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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Emme_V2 on April 22, 2013, at 18:59:44
Why is it that if someone has a thyroid problem or arthritis or any other "physical ailment", they "go to the doctor" or "get treatment." They "see a specialist" if it requires that extra level of treatment beyond that their primary care doctor is comfortable with.
If someone has an illness that happens to lie in the psych realm, they "get help." Think about all the damning connotations, superiority, and stigma in that loaded phrase "You need help." Why don't we tell people who are depressed or anxious or otherwise experiencing a mental health situation "You are suffering and need to see a medical professional for treatment", be it their primary care doctor, a therapist, a psychiatrist, or maybe even all of them?
Language matters. At least to me. Grumbling over.
Posted by SLS on April 23, 2013, at 13:49:30
In reply to Terminology, posted by Emme_V2 on April 22, 2013, at 18:59:44
> Language matters.
Totally.
- Scott
Posted by alexandra_k on April 28, 2013, at 4:14:10
In reply to Terminology, posted by Emme_V2 on April 22, 2013, at 18:59:44
>Why don't we tell people who are depressed or anxious or otherwise experiencing a mental health situation "You are suffering and need to see a medical professional for treatment", be it their primary care doctor, a therapist, a psychiatrist, or maybe even all of them?
because there are genuine issues around thinking that 'medical professionals' have any claim to authority when it comes to assisting people with those sorts of problems.
there are pastors and counselors and friends and family members... there are message boards and there is art and music (to view, to make). there is travel. there is a walk in the park. there is tv, i guess... there are so very many things with the potential to alleviate suffering...
and in my experience psychiatrists and medications haven't been the most useful. not by a long shot...
so how come you think they get to be 'experts'
?
Posted by Emme_V2 on April 28, 2013, at 6:53:14
In reply to Re: Terminology, posted by alexandra_k on April 28, 2013, at 4:14:10
> >Why don't we tell people who are depressed or anxious or otherwise experiencing a mental health situation "You are suffering and need to see a medical professional for treatment", be it their primary care doctor, a therapist, a psychiatrist, or maybe even all of them?
>
> because there are genuine issues around thinking that 'medical professionals' have any claim to authority when it comes to assisting people with those sorts of problems.
>
> there are pastors and counselors and friends and family members... there are message boards and there is art and music (to view, to make). there is travel. there is a walk in the park. there is tv, i guess... there are so very many things with the potential to alleviate suffering...
>
> and in my experience psychiatrists and medications haven't been the most useful. not by a long shot...
>
> so how come you think they get to be 'experts'
>
> ?Because they go through extensive training to learn to treat people with these conditions. I respect their knowledge.
There are of course many options to treat distress, especially milder forms, and I wouldn't doubt their value.However, when the going gets rough, those avenues may not suffice. A walk in the park or a nice trip is not going to bring someone out of bad mania or turn someone back from suicidal depression, nor is a trip to an art gallery going to quiet the voices in a schizophrenic's head, although those can all be terrific and important add-ons to help someone regain their life.
It sounds like you have not had good experience with psychiatry. I and others, however, have had success with medications and therapists who are either Ph.D.s or LCSWs. I have seen several friends restored from terrible illness to normal functioning, and enjoyable lives with the right medications and backup from therapists.
If I need an air filter replaced in my car, I can do that myself with a trip to AutoZone. If I need a larger repair, I go to a reputable mechanic. I never had good luck with drugstore hair coloring (sure, some people do) - now I go to a professional and get better results. When my colleagues at work want certain types of information or analysis, they come to me because they know I have the professional expertise through my studies and training.
When I developed severe depression, I went to a good therapist. When that (plus, the yoga, plus the friends, plus hiking in the woods, plus you name it) wasn't enough to combat the worsening depression, I went to a psychiatrist and got successful treatment.
Posted by alexandra_k on April 29, 2013, at 5:23:21
In reply to Re: Terminology » alexandra_k, posted by Emme_V2 on April 28, 2013, at 6:53:14
So you've given one perspective on why you would encourage someone to get professional help.
I used to feel that way...
But I've always been fond of DIY...
So then I thought the solution was to train to be a health professional...
And now I feel a lot less secure to identify the 'experts'
that being said...
there are a whole range of avenues of help on campus... basically... the place is just a big social fest really so people run around chatting to each other all day... i still go and make an appointment with a counselor, go figure.
why is that?
habit. i think... tis all...
Posted by SLS on April 29, 2013, at 15:15:23
In reply to Re: Terminology, posted by alexandra_k on April 29, 2013, at 5:23:21
Hi A_K.
> So then I thought the solution was to train to be a health professional...
The solution to what?
Isn't that the critical question?
Are you still powerlifting? I envy you your energy.
- Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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