Should I be going to a pyschologist or a Psychiatrist?!

Should I be going to a pyschologist or a Psychiatrist?

So in the last few years I've experienced some WACKY events in my life like my dad committing suicide the day after fathers day and my crazy *** bipolar shock treatment receiving mother attempting suicide on Xmas! I was always a laid back outgoing guy, but lately I've found myself exhibiting fun behavior like making sure no neighbors are outside before I leave the house, and not talking to coworkers, which is really affective since I'm a manager. Although I've always said I wouldn't, I'm starting to think maybe I should see someone. I've been advised I seeem to have developed some social anxiety and I need to talk to someone, but I'm not much of a talker, I just want to know if there is medication I can take to help me be who I once was. Should I go initially to a pyschologist or a Psychiatrist?

4 weeks ago
The main reason I'm sucking it up and considering talking to someone is the affect it's having on my social life and definately my work life. I can't small talk with anyone, so I avoid them. And then everyone thinks I'm a jerk.

This is up to you. Both psychologist and psychiatrists recommend that they should be the initial point of contact for any mental health care, of course.

Seeing as how psychiatrists are the only ones trained in detail about the use, risks and benefits of medications, I think it makes more sense in general to start out there. Many psychologists would say that psychiatrists are over-eager to prescribe medications, which is true; however, it is neither the job of the psychologist or psychiatrist to TELL you what to do. Rather it is their job to inform you of what options you have, and in that sense I think a psychiatrist would be a better place to start. If you decide you would prefer to stay away from medications, he could discuss psychotherapy as an option, or refer you to a psychotherapist if he or she did not do it in their practice. Psychiatrists ARE trained in psychotherapy, and many do use it in addition to or instead of medications. Even if they don't, they should know enough to be able to answer questions about psychotherapy and make the appropriate referrals to a psychotherapist.

Especially since you have questions about medications, I would start off with the psychiatrist. even if you end up not using them or needing them, they could at least answer questions for you.

I should also point out that given the problems your parents had, you seem to have turned out pretty well, which is a promising sign :)