I go to my family doctor for my meds because I can't afford to go to a psychiatrist. If I could afford it I would prefer to because they specialize in psychiatric conditions.

@A MyDepressionTeam Member (I'm not in Canada but....) Your regular doctor(pcp) should refer you to a psychiatrist. Unless you want her to prescribe medication for you. Regular doctors can prescribe antidepressants BUT it's not something that they do on a consistent basis. The psychiatrist is more familiar with all drugs for anxiety and depression. He/she has a better read of the patient as well. I hope this helps. If not wait til you hear from someone in Canada. Good luck!

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A MyDepre...

The other thing I would say is that most psychiatrists are a bit unnerving. Can be. They like to listen and ask questions. And be distant. I'm basing this on nearly 40 years experience. Almost like any other specialist....can be distant. Don't let that throw you. Hope this helps!

Medication is one option. Counseling is another option, or self-directed strategies such as diary writing or bright-light therapy may be appropriate. Find what works for you and stick to it.

My primary care privider will but my dose was so low that it was not much help. My psychiatrist trippled the dose and now i am much better. The pcp will do what they feel comfortable doing. My thought is this you go to a cardiologist for your heart bc that is the specialty so go to a paychiatrist for psychotropics. I would definitely get a referral bc you never know if your pcp can get you in faster. After saying all of that your pcp can prescribe you psychotropic meds until you see the psyhiatrist.