A family doctor can serve as the primary health professional to connect with, and help connect us to further mental health resources to fight depression.
Consulting with a family doctor is free and confidential.
Depression is one of the most common reasons for consulting with a family doctor. Yet, for some guys, unfounded beliefs and assumptions can hold them back from connecting with a family doctor for depression.
You don’t think depression is worth talking about
Depression is a serious illness – it can make our lives miserable if it’s not addressed properly. When we break our arm, we go to the doctor. When we have pain, we go to the doctor. When we think we may have depression, we should go to the doctor. That’s how simple it should be.
You think your doctor only wants to prescribe medication
Medication isn’t the only treatment for depression, nor in many cases should it be the first. Our doctors can give us lots of advice about lifestyle changes and different treatment options that include talk therapy and/or medications.
You’re worried about privacy
Talking to a doctor is confidential. Our information will not be shared with anyone without our consent (including our employer, insurance companies, spouses or family members). We can also request a copy of our medical records at any time.
You don’t think a doctor can help
Family doctors have a lot of training, knowledge, and expertise. A good working relationship with a family doctor may be enough to help us get through depression, or they can help get us connected with other services if we need them. Family doctors serve on the frontlines of the health care system – they’ve seen it all.
You fear your doctor will tell you to ‘suck it up’
This may be the first time you’ve discussed depression with someone else but it won’t be the first time your doctor has worked with somebody with depression. They know how hard depression is and the effort it takes to speak up about it. In the unlikely event that you feel like your family doctor isn’t taking your concerns seriously, you can always consult another doctor.
Going to see a family doctor is the first step most guys take toward getting better. We and our doctors share a common goal: to get us feeling like ourselves again.
We might have to miss work, school, or something else, but making time to discuss our health with a family doctor is worth the time and effort. A lot of men make excuses about why they can’t see a doctor – but remember that our health should be our first priority.
Doctor’s appointments are usually scheduled for 10 minutes. Ask for extra time when you make the appointment to give yourself a chance to discuss your concerns thoroughly.
What you can say:
If you have the energy for it, preparing for the meeting with your family doctor can be useful for making the most of your time together.
Give your doctor a complete view of what’s going on – describe any physical, emotional, cognitive, or interpersonal problems that you’re experiencing. Complete our Depression Check, print it out, and bring the results with you.
Sometimes guys get too stressed to remember exactly what they want to say when they meet with their family doctor. Some things are simply hard to talk about. Whether these are personal issues that are affecting our health or thoughts about hurting ourselves, sometimes it’s easier to write them down and show our physicians.
Your doctor will ask a variety of questions in order to get a better sense of your symptoms and experiences. Here are some typical questions you may hear:
If you’re nervous about going to your appointment, don’t feel confident that you can talk about yourself, or are too stressed to remember what to say, you may want to ask a friend or family member to come along with you. It’s no big deal for your doctor – this is pretty common.
Let your doctor know all that’s going on and work together to figure out the best treatment options. Start out with what’s most important in order to get the most out of your appointment.
Besides describing your symptoms, tell your doctor if you’re currently under the care of any other healthcare professionals, if you have any other medical issues, what medications or supplements you’re taking, and if your family has any history of mental illness.
Be as specific as possible about how you’re feeling and the impact it’s having on your life.
Here are some examples of what you can say to get the conversation started:
You’ve taken the initiative to get this far, so don’t be embarrassed, downplay, or avoid certain subjects. If anything is too hard to talk about, try writing it down, handing a note to your doctor and sitting with them while they read it. Rest assured – whatever you got going on, your doctor has heard it before.
What you can say:
Make sure you understand everything you talk about. Ask questions, and don’t be embarrassed if you have to ask more than once; depression can make it very difficult to think clearly.
What you can say:
It’s important to have a solid understanding of all treatment options available to you – why you’re doing them, how they work, and the time frame for their effectiveness.
What you can say:
Ask your doctor about other resources and connecting with professionals in your community.
Before you leave the office, do a quick recap to clarify your understanding of the situation.
After your appointment
Meeting with a family doctor is a major step on the road to recovery, but it doesn’t end there. Below are some important things to keep in mind as we get going on the path to better health.
Only we are responsible for our health. While we can work with a variety of health professionals to assist us along the way, we are in the driver’s seat on our road to recovery. Don’t expect others to be responsible for us getting better.
It’s important to develop a good working relationship with your doctor. This takes time and effort, and there might be hiccups along the way, but this relationship is one of the pillars that your recovery will stand on.
Depending on your doctor’s experience, your symptoms, and the resources available in your area, your doctor may suggest reaching out to additional supports. These may include community services or getting you on wait-lists for an outpatient clinic or psychiatrist.
If you find yourself on a wait-list for a psychiatrist or other services, you can still use this time to treat your depression. Your family doctor can likely give you a lot of guidance about other things that might be helpful in your fight against depression. Check out our Tips and Skills section for things that you can do on your own.
If the first or second thing you try doesn’t work as well as you hoped, ask your doctor about other options. Treating depression can be tricky and it often takes a couple tries to figure out what treatment options work best for you.