Finding a good doctor

[Andrew590]

I am in the process of looking for a doctor to go and speak with. I want to go in and tell them everything I think I am feeling and then let them determine what is actually going. But I have a hard time connecting with any past doctors. I have had several different family doctors in the past year because I just cann't get comfortable with them and I don't want to go through this with a psychologist.

Do I look for someone closer to my age group because they may understand me better then someone who is 20 and 30 even 40 years older then me. Or do I look for someone who is that much older then me for the profesional experience and life experience they have over the younger one's?

There is something about the gender also I think I feel more comfortable with a woman doctor for some reason I don't know why. But do I just need to forget that and not worry so much about the gender.

How will I know what to look for in a doctor my insurance website shows gender age location and years practicing and thats really all. I don't know anyone who has been to see this type of doctor before so I really don't know who to ask for advice on seeing a good doctor.

Am I putting way to much worry into this do I need to just pick a doctor from a hat or if I like their name?

How did some of you find a doctor you liked?

[mammo]

I understand what you do because I too, once did this.  I have a chemical inbalance which causes my depression.  My 38 year old son has been trying to kick his depression without drugs for years He hasn't been able to do it, and it had gotten worse.  He had to have his entire colon removed at age 12, and is all about being healthy, athletic, and not dependant on meds for anything.  He felt as a man, he should be able to beat this on his own like he has everything else. He does things the doctors said he never would, due to getting dehydrated so easily.  He is a marathoner, ultrathoner, mountain biker, competes in jujitzu, and is a speed hiker which puts him alone for weeks in the wilderness.  He won't allow his disease to keep him from living a fulfilling life. He finally found a doctor who explained his depression to him, and put him on  medication, and now he is so grateful that he made this decision.  He said he now feels very foolish for not doing this sooner, and feels he missed out on a lot due to his depression.  His wife stood by him thru all this, and for this, he is so grateful.  He says he feels it was selfish of him to be thinking more about himself than her.  He is feeling so good now, and it shows.  He thanked his wife and all of his family for supporting him thru this, but truly regrets not going on meds sooner.  If you had diabetes, you would take meds, this is no different.  Best of luck to you.....

[Andrew590]

Thank you for your suggestions and advice it is much appreciated.

As far as the over analyzing goes, that is just me in everyday life. Before I make a decision no matter how small I sit and do exactly what I just did in my post. I am kind of concerned with taking meds just because I am the type of person who will sit through a head ache no matter how bad and not that advil. I just worry about how the doctor will view me and what I have to say for my issues. That is why I think I will have a hard time getting comfortable with them.

In any event thanks again I am going to start calling doctors while I am online.

[mammo]

The most important thing, is that you do feel comfortable speaking with your doctor.  So, if you prefer a woman over a man, I would definitely go with a woman.  I think we all have preferances when it comes to the gender of any doctor.  It usually takes going to more than one to find the one that you feel most comfortable with, and then just go with that one.  As for age, the younger ones are more cutting edge, and some older ones really stay on top of all that is new, and of course they have experience, but that doesn't make them a better doctor.  I would start with a woman, and go from there, and quit over-analyzing it all.  You need help and you need it now.  But definitely go with a psychiatrist, they are more knowlegeable on medications.  I started with my psychiatrist when he was fresh out of  med school, and he was the only one to help me.  Don't make this so complicated that you put off getting help any longer.

[ILADVOCATE]

Generally I have put qualifications as regards a psychiatrist or doctor over what you have stated but each person is different in what they need. If you are looking for referrals best to call your local NAMI hotline or a nearby hospital or clinic as most psychiatrists who work outpatient also work in a hospital. They could also tell you which psychiatrists take what insurance you have.