream at the top of my lungs (that's how I fixed a lot of me in my youth--a good yelp).

The thing is this last straw may have been just that...the last straw.  I am not sure I can fix me on my own for the first time in my life.  I am trying humor - stupid humor and goofy pranks usually lightens me up a lot.  I am trying distraction - but everything is still there.  And now my gut pain has returned.  I actually spoke to my abdomen last night "OK we don't need this right now so go away".  Yeah I know I need to care more for the gut issues---but I will likely lose my job if I try to take a lot of time and I am sole support and insurance carrier for us.

So since I am actually thinking about calling my GP for a recommendation (I trust him more than most people on this planet!).  Which do you think is most helpful?

Posted 8/27/2014 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
If you don't want or feel you need medication, and maybe just some helpful hint and coping tools, I'd suggest a psychologist.  The psychiatrist is a prescribing doctor, and will medicate/treat.  The psychologist will talk with you over time and get a feeling for where you're at and work more directly with you to help you learn some new tools.
Posted 8/27/2014 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with the above. Psychiatrists tend to focus more on medications and most won't take the time to actually sit and talk with you (although this is not true for all). You may want to try a psychologist that has experience working with people with medical conditions and pain management techniques.
Posted 8/27/2014 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
Start with a psychologist. They will provide you with talk therapy and coping skills etc. If you have a condition that they feel would benefit from meds, they will then recommend/refer you to a psychiatrist. A lot of psych practices will have both types of provider on staff and you should usually be able to see the MD pretty easily.

Also, be open to the possibility of medications to help you at this time. Typically, people without more serious diagnoses don't need meds long-term. An extra pill or two to help you get through this time is worth it, esp when considering the consequences of not doing well could include losing your job and/or health coverage.
Posted 8/27/2014 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
My first guess would be to see the psychologist since many psychiatrists depend way too much on prescribing meds such as antidepressants for their patients. But then I remember that some antidepressants such as Wellbutrin might also help with Crohn's, as long as you remember not to overdose on them.

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=17&m=2115308
Posted 8/28/2014 12:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Habs,
I think you want a recommendation for a good therapist who works with grief and chronic illnesses. The therapist can either have a PhD and be a psychologist or an MSW and be a social worker...that doesn't matter as much as their background and experience with your issues. If you end out needing medication, then your GP can probably prescribe for you and you will not need a psychiatrist at all. We really do soak up and use our serotonin and other chemicals responsible for mood regulation faster when we are under stress. Medication for awhile along with therapy may not be a bad thing, but I'd definitely start with the therapy first and see how it goes.

I was diagnosed with my Crohn's just after my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. She always thought it was "her fault," which of course is ridiculous, but we were very close, and I'm sure the stress may have tipped me over the edge. I think therapy can be very helpful, not just for venting (although that certainly helps) but to develop specific coping tools to apply when you are feeling really stressed. Be kind to yourself. You have been through so much the past couple of years. My heart goes out to you, and venting here is also always an option.
Posted 8/28/2014 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with the above posters, especially if you want to avoid meds for now and just want someone to talk to.

I'm a bit of an oddity. I've been through four therapists and ended up leaving each of them because they weren't helping. I just couldn't form a connection with any of them.

I really like my psychiatrist. At this point, we only talk for 15-20 minutes per session, but she gives it to me straight, which none of the psychologists ever did, even when I explicitly told them what I'd like.

I use this site for most of my issues anyway. :)
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