Mental health cannot be seen or touched. But if the issues are not addressed, they can affect a person’s wellness and relationships. As I have discovered, there is no shame in seeking professional help. So, I recently visited a psychiatrist.

Find a Psychiatrist: Seeking Professional Help

How to Find the Right Psychiatrist for You

Ask for a referral. I asked some people about where to find a psychiatrist. A referral is a good way to start. But the best advice I got was from a doctor I know. She referred me to one she knows personally and is comfortable with. So I went there and didn’t regret the decision.

Set an appointment. Walk ins are a bit stressful. A friend of mine who also has anxiety just walked in a clinic because they could not give her a schedule. She arrived at 8am and was called at 5pm. Oh my, that will really add to my anxiety.

Be honest. The doctor will diagnose you based on what you have narrated. Be truthful and try to be as direct to the point. Ask questions.

Make a list. It will probably help you to remember what you need to tell your psychiatrist if you make a list before the visit.

What the Psychiatrist Did

In our setting, my visit to the doctor wasn’t really like the ones I see in the movies. I did not lie down on the coach or any of that.

During the appointment, I asked the psychiatrist if I my husband could join in the consultation. She said I could bring anybody I want to be in there. I wanted my husband with me because so that he could listen to the diagnoses and advice. He could also help relate the moments I had with my mother. After all, we have been together for 20 years.

The doctor asked about my problems and the probable causes. Basically, I related to her my history with my mother. She confirmed that my mother has a personality disorder based on my narrative. She also said that from some of her reactions, my mother may also have histrionics.

Our session lasted about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Diagnosis

The doctor explained so many things about my mother and my relationship with her. She said that for my official diagnosis, I have Major Depressive Disorder or MDD. Along with it is mild anxiety.

She gave me an antidepressant pill that I should take for six months. A sleeping pill was added, which I would take as needed. But the anti-depressant is already enough to send me to lala-land. So I skipped on the sleeping pill.

Additionally, she said that I should accept the fact that my narcissistic mother will never change. So that means I need to pretty much decide on my defenses to protect myself and my family.

No Shame in Seeking Professional Help

Last year, I was already committed on seeking professional help for mental health. But the stress of getting appointments, the stigma of a psychiatrist, plus the fear of taking maintenance medication got the better of me.

Meanwhile, this doctor gave me the option to take the medicines or not. But she said that if I decide to do so, I have to take it religiously according to her instructions.

I immediately bought the anti-depressant, took it, and honestly I feel better. And, it’s only been a few days. Waking up each morning doesn’t feel so bad anymore. Maybe that’s because I was able to rest well.

Self Help

I tried to manage my depression and anxiety with naturopathic cures. Essential oils and the Himalayan salt lamp in my bedroom worked quite well for my sleep.

Honestly, I felt better for several months until there were triggers. The triggers were news of my mother’s actions towards other people. Plus, news that she would be coming over to see me and such. These bits of information mess up with my mind and emotions. I get paranoid and anxious.

It has been almost a year since I became aware of my parents’ personality disorders. But it’s only now that I sought professional help. I thought that changing my views, praying, doing positive things, even nutrition, would help me. They did, to some extent, but they were not enough. It’s like letting a person with a limp walk without crutches.

In the End

I am thankful that I decided to see a psychiatrist. Obviously, I needed help, not just for my sake, but also my children.

So if you think you are having problems, seeking professional help might be a good option for you. Ask for a referral and decide to go. It just might be the help you need.

Read more about what the psychiatrist told me in this post.