I think i've been battling depression along with anxiety. who should i contact for help, my family doctor? or someone else?

General dr: You can start with your general MD. They can help you get referred to a psychiatrist or counselor and prescribe medication if they think it is necessary. It is good to hear you are reaching out. Good luck.

DEPRESSION: Seek prompt evaluation by your Internist. You need a full exam and labs to rule out any underlying medical conditions, like thyroid disease and vitamin deficiency. They can initiate medication and refer you to a psychiatrist and for therapy as well. I also recommend the anxiety & phobia workbook. Remember to access your support system, you are not alone.

Anyone: The best help is the help you use. Anyone can be a good source of help for you. Some family doctors are very helpful, while others may find you additional help with counselors/psychologists/psychiatrists. Additionally, sometimes friends that have been through it can be helpful. Each person is different. The main thing is to get help SOMEWHERE. Best of luck!

Your family Dr can: assess for mood disorder & causative underlying medical conditions & refer if needed. Talking therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or insight oriented psychotherapy) is allows for lasting change. Psychiatric meds may be indicated. Don't isolate. Spend time w people. Use your support system. Get out. Get at least 8 hrs of sleep/ night & eat healthfully. Daily aerobic physical activity is a big +.

Mental health prof: While your regular doctor may be able to help you with this, a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, is specifically trained to diagnose and recommend treatment for depression and anxiety. That being said, if there is a physical cause for your symptoms, your regular physician may want to do a physical check and lab work to eliminate any possbilities of medical illness.

Good place to start: is with your family doc. Anxiety comes along with major depression 75% of the time, so if this is your case, treating the depression is indicated first and the anxiety might lessen just doing that. But, there are physical causes of depression that need to be ruled out. Your MD will then make the appropriate referral.

Depression/Anxiety: Get an evaluation from a psychiatrist to help identify what depression/anxiety means to you and whatever else may be bothering you. Consider recommendations for medication if any are given. Get a referral for a reputable psychotherapist to speak with. Meds and therapy combined are most optimal; no just one or the other.

Start with your PCP: Visiting your primary care provider is a good place to start in dealing with depression and anxiety problems. Your PCP could refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist. You could also contact a mental health professional directly if you wish. Contacting a professional is a good idea. The professional can refer you to someone else if appropriate. You can solve this problem.

Depression: First please get a medical exam to rule out any physical illness. If you are OK then it would be good to consult with a psychologist to get help. In addition to psychotherapy there are also medications that can help.

PCP + MH Pro: You PCP should be able to refer you to a good mental health professional in your area. Depending on the level of your symptoms, a combination of psychological treatment and medication should be able to help.