Psychiatrist vs counsellor
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi guys! I need advice. I strongly suspect I have quite severe anxiety problems but I'm not sure who to turn to for help. I thought of seeing a psychiatrist, but a friend of mine who is a social worker recommended a counsellor instead. Her reason is that a psychiatrist just gives meds but a counsellor can attend to me more holistically. A counsellor's fee is also half that of a psychiatrist, and cost is an issue for me. But my worry is that counsellors are not exactly trained in mental health or medical issues, and I am experiencing some physical symptoms (fatigue, back aches, loss of appetite...) and health anxiety. What do you all think? Have you had experience with either one? Which would be more effective?
0 likes, 4 replies
sylwia30346 irene05439
Posted
Hi Irene, I'm sorry to hear you are not feeling well
Have you seen your GP yet? I think this should be your starting point if you haven't done it yet. You should get tested first as it could be something like low iron levels etc. Only then when you rule out all physical conditions and anxiety is confirmed, I would go to counsellor/psychiatrist. Depends how bad your problem. Have you had any stresses recently? Anything that could lead to this feeling?
I have never been to psychiatrist and I would also avoid going there as they do tend to pump up the meds into people without looking at the bigger picture. Not all the problems have to be resolved by medications and I am strongly advising to try to come out of anxiety without them, as meds tend to mask the symptoms and then when you stop taking them in many cases the problem comes back. I will send you a link to the website that I found extremely useful. Hope you feel better soon x
vicki85531 sylwia30346
Posted
My doctor suggested I see a physiologist for my anxiety and health anxiety. He explained it to be in the middle of a councellor and a psychiatrist. The difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is that a physiologist can’t prescribe medication. Someone correct me if this is wrong but this is how it was explained to me.
sylwia30346 vicki85531
Posted
Hi Vicki, I think some error crept in... you mentioned physiologist - I huess you meant pschyologist??
Yes, that would be correct, they are something in between. But ti be honest with you my GP precribed me anti-depressants before so seems like not everyone follows the correct assessment route unfortunately... even GP's
What I meant is that it's always best to assess physical condition first and check if there is no underlying condition that causes us feel so bad. But based on severity of issues and their nature I would try to gauge then who to go to. I used have panick attacks and anxiety developed pretty quick but I don't think I ever needed a psychiatrist. I don't think there is any harm to see him, but I think some issues can be resolved by counsellor and as Irene said they are much cheaper!
vicki85531 sylwia30346
Posted