Posted by Deneb on October 19, 2009, at 1:32:35
In reply to depression treatment, posted by cabinet on October 19, 2009, at 1:15:20
Hello Cabinet!
Welcome to Psycho-Babble!
I think working with a clinical psychologist is a great idea. If you are open to it, the combination of meds and therapy is more effective than either alone. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help a lot with depression and anxiety. You can find a psychologist who does CBT. There are also a lot of self help books on CBT. One really good one is "Feeling Good" by David Burns.
If therapy is too expensive and you are not shy, group therapy is often less expensive. You can look into that. Depending on where you live, there might also be support groups for people with depression and anxiety. Getting out there and socializing is good for depression.
Another really inexpensive option is exercise. My psychiatrist is big on exercise. It releases feel good endorphins, eases anxiety and depression. A brisk 30 minute walk is a good start.
There are also a lot of alternative meds and supplements that can help with depression and anxiety. I know St. John's Wort is one that has been studied. You can check out the alternative board for more ideas.
If finding a psychiatrist is hard, can you see your general practitioner for your depression and anxiety in the meantime? Lots of GPs prescribe antidepressants. Check out the medication board for ideas on what medications to take. Many here take their research and present it to their psychiatrists (pdocs) or GPs.
The newbies board is a little slow. Feel free to post on the other boards. Someone will probably be able to help you.
I hope you find some answers. Good luck!
Deneb
> I moved from the midwest to the east coast nearly a year ago and have been looking for psychiatrist for meds and therapy thru my insurance co, but not having much luck. would appreciate your thoughts on working with clinical psychologist on treating major depression and anxiety. Open to inexpensive and effective alternatives to medication and/or therapy. Thanks in advance.
poster:Deneb
thread:921524
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20080507/msgs/921528.html