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The best thing for you to do is go see a psych dr. It will make a world of difference for you. I was just in the hospital for 10 days getting my meds adjusted and finally got a correct diagnoses. I have major depressive disorder which fits me perfect. I never wanted to leave the house, I was sleeping all the time. It was awful! I was on the wrong meds the entire time. Since being put on the right ones I want to go out and do things now. I can't wait to get out of the house and I don't sleep all day like I was. I just found this site also. Good luck to you.

I agree, go see the psychiatrist. They basically are someone to talk to ,confidentially, that understands what u are going through. They also can prescribe the meds known to help your specific issues. They listen and help YOU make the best choices for your life(or is that the psychologist?)

My fiance is bipolar. Extreme high and lows and very short tempered with others. He knows taking meds is best for him, and having a wonderful woman by his side helps  too. LOL

The psychologist (who has a graduate degree - masters or PhD) is the one that spends an hour talking to you and helps you set and achieve goals & process your emotions.  The psychiatrist (who has an MD) is the one who gives you the medical diagnosis & prescribes the meds.

Ideally, they work together.  So, if you have one, ask them for a suggestion about who to see for the other.  If you don't have either, and you LIKE your PCP, ask her/him for suggestions.  If you don't like your PCP, or your insurance limits who you can see, then I suggest this: Get a list of a few names of psychiatrists (MD) who your insurance covers in your area.  Call, make appts, and see them ALL (unless they just really put you off on the phone).  Who you see and how comfortable you are with them is one of the most important aspects of your mental healthcare.  You have to be comfortable talking with your doctors, confident in their abilities, and honest with them about the down and dirty of your life.  There is literally nothing that you shouldn't be able to discuss.

**Special Insurance Note**

MAKE SURE that if your insurance requires a referral to a specialist (a psychiatrist is a specialist), that you get one.  Also, check the back of your insurance card and see if there is something about "for behavioral health services" or "mental health care" or something like that... many insurance companies now subcontract the mental health care mgmt to other companies (like Magellan).  And it's THEIR doctor network and THEIR authorization that you need to have.

Good luck and get a doc asap!

Having used both, I'd personally recommend the psychiatrist as the main go-to person... then if things go well there you can be helped further by counselling from a psychologist.  Until you get the medical condition somewhat under control, the counselling won't help all that much, in my opinion.

I have been to both. I liked the psychiatrist better unless I have them confused again. I got stable on my meds and it was helpful until I lost my insurance now I am dealing with things on my own not so good. I wish you the best I have been diagnosed with several different depressive moods so not really sure what my final diagnosis was or is. Like you I just found this site hopefully you find it helpful me I am undecided yet