not sure what i am?
 

hi! i am new to this site (i just joined like a few minutes ago).

my question(or questions):

okay, i know i have a problem with anxiety, and i have a problem with depression. some people tell me i'm bipolar; others just say im depressed. i also struggle with self-harm and have some eating issues too. i want to work on all of this (not at once, though!) but a step at a time.

i attend college part-time. and they have a counseling center that is free to me. ive often thought about going and talking to someone,but im really really afraid. partly cause half the time im not sure whats wrong and dont know if i could vocalise it.

but ive also thought about going to a regular physician for my anxiety and depression because lately its been really bad.

should i just go to the counseling center at my school and talk to them first and let them recommend a physician if they feel i might need medications or should i just go to a physician? i'm so confused about what to do!

thanks for reading and any help would be appreciated!

Which would you feel most comfortable in doing?

Sounds a good way around to me, bearing in mind that the dr may well recommend counselling, and there may be less of a waiting list at your college.

Also, lots of people have depression as well as anxiety, and self harm is connected with both, also eating issues. So you're not an odd one out by any means. :)

I would suggest the councelling service at your college first. It's worth a try =)
Good luck with it and let us know how you get on.

I know it can be really difficult to voaclise how you're feeling. I also struggle with anxiety, depression, SH and eating problems, and it's really hard to do, but making the first step is a really positive action. Personally I think it'd be easier to go to the counselling service, because while medication can help, a lot of the time talking it over is more useful, and, as ~longing~tears~ said, your GP will probably refer you to a counsellor anyway.
Good luck huni.
Katie
xxx

dont try and diagnose yourself; people dont always (or dare i say, usually?) fall into one category. depressed people can have bouts of mania without being BP; people with anxiety can have bouts of depression or psychoses, whatever.

instead, focus on your symptoms, not what their titles are, and try and treat them. generally, i believe talking about your feelings (especially the shitty ones) to any kind of mentor, teacher, or doctor can be extremely helpful.
if you do decide to see a counselor, you can talk to them about taking medication; i generally suggest trying other approaches to managing stuff without meds right at first...im not opposed to psych. medication (i take it myself) but often times there are other influences causing the problems...and, prescriptions are not always cheap!

but, yeah....talk to a counselor, not just a doctor. it sounds like you need someone who can see all the dimentions of you, not just hand you a prescription.