Friend or Psychiatrist?

[Been There]

If you had a very serious issue (to you it is) that has been haunting you for years and finally have decided to tell someone in hopes that it may finally stop the pain and give you some relief, would you rather talk to your closest friend and trust that they keep it to themselves or would you prefer to discuss it with someone in the Psychiatric community? (Exclude a priest, rabbi or pastor)

 

[Bellbird]

Depending on how close that friend really is, or I would chose someone that I am not close to.

 

[Murrmurr]

If I talked to a professional about what's bugging me, they'd only prescribe a drug, maybe 2 drugs, so I'd only see someone in mental health if I thought that drugs would actually help.

 

[Jules]

Between a friend and a specialist, I’d choose the latter. It may not be fair to burden your friend with it.

 

[JustBonee]

If I talked to a professional about what's bugging me, they'd only prescribe a drug, maybe 2 drugs, so I'd only see someone in mental health if I thought that drugs would actually help.

Yes, truer words were never spoken.
If you can, take your problem to someone who will not find it an excuse to make money off of you.

 

[Gemma]

My best friend that I truly trust is my husband and he is the one I would seriously discuss any issues with that I might have.

 

[Murrmurr]

Yes, truer words were never spoken.
If you can, take your problem to someone who will not find it an excuse to make money off of you.

 

[Pepper]

A psychiatrist, but only if I had no friends or SF.

 

[Murrmurr]

A psychiatrist, but only if I had no friends or SF.

Or a joint or some brandy...or a cat.

Not my cat, though. He's an arse-hole.

 

[Pepper]

Hate the taste of brandy Frank. But no, that would be solving the problem on your own.

 

[Tish]

I am with @Murrmurr on this one.

The thing is no matter what you can't change the past.

 

[Jaiden]

I think I would talk to a professional, but not a psychiatrist, as @Murrmurr said, they tend to be all about drugs. I would talk to a therapist or a social worker, someone whose professional focus is on talk therapy.

 

[Myrtle]

Or a joint or some brandy...or a cat.

Not my cat, though. He's an arse-hole.

I can trust my cat. He knows where the catnip comes from.

 

[Nathan]

IMO it would be better to talk to a counselor, who would be impartial and objective. Plus, as was mentioned, avoid burdening a friend.

 

[1955]

The professionals are useless. As mentioned they’re good for handing out drugs. Sure, they’ll listen but it really comes down to you learning how to figure it out. Some things just can’t be reconciled and you have to accept that & move on. Sharing with a close someone else has the issue of it coming back to haunt you.

 

[dobielvr]

I tend to talk to myself and figure things out eventually.
(not out loud lol)

 

[Gary O']

Friend or Psychiatrist?​

A professional is sworn to secrecy

A friend just swears they didn't tell anyone.....

Your dog, however, won't tell anyone
Mainly 'cause he doesn't care
but.....will listen intently,
and will like and lick you, no matter

 

[Been There]

I have never been to a psychiatrist that offered me medications, other than to suggest taking Melatonin (which doesn't help) before bedtime. I have been to 2 different Psychiatrists and both referred me to a Psychologist. I do not have regular sleep hours. I live on naps.

 

[Remy]

Psychiatrist or other professional in mental health care. For sure. For sure. For sure.

Believe me, as an abused child, most don't want to hear about it and could never relate without having the experience themselves. And this goes for most experiences people need help with IMO.

 

[win231]

Between a friend and a specialist, I’d choose the latter. It may not be fair to burden your friend with it.

A real friend wouldn't consider it a burden. I wouldn't. Of course real friends are few.

 

[Pepper]

A real friend wouldn't consider it a burden. I wouldn't. Of course real friends are few.

Exactly what I thought.

 

[HoneyNut]

If you had a very serious issue (to you it is) that has been haunting you for years and finally have decided to tell someone in hopes that it may finally stop the pain and give you some relief, would you rather talk to your closest friend and trust that they keep it to themselves or would you prefer to discuss it with someone in the Psychiatric community?

I'd choose some sort of talk therapist, and depending what the issue was, possibly a moderated support group of other people with the same issue.

A friend is less likely to know how to respond and talk about it, and be more subject to temptations to gossip.

 

[Pepper]

A friend is less likely to know how to respond and talk about it, and be more subject to temptations to gossip.

If a 'friend' gossips about you, how are they your friend? An acquaintance maybe.

 

[NorthernLight]

If you had a very serious issue (to you it is) that has been haunting you for years and finally have decided to tell someone in hopes that it may finally stop the pain and give you some relief, would you rather talk to your closest friend and trust that they keep it to themselves or would you prefer to discuss it with someone in the Psychiatric community? (Exclude a priest, rabbi or pastor)

In the Canadian medical system, you have to be referred (by a GP) to a psychiatrist. I had a serious problem and tried to get a referral for 10 years. When I finally was referred, the psychiatrist prescribed an antidepressant. During subsequent visits, all she did was ask about how the drug was working, side effects, etc.

It didn't help me at all. So, to answer your question, definitely a friend.

 

[Shalimar]

Friend or Psychiatrist?​

A professional is sworn to secrecy

A friend just swears they didn't tell anyone.....

Your dog, however, won't tell anyone
Mainly 'cause he doesn't care
but.....will listen intently,
and will like and lick you, no matter

I have seen the efficacy of support animals when almost everything else failed my clients.