Would you now see a psychologist?

[valnar]

Simply put, with even minor mental health issues being a factor that can exclude you from purchasing a firearm (eg. such as temporary bout of depression, like from a divorce), would you purposely stay away from a psychologist or psychiatrist these days?

 

[SunnySlopes]

I minored in psych when I got my first Bachelors. I was amazed at how often psychological theories (that had been set in stone) were changed. That field is about as stable as a leaf in the wind.

I wouldn't go see a psychologist regardless. Now even more so.

 

[umadcuzimstylin]

I would stay away.

I was sent to a psychiatrist long ago by my parents. I was drinking two 40oz beers a week and because hes a Muslim where drinking alcohol is against their religion he sent me to rehab and diagnosed me with depression. Ive never felt like I had depression and now its documented somewhere same with going to rehab which makes me look like a drug addict. The system is a joke!

 

[Teachu2]

Yes

I was sent to a psychiatrist long ago by my parents. I was drinking two 40oz beers a week and because hes a Muslim where drinking alcohol is against their religion he sent me to rehab and diagnosed me with depression. Ive never felt like I had depression and now its documented somewhere same with going to rehab which makes me look like a drug addict. The system is a joke!

Yeah, but you were nine years old!

 

[bushmaster1313]

Psychology is the "jock itch" of the soul.

 

[ATLDave]

Like many well-intentioned regulations, I worry that the new focus on denying (gun) rights to the mentally ill will have precisely the perverse effect you predict, valnar.

If I were going to do one thing to reduce the number of mass shootings, I would offer parents of young, bright, but very troubled young men some form of mental health assistance that does NOT threaten to ruin their child's life. Right now, the choice is between seeking committment, which ruins the future for the (adult) child, and doing nothing, which risks terrible and insane outbursts of violence. Making the former choice MORE punitive doesn't fix the bad dynamic.

 

[Ryanxia]

Not that I've ever felt the need but I've been paranoid about this for years and I sure as heck wouldn't go now even if needed.

 

[CoRoMo]

Yes, I'd avoid the psych help and instead go with an informal counselor such as can be found in almost any church.

 

[Sol]

Heh alcohol is halal to me...sometimes.

 

[wooly bugger]

I'd go, but I'd pay out of pocket so there would be no record. Most antidepressants are now generic, so I'd pay for those out of pocket if I needed them. Psychiatrists can do a lot of good, and some people really benefit.

The sad thing about this increased stigmatization is, it will probably INCREASE shootings. Instead of people who feel something is wrong getting help, they'll be afraid for the negative effects on their future.

Unintended consequences.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Yes. I'd go with an informal counselor such as can be found in almost any church.

Why do you say "informal"?

Isn't ministering to the needs and well-being their flock exactly what they are trained to do?

 

[Batty67]

I used to feel that way, but I've had a few close friends and family members who got hit hard in the past few years by life events, and were predisposed to anxiety and depression. Seeing the pschiatrists and psychologists helped immensely, including anti-depression/anxiety medicines. They do important work and help people.

 

[BHP FAN]

no way, no how.

 

[CoRoMo]

bushmaster...
I was trying to differentiate the clinical "psych industry" physicians with what you might find in a church's counseling ministry. I don't know if labeling it 'informal' is the right way to say that or not, but that's how I was trying to separate the medical help found in one location from the personal help found in the other (if that even does a better job of explaining what I'm trying to say). As you can see, I edited my post before getting away from it because I could tell that it needed a little more substance.

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

Why pay a co-pay when I can buy some ammo?

 

[SunnySlopes]

Isn't ministering to the needs and well-being their flock exactly what they are trained to do?
__________________

In the field of psychological counseling, you have no idea how wrong you are.

 

[valnar]

I have no problems that can't be solved by a couple of beers with good friends.

But yes, I do feel bad for people with more serious issues and I hope these new laws don't sway them from getting the help they need. After they recover though, the stigma attached to them can be just as damaging...and they may have to give up their guns.

 

[hso]

No "minor mental health issues" factor into the discussion. That's a mythical scare tactic. No criteria has been set so no one can predict what criteria will be set.

We need to stick to the facts if we want to be taken seriously.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Sunnyslopes:

I would welcome an explanation of why I am wrong.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Psych-iatrist/ologist especially after the Obama Care record swapping&shopping frenzies start are a definite no-go for me and mine if at all avoidable.

 

[CmdrSlander]

I'm torn. I'm an atheist and a man of science so I don't really have anywhere else to turn but psychiatry (I can't seek religious counsel, etc.) but I get the feeling that the field borrows a little to heavily from pseudoscience.

And I don't want my guns taken from me. That isn't paramount but is a consideration.

 

[horsemen61]

I would not go to one before and Now I defiantly won't go because It might be used against me.

 

[Rembrandt]

Wouldn't want to be in the military and be diagnosed with PTSD......that would be a red flag the gun grabbers will look for.

 

[10mm Mike]

I'm torn. I'm an atheist and a man of science so I don't really have anywhere else to turn but psychiatry (I can't seek religious counsel, etc.) but I get the feeling that the field borrows a little to heavily from pseudoscience.

And I don't want my guns taken from me. That isn't paramount but is a consideration.

Then turn to a trustworthy relative or close friend... unless you're having something on the level of suicidal thoughts. Then you're just going to have to "bite the bullet" and seek professional help of some sort, lest you actually bit the bullet.

 

[M-Cameron]

I'm torn. I'm an atheist and a man of science so I don't really have anywhere else to turn but psychiatry (I can't seek religious counsel, etc.) but I get the feeling that the field borrows a little to heavily from pseudoscience.

2 things:

1) psychology IS a pseudo-science....now i dont mean to put down psychology(i study it informally myself).....but the fact is, you cannot accurately call it a science, as there are no real 'facts', nothing is set in stone, and experiments are not repeatable with accuracy...in chemistry, component A + component B always equals Component C.....in psychology, what may be classified a mental illness today, may be perfectly normal in 100 years ( look at homosexuality)

2) not wanting to turn this into a religious debate......but even though you are an atheist, there is no reason you cannot seek religious council. good advice is good advice, regardless of whether it comes from a priest, rabbi, monk, ect. just be honest with them and youll find most are pretty accepting of people of a different belief from their own.