Hi guys (and gals) I'm a 25 year old male and have been depressed for as long as I can remember. I have zero self esteem/self worth and in general alot of extreme self hatred.

My family has a history of severe mental illness and this may or may not be genetic. I oftentimes feel 'weird' for lack of a better way to put it. In addition to my depression that is. It's not that I hear voices or anything, but I tend to repeat myself alot and talk to 'something' in my head. (this scares me because not only does depression run in my family, but so does schizophrenia) I just feel like I'm in my own little world sometimes.. I know that makes little to no sense, just don't know how else to put it.

I oftentimes just feel like breaking down and crying, but due to some deep hidden away sense of pride I hold it in. Basically I'm starting to ramble here, so I'll just get to the point.

I have come to the conslusion that my herbal regimen (St. John's Wort and 5-HTP) is no longer cutting it and for the first time I'm willing to admit that I've got a problem (and get on anti's if need be)

Was simply wondering what to expect in a counseling session? I'm a skeptic about it actually helping, but in the end feel there is nothing wrong with getting a free consultation and going from there.

Thanks everyone!

When you say "counseling" do you mean therapy or psychiatry? Ideally you'll find a doctor who does both.

In the first session, you should expect the doctor to interview you for at least an hour and ask you several questions about your health, your personal life, your past, and your family's health and personal life. And yes, even your sex life. These questions may feel very invasive, but they are helpful to the doctor to get a picture of you before he prescribes anything. Since blood-testing isn't very helpful for depression or other mental disorders, the questions are his best method of testing. Symptoms of the disorder can be physical and mental, and some of them might surprise you. For instance, one psychiatrist asked me if I sweat. I said yes, of course. He said, well, some people don't. I guess that's a symptom of some disorder, I don't know what.

You'll probably feel weird answering all these questions, but they may fit a "profile" for a certain disorder, whether it's bi-polar, chronic depression, ADD or whatever. Or who knows, it could be a thyroid problem. The doctor, if he's experienced, may have seen dozens or hundreds of people almost exactly like you. His aim is to treat you in the most effective way. Good luck!!

BTW, "depression" is a misnomer. You may not always feel sad. Some of the symptoms you describe are classic "depression" symptoms. So are rage, foggy thinking, irritability, daydreaming, and anti-social feelings, to name just a FEW. A whole barrel of negative stuff.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I kinda figured alot of questions would be involved and that's one of the many reasons (pure stubborness being the biggie) that I've failed to seek help until now. Just don't feel comfortable answering some questions and have no desire to have things boil over on me and possibly break down in front of the expert. That being said I feel it has to be done for my own sanity.

I was leaning towards psychiatry... but I'm really not sure which route to go. I do think you are quite correct in saying it would be ideal to find someone that does both.


When you say "counseling" do you mean therapy or psychiatry? Ideally you'll find a doctor who does both.

In the first session, you should expect the doctor to interview you for at least an hour and ask you several questions about your health, your personal life, your past, and your family's health and personal life. And yes, even your sex life. These questions may feel very invasive, but they are helpful to the doctor to get a picture of you before he prescribes anything. Since blood-testing isn't very helpful for depression or other mental disorders, the questions are his best method of testing. Symptoms of the disorder can be physical and mental, and some of them might surprise you. For instance, one psychiatrist asked me if I sweat. I said yes, of course. He said, well, some people don't. I guess that's a symptom of some disorder, I don't know what.

You'll probably feel weird answering all these questions, but they may fit a "profile" for a certain disorder, whether it's bi-polar, chronic depression, ADD or whatever. Or who knows, it could be a thyroid problem. The doctor, if he's experienced, may have seen dozens or hundreds of people almost exactly like you. His aim is to treat you in the most effective way. Good luck!!

It was worth it for me!! Good luck.....