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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Torey on June 6, 2005, at 21:07:01
I have been depressed for at least 8 years. I am now 20. My parents don't believe in mental disorders, they think it's just something doctors made up to make money with medication. So they won't let me go see a doctor. Plus, I'm still under their insurance, so there's no way around that. I can't afford to pay out of pocket. Is there anything I can do or anywhere I can go??
Posted by pinkeye on June 6, 2005, at 21:11:11
In reply to Need to see a doctor, but parents won't let me., posted by Torey on June 6, 2005, at 21:07:01
Ask your Family practitioner or General Practitioner to try to convince your parents?? Usually people listen when some doctors tell them it is important.
Posted by messadivoce on June 6, 2005, at 21:22:10
In reply to Need to see a doctor, but parents won't let me., posted by Torey on June 6, 2005, at 21:07:01
I'm sorry your parents are so closed-minded. I think pinkeye's suggestion of seeing your general practitioner is a good one. There are also agencies that often offer couseling services for low cost, I believe. You may end up getting whatever you get, but it's something. Do you attend college? Often colleges will offer counseling for free in their health clinic.
You are an adult--you need to do what is best for you. It doesn't matter what other people think when it comes to your health. If you think something is wrong then there probably is. Do your parents deny all sickness, mental and physical, or just mental disorders? Are they physically keeping you from seeing a doctor?
If your health insurance covers therapy, what is to prevent you from seeing a therapist anyway, since it would be no cost to your parents? If you had to make small co-pays, could you handle that?
Posted by Jazzed on June 6, 2005, at 23:06:25
In reply to Re: Need to see a doctor, but parents won't let me. » Torey, posted by messadivoce on June 6, 2005, at 21:22:10
Most communities have mental health clinics. The one in our community is very good, and doesn't "look" like anything other than a regular doctor's office. They see private patients, patients who need funding assistance, as well as no fee patients. The doctors and therapists are all excellent. The college health care clinic was a great suggestion too. Most have good staff therapists. It's a shame if your parents let you suffer because they perceive a stigma or something. I agree, you need help, and getting the family GP involved is a good idea. Often your GP will prescribe antidepressants too. That might help, but he/she should know of your struggles with the depression and with your parents.
Good luck and keep us posted Torey!
Jazzy
Posted by Torey on June 7, 2005, at 0:59:21
In reply to Re: Need to see a doctor, but parents won't let me. » messadivoce, posted by Jazzed on June 6, 2005, at 23:06:25
I did go to my general practitioner, last year. He prescribed me prozac, my parents flipped out, and won't let me go back to the doctor again unless I'm on my deathbed. If I would go to a doctor, the bills come to our house. I called my insurance to see if I could change the billing address, they can't guarantee that all bills will be sent there. I did go to my city's mental health place, but they can't do anything since I have insurance.
I talked to my psych teacher a couple times, he's a licensed psychologist. He says I am bipolar. My school has counseling, but they don't give out medication. I am such a mess right now.
Posted by cubic_me on June 7, 2005, at 4:16:08
In reply to Re: Need to see a doctor, but parents won't let me., posted by Torey on June 7, 2005, at 0:59:21
This seems so hard for you. I was in a similar situation until I was 18 and it nearly killed me, so it really is important that you get some kind of support. If I was you I would go to the college councelling center, if you see a therapist there they will be aware of all the help that's available in your area.
If you feel that you are at risk of hurting yourself, go to the ER. It sounds extreme, but that might be what you need to get some help.
Posted by Jazzed on June 7, 2005, at 6:50:48
In reply to Re: Need to see a doctor, but parents won't let me., posted by Torey on June 7, 2005, at 0:59:21
Can you go back to your GP, even tho' you're "not on your deathbed" and get another Rx, tell the GP what's going on and tell him you need his confidence, then just not tell your parents about the Rx? Then keep the Rx in a place they won't find it? You said your school has counseling. That's a good place to start. Counseling and meds work together, but counseling alone is better than no help.
Why are your parents so against all of this. Don't they realize how much worse it might get if they don't take care of you? Can you talk to a clergy, or another trusted adult who can influence your parents? Is there one parent who might be pursueded to come to your way of thinking?
Jazzy
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on June 7, 2005, at 10:50:08
In reply to Re: Need to see a doctor, but parents won't let me., posted by Torey on June 7, 2005, at 0:59:21
Go to your school's counseling center. You can work with someone to help you find a way to talk to and/or work around your parents abt the meds. Also, you would be amazed at how much talk therapy would help.
Best,
EE
Posted by Torey on June 14, 2005, at 12:13:47
In reply to Re: Need to see a doctor, but parents won't let me., posted by Emily Elizabeth on June 7, 2005, at 10:50:08
Okay, I wrote to my insurance company (Friday) and informed them of my new address (I got a P.O. Box). How long do you think it will take for the address to change on their records? I just want to know how long I should wait before I make an appointment.
Thanks.
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