Not just for depression, but the phrase “without relying on doctors” pops up all over the internet and social media, with all sorts of treatments and ways to overcome it. But when you look closer, it’s mostly stuff like “Limited to the first ◯◯ customers!” or self-proclaimed “psychological counselors” offering Skype or in-person therapy.
I haven’t checked out their content, so I can’t say much, but things like “Limited to the first ◯◯ customers!” or “Special price of ◯◯ yen for now only!” sound pretty close to scams.
My wife, who didn’t have much work experience, almost fell for one of those scam emails about paying for mobile site usage fees when we first met. I noticed something was off and pressed her about it. Turns out, even her parents believed it, and they nearly paid tens of thousands of yen. It’s a funny story now, but depression can mess with your money sense and lower your judgment, so you’ve got to be careful.
In the end, “depression treatment without relying on doctors” often means treatment without antidepressants.
Some people with depression don’t want to use meds if they can avoid it. But it’s worth remembering that depression is a real illness. When it first hits, your mind’s unstable, and staying calm is tough.
In those moments, taking antidepressants properly to stabilize your mood, then working with a doctor to consider your symptoms, body, and depression’s severity to decide on non-medication treatments—that’s what I think is the best approach.
That said, if you feel you can’t trust your current doctor, they’re not giving you the treatment you want, or they don’t seem to care, you might turn to “depression treatment without doctors.” Before you do, think about these points:
- How long have you been seeing this hospital or doctor?
- What did they say that made you feel they’re not trustworthy?
- How was your condition when you visited?
How long have you been seeing this hospital or doctor?
Even the best doctors can’t figure out your personality or thought patterns to suggest effective treatment after just an initial visit or a few sessions. In limited time, they rely heavily on what you tell them. But depression often messes with memory, so it’s hard to share accurate details.
Small clinics might take time to listen and help you recall things, but at busy hospitals with lots of patients, you might finish a visit without saying everything. It’s not your fault for not explaining well, nor is it the doctor’s fault for not asking enough. This happens to a lot of people. But giving up on doctors or antidepressants based on one bad experience feels like a waste.
What did they say that made you feel they’re not trustworthy?
Doctors are human. Some might say things or act in ways that don’t click with you. Depression can make you distrust people or feel annoyed by relationships, and that can extend to resisting doctors.
If a doctor says something off or seems dismissive, consider if it’s your depression symptoms talking. You can always switch doctors or hospitals after thinking it through.
How was your condition when you visited?
Some patients feel worse as appointment days approach and can’t make it. Nobody likes showing their weak side to others, but if you only visit when you’re feeling okay, doctors might misjudge your condition. That misunderstanding can make you lose trust, which is a shame.
If you can’t get out of bed, that’s okay. But keep a notebook and jot down how you felt or what happened. Share it at your next visit. It could be an unexpected antidepressant side effect. Sometimes, you might overlook symptoms as just feeling off, keep taking meds that don’t suit you, and get stuck in a bad cycle with no improvement.
Other illnesses or conditions can also be mistaken for depression, so make sure to note how you feel when you’re not doing well.
※本記事は個人のうつ病体験談です。体験内容はあくまで個人の体験であり、医療アドバイスではありません。専門的なアドバイスを希望する場合は医師へ相談を。
※This article is a personal depression story. The content is solely based on personal experience and is not medical advice. Consult a doctor for professional advice.