If I get put on depression pills will I HAVE to see a counselor?
I really dislike counselors. I actually hate them. Im thinking about asking my dr about depression meds to help with my panic attacks. I dont know if they even give out meds for panic attacks. But anyways, do you think I would have to see a counselor if I didnt want to?
I’m 16 years old by the way
Well basically the two meds and therapy go hand in hand. The meds will temporary make u feel better but the real problem isnt solved. To fix the real problem … the reason you feel depressed and get panic attacks is that your thoughts are doing this to you. So u are stuck thinking the same bad thoughts.. By talking to a counselor … she will help you change these negative thoughts to positive ones… Hope this helps ya 
September 24th, 2009 at 12:44 am
counselors cant give you pills. only doctors. so if a doctor does prescribe you anti depressents it’s likely that some form of therapy will be suggested as it is usually key in treating depression.
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September 24th, 2009 at 1:32 am
usually dr.s don’t advise counseling unless there is abuse or severe anger problems. tell your dr. you don’t wan’t counseling and feel it isn’t a option for you. zoloft is a good pill for depression to anxiety attacks. be clear with your dr. that you feel you really need something to help and don’t wan’t to go the counseling way. good luck
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September 24th, 2009 at 1:45 am
No you will not have to see a counselor unless you decide that you want to, your regular doctor should be able to give you something for your panic attacks. .
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Snurse who also has panic attacks.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:33 am
Well basically the two meds and therapy go hand in hand. The meds will temporary make u feel better but the real problem isnt solved. To fix the real problem … the reason you feel depressed and get panic attacks is that your thoughts are doing this to you. So u are stuck thinking the same bad thoughts.. By talking to a counselor … she will help you change these negative thoughts to positive ones… Hope this helps ya
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September 24th, 2009 at 3:17 am
well when i was 16 i was put on depression pills too and it was recommended that i see a counselor but i made a decision not to. it all depends on what u want to do. my mom tried to force me into it though and we had a falling out. you should just be careful because a lot of those pills have a tendency to make young people think suicidal thought…..so just be safe and understand all risks involved if u decide to take the pills. but you must understand that there are good effects too. u won’t feel depressed(not right away but within a week you’ll be fine), but you also might decide that you dont feel like yourself. GOOD LUCK
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September 24th, 2009 at 3:22 am
Unfortunately most doctors would probably refer you to a psychologist. They are not all bad, you just need to hunt around for one that you can trust. They can really help you through lots of things. Like why you are having panic attacks, or why you feel depressed. Most good doctors will refer you and not just give you the pills. Especially because you are still young i can almost say that you will not get them from your family doctor. The reason being is that many anti-depressants have been show to cause a higher rate of suicide in teens and young adults. They are very unstable drugs and take some time getting use to and some time to find the right one.
It is a good thing though to get what you are feeling checked out, because you could be diagnosed with clinical depression and then the doctors can help you figure out the best treatment method.
Just as a side note….
Try the natural herb, ST. Johns Wart. It is sold over the counter at any store that sells herbal supplements. It helped my dad alot with his depression.
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September 24th, 2009 at 4:02 am
Okay, if you have ‘panic attacks’ you don’t need meds for depression, you need them for ‘anxiety’ … and your doctor may ask you to ‘talk to a counselor’ before he gives you the prescription … just tell the counselor that you ‘hate talking to counselors’ and that you really just need the ‘meds’ to help you get over the panic attacks. Since ‘anxiety’ like a panic attack is a ‘medical’ problem more than a ‘psychological one’ you would probably only have to see the counselor to MAKE SURE that you aren’t ‘neurotic’ and that the ‘pills’ are all you need.
SOME counselors are really good (I was one, by the way, & I was ‘THE BEST’ in my ’specialty’) … while others don’t deserve to be called ‘counselors.’ I actually AGREE WITH YOU about ‘talking to a counselor’ … just remember, that if you ‘must’ do it, it could be for six weeks or less … and I’ll bet you can ‘bullsh-t’ your way through six 50 minute hours to get the pills you need.
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I’m a psychologist …
September 24th, 2009 at 4:29 am
No one is making you see a counseler.
Plus, you should not be put on depression pills for panic attacks; there are other medicines out there for panic attacks and anxiety issues. Your doctor can suggest some alternatives, but I doubt depression pills will be one of them unless you have a depression disorder.
Depression pills are prescribed only to those that actually need them because those pills are serious stuff. Doctors tend to not want to put kids on depression pills unless they have a depression disorder etc. etc.
Not for panic attack. Just go to your doctor and say you are having problems with your panic attacks and they will tell you what they think is best.
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September 24th, 2009 at 4:55 am
I was right where you are when I was 16. But this about 15yrs ago before there were pills that really helped with depression and panic attacks.
I too hated my counselors. I had seen a few and hated it.
It wasn’t till I was about 17 or so that I finally got a good one. You just have to find one that works for you.
I am not sure but I am guessing that you would have to see someone to help you with your panic attacks.
I was put on anti depressants at age 17 for a year and then again after my 3rd child about 5yrs ago. They helped me some, but most help came from my counselor. i again had to see a few before I found one I liked. That is the key.
Also you are underage. So it would be up to your parents too if you go on meds. I wouldn’t think a doctor would just hand them over to a teenager.
Also a lot of panic attacks are due to your thinking. That is what my counselor taught me. You have to learn how to adjust your thinking to positive to help with the attacks. Also the counselor will help you learn how to calm yourself down.
I am not off my meds and haven’t seen my counselor for about 2-3yrs now. I still have panic problems at times and still panic about stuff but not as bad. I have just learned how to adjust. But I still think I am far from well. ; ) I think it’s something we learn to live with.
Good luck and God bless
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been in and out of counseling and even a mental hospital since I was 17. Now happily married for 13yrs, 3 kids and God has healed me from most of my panic disorder, multipersonality disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and a few others.
September 24th, 2009 at 5:35 am
Why don’t you try the herbs which good for depression,
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without side effects and safe for health.
So you can recover your normal life gradually.
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September 24th, 2009 at 6:09 am
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/TheOpenDoorForsupport/
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September 24th, 2009 at 6:49 am
If you are under any sort of prescription medication that deals with psychiatric or psychotic diagnoses you will have to stay in contact with the medical professional that is giving you the prescription.
Now whether or not that means that you will also have to see a counselor is another story.
At 16, you do not have a lot of choice.
Do not group all counselors together.
I wish you well!
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September 24th, 2009 at 7:36 am
I’m 14 and take depression meds, I went to a counselor at first but quit going and got the pills still. To get refils I have to go see my psychaitrist every couple months cause he’s the one that perscribed them. Your doctor might tell you to go see a psychaitrist to see if you actually need them but I don’t think you’ll have to see a therapist. Good luck.
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