Reluctance to talk to doctors about depression.

A recent survey in California and published in the Annals of Family Medicine showed nearly half of people with depressive symptoms did not speak to their primary care physician about it. The biggest reason? Worry about being put on anti-depressant medications. The next biggest reason was that people did not think their primary doctor was responsible for their emotional help, with a third reason of worrying that others would find out. Both Reuters and Huffington Post have interesting looks at the research.

I found the data interesting because we in America are accused of being a drug nation all of the time – I hear people say we would rather take a pill then deal with problems. Funny that people would avoid seeking help out of fear of being put on a medication – it goes against the “just give me a pill” mentality we supposedly have.

I was a bit disturbed about the thinking that the doctor is not responsible for one’s emotional health. Physical health and mental health are inter-related. If you are having mental health problems and don’t treat them, the potential for long-term health problems is there. That is likely why so many physicians are willing to treat depression with medication rather than refer to mental health providers – at least they have some say in the care their patients are getting.

But in the big picture the important thing to realize is no one can make you take medications. If you don’t want them just say no if the doctor offers. Talking to a physician may be the first step in determining if you even have something that requires treatment. But to not even speak to your physician puts you at risk for both emotional and physical health issues. Better to talk to them up front and be proactive, then wait until things are so bad that you become overwhelmed with the emotional difficulties you are experiencing.