If you’re experiencing depression, it can be difficult to bring up the topic with healthcare providers. But remember that you don’t need to prove your depression to anyone.
Talking about your symptoms will help your psychiatrist understand the full picture of your mental health. This will help them know what types of support you may need.
Because effective psychiatric care for depression is collaborative, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your insights are an essential part of the treatment process.
If you’re seeking psychiatric care for depression, it’s important that your providers understand your symptoms. But sometimes, it can be hard to talk to a psychiatric provider about depression. You might be unsure how to bring it up or what to say. Rest assured that there’s no right or wrong way to do this. What matters most is that you’re open and honest about your symptoms.
Psychiatric providers are trained to help facilitate these conversations without judgment. Their role is to provide a safe, supportive space for people to disclose whatever they’re experiencing. In describing the full picture of your mental health, you can help your psychiatric provider provide the best possible care for your needs.
Signs you should talk to a psychiatrist about depression
The term “depression” can mean many things. People use it to refer to mild or moderate episodes of low mood. But it can also refer to a clinical mental health condition called major depressive disorder (MDD).
The diversity of these experiences can make it difficult to know when you should talk to a psychiatrist about your depression. Many medical and mental health professionals can help you manage your symptoms. But talking to a psychiatric provider might be a helpful option if you:
Have complex medical and/or mental health needs, and your depression symptoms are severely impacting your daily functioning
Are interested in taking medication to manage your depression
Already see a therapist for your depression, but it’s not providing the relief you’d hoped for
Got a recommendation to see a psychiatric provider from your primary care physician or another provider
It can be tough to open up about depression. But it can make a major difference in your quality of life. Early intervention can prevent major depressive episodes and keep your symptoms from getting worse. And, in some cases, early psychiatric intervention for depression can save a life.
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Six tips for talking to a psychiatrist about depression
As you prepare to talk to your psychiatrist about depression, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Ask about the types of support they offer
Psychiatrists are medical doctors while psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are nurse practitioners who specialize in mental health. Most psychiatric providers focus on treating mental health concerns with medication. However, some providers may offer other depression treatments, like therapy.
If you already have a therapist, this may not be something you need. But you can always ask about your psychiatric provider’s approach to managing depression and what types of supports they provide.
2. Remember, you don’t need to “prove” your depression
Depression isn’t something you can see on an X-ray or blood test. So, some people may wonder how their provider can tell if they’re really experiencing depression.
All you need to do is accurately describe your experiences. Your psychiatric provider can listen, without judgment, before issuing a diagnosis. You don’t have to prove your depression to anyone.
3. Think about the big picture
Mental health is affected by all sorts of things — from childhood experiences to biology. So, know that your provider will ask about topics beyond your personal experience of depression. For example, they may want to talk about your family history, physical health, or trauma history.
4. Prepare to answer lots of questions
Your psychiatric provider will want to know when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and what you’ve tried to manage them. They may also use a diagnostic tool like a depression screener to facilitate this process. These insights will help them get a clearer understanding of your mood and mental health.
5. Advocate for yourself
Psychiatric providers know a lot about treating depression. But you’re the true expert on yourself.
You can play an active role in the treatment process by asking questions, raising concerns, and speaking up whenever something doesn’t feel right. Most providers welcome feedback because it helps them improve outcomes for their patients.
6. Have patience with the process
Psychiatric care can look different from one person to the next. This is because everyone’s needs, preferences, and strengths are unique. It might take a few sessions for your provider to confirm your diagnosis. And, from there, it might take even more time to find the right support for your needs.
Try to have patience throughout this process. But if something isn’t working, or you don’t feel that your provider is listening to you, know that you always have the right to seek a second opinion.
During an initial conversation about depression, I encourage patients to describe how these symptoms are impacting their functioning in daily life. As a psychiatric provider, it’s important to know how depression is showing up in areas like your relationships, work, or everyday activities. Then, we can work together to create a plan to address these symptoms.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Clinical reviewer
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If you’re experiencing depression, being open and honest about your symptoms is one of the best things you can do for yourself. But if you’re intimidated by the idea of talking to a psychiatric provider about depression, you’re not alone. It can be hard to know what to say or how to prepare for this conversation.
However, psychiatrists are medical doctors while psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are nurse practitioners who specialize in mental health. They know how to provide a safe, supportive space for these discussions. Your provider can listen, without judgment, and offer support. Whether you need therapy, medication, or both, a psychiatric provider can help you find the care you need to improve your mental health.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Halee is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience treating children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in outpatient community health with children/adolescents as well as inpatient substance use disorder treatment. She currently sees patients via outpatient telehealth. Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she worked in emergency rooms, medical-surgical units, long-term care facilities (including Alzheimer/dementia units) and the intensive care unit.
She chose a career in mental health because she wanted to help people and to contribute to breaking down stigma around mental health. She is especially passionate about working with people who are navigating substance use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety/trauma-related disorders. She has three labradoodles that she adores.
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