u/Flimsy-Might-9318

20M, always felt severely depressed since I was a teen.

Finally decided to consult a psychiatrist.

Prescribed a few meds too.

Upon looking it up, apparently it's less severe than MDD, as general and daily functioning isn't impacted as much.

However, there are days I feel like I might as well be slipping into MDD, but I use up all my might to drag myself around, so as to tend to my unavoidable responsibilities.

I'm not so sure about this. At first I tried to downplay my own feelings and state of being, but now I feel like I've been UNDER diagnosed (if that's a word).

He did mention the term 'double depression' too, however. Not sure if that hints at MDD.

How did you guys feel when you were diagnosed with dysthymia? Part of me does feel a little better to have had an official diagnosis after all these years.

I also completely forgot to mention during my appointment that I have suicidal thoughts daily, or at least quite often. The psychiatrist didn't ask me either. I felt stupid afterwards lol.

He probably thought it was understood, not something that needed to be said. Regardless I regret not remembering to say it.

So yeah I'm just wondering if anyone else feels like their depression is kinda underestimated because they fight through it or cope by becoming high functioning instead of shutting down.

Any input is appreciated 😊

Quick rundown -

Decided to seek therapy at 20 after dealing with undiagnosed depression and anxiety, suicide ideation and several other things all throughout my teenage years.

Paying 2.1K INR (like 25 USD, therapy is cheaper here compared to other countries like the US or in EU) a session, had 2 sessions thus far.

I've only just found out there's a difference between a clinical psychologist and a counselling psychologist, and my therapist is the latter.

I thought I'd done my research. They are well educated, I really liked the 2 sessions we've had and was looking forward to our third.

I had a free initial consultation wherein I was assigned to them because of their supposed experience dealing with issues like mine.

I can't lie, I was under the impression that my case would be more of a clinical diagnosis one, or at least I was hoping for one - perhaps medication too.

And now I find out that a counselling psychologist is focused on talk therapy and aren't meant to formally diagnose you.

I'm not sure if I'm in the right form of treatment, or if I should do something about this.

I'd appreciate it if you guys could give me some insight.

Thanks!

TL;DR- Seeing a counselling psychologist, not a clinical psychologist. Wondering if the latter is better suited to me and if I should switch, or if I should give it some time to see if it'll work.

Quick rundown -

Decided to seek therapy at 20 after dealing with undiagnosed depression and anxiety, suicide ideation and several other things all throughout my teenage years.

Paying 2.1K a session, had 2 sessions thus far.

I've only just found out there's a difference between a clinical psychologist and a counselling psychologist, and my therapist is the latter.

I thought I'd done my research. They are well educated, I really liked the 2 sessions we've had and was looking forward to our third.

I had a free initial consultation wherein I was assigned to them because of their supposed experience dealing with issues like mine.

I can't lie, I was under the impression that my case would be more of a clinical diagnosis one, or at least I was hoping for one - perhaps medication too.

And now I find out that a counselling psychologist is focused on talk therapy and aren't meant to formally diagnose you.

I'm not sure if I'm in the right form of treatment, or if I should do something about this.

I'd appreciate it if you guys could give me some insight.

Thanks!

TL;DR - Seeing a counselling psychologist, not a clinical psychologist. Wondering if the latter is better suited to me and if I should switch, or if I should give it some time to see if it'll work.