If I am a preson who refuse to take medication, should I still visit a psycholog!

Therapists do not prescribe medication in most states. It is psychiatrists who prescribe medications. You can try the free computerized counseling at Moodgym - there are tests for "warpy thinking" which can give you some insight into your problems. you have to do the homework, but it's not too hard - stuff like be nice to yourself twice this week, etc.

all the best to you

PS that "taking meds for mental illness is the same as taking insulin for diabetes" line is a load of crap. Diabetes treatments are EFFECTIVE for almost all people, and the side effects of the meds are tolerable for almost all (my husband and 3 family members and a former family member all had diabetes). The process of diabetes is much better understood than any mental illness, and insulin is the source of the problem, and the meds act on insulin or the cells' ability to use insulin. In mental illness, the causes are not known at ALL - the chemical imbalance hypothesis has not panned out. So the meds are being thrown at people because docs don't know what else to do. Most meds are NOT well tolerated for mental illnesses, and they are not much more effective than sugar pills, and the side effects can even shorten your lifespan, in the case of antipsychotics especially. so don't buy into that type of thinking, mental illnesses are not understood, and the treatments are only so-so.

at least with therapy, there are NO side effects.

PS if you are suicidal, it is best to go inpatient for awhile. There is a difference between passing thoughts that you would be better off dead, and actually planning suicide. the latter is an emergency, and you just need to go to the hospital then. The former is actually pretty common, and not an emergency. It is true that you don't want to have a 72 hour hold put on you, so go in voluntarily if you do go to the hospital. sometimes the doc will just put a hold on you anyhow, "just in case" you try to leave, which is unfair, but the truth.

when you feel better, consider a psychiatric advance directive, which you can get a link to your state's free version by linking thru bazelon.org. you can specify what treatment you will accept in that document, which is a legal document.

A psychologist will only be able to help with counselling etc. they cannot prescribe drugs. A psychiatrist may prescribe drugs, but not always, often they have access to counselling as well. A community psychiatric nurse can assess you, referred by your GP, or go to any A&E department and tell them that you are feeling suicidal. Just because you end up taking prescribed drugs does not mean that you will have to take them for the rest of your life, many people take them short to mid term and gradually reduce the dose without becoming depressed/suicidal again.

The fact that you have gone as far as posting this question would make m
e feel that this is a cry for help but need to go and get that help, It is better to be a voluntary psychiatric patient than ending up trying to commit suicide and then find yourself sectioned for your own safety - it will stay on your medical records.

GP

Absolutely. I used to have extreme and diagnosed anxiety (I still have the symptoms every now and then) and didn't want to take any medication for it. Even when suffering severe depression (to the point I stopped eating all together) I still came through the other side without ever taking medication. I had a fantastic psychologist who helped me deal with my symptoms of anxiety and completely changed the way I think and deal with things. It took time and hard work to finally see the light, but I did it. I remember being absolutely convinced I'd never feel normal, but today I can say, thanks to this doctor I saw, I am 100% better. I have nothing against people who take medication, sometimes it is absolutely necassary, but I wanted to try and get better by myself (and counselling) and it can be done, depending on the menatl illness you have.

You are one of the few people who refuse to take medication for a medically manageable condition.

You cannot "**** up your life with medication". But you probably fear the medication and possible side effects. All right.
You have to consider a mental illness to be just like a physical illness, because it is.
Imagine that you were a diabetic and you are prescribed medication and diet to control the disease. Sure, you can refuse to take the medication but your diabetes will be out of control and you can end up in the hospital be refusing your medication.

And so, its a free country. Do as you like but you need to realize the problem.
And now you ask, should you continue to see a psychologist? Yes! Why? Because your psychologist can monitor and help you cope with your illness. The doctor is your best defense for your health. If you refuse his suggestion to take medication that will control your symptoms and make you well, then so be it.
Remember that the doctor works for you and your benefit only. And so you need to get your money's worth from your mental health provider. I wish you all the best.

A psychologist doesn't prescribe drugs, only a psychiatrist does. Some people need meds, some don't. It's not considered messing up your life if you do need them. I hope that you don't consider the people that do really need them as messed up. Try the psycho therapy first, and see how that helps.

maybe u need a therapist , they don't deal with drugs. but u should go to a psychiatrist because if ur gonna refuse to take drugs then there's something OTHER tan deppresison going on. sommin phcotic