Idontknowidiot

I'm not am expert, but I would think that most of her hours in grad school would count toward the hours you are referring to, and the 30 hours she mentioned would maybe be state/law specific?

I know this question wasn't aimed at me, but I felt I had some advice.

I have struggled with depression for over 2 decades. I don't go around telling everyone about my diagnosis because it is none of their business. However, I do talk about it with my close friends. I try to explain to them what it's like living with depression. I apologize because I know that I am not the best at keeping in touch or returning phone calls but I reiterate how important they are to me and that I am always working to improve these things.
Depression is very difficult for outsiders to understand, but I try to help them understand.
I try not to make excuses bases on my mood, but do my best to include them on what is going on. For example, if my best friend calls me and I don't answer because I'm in bed and don't want to talk to anybody, I might text her back saying "I'm having a rough week and don't feel like talking. I'm working on it and will call you in the next few days. If it's super important and you need me, let me know. But if it's just chit chat, I hope you don't mind waiting til I feel better."

For some people, like my sister, this makes them call even more. Then, aside from feeling depressed, I feel angry because I told them to leave me alone. But, my sister knows that wallowing does not help me, so she will pester me until I get out of bed (which is best for me even though I resist it).

I guess my point is that many times we have people who are willing to be better friends to us because they understand that we need it. Plus, when we are doing well, people with depression can be some of the most caring people in the world. I believe that we are able to empathize better than most others. We know what it's like to have no hope yet we want to prevent anyone else from feeling that bad.

That's my opinion/experience anyways....

I have had major depression and general anxiety disorder for over twenty years. I have also been diagnosed with adhd in the last 3 years. I feel like every time I get on a good med regimen, I end up having to switch psychiatrists due to insurance changes or relocation.
Two medications that have worked wonders for me are Adderall and Xanax. I am on low doses of both. My previous doctor would write my scripts in a way that I was able to adjust my meds based on what I felt like I needed. I NEVER abused my meds and most of the time I had a few scripts that expired because I didn't use them in time.
During my time with this doctor, I felt like my life and metal health was more controlled than I had felt in years. My husband and other family members agree.
Now I need to find a new doctor because we moved across the country. I hate this part because when I try to explain to my new doc what I feel works for me, I look like a pill seeker and I feel like I get judgemental looks which makes me back off and say "sure, I guess we can try this medication that you suggest that I've tried 6 times before and know doesn't work for me. You are the doctor." I hate having to switch meds because my new doctor thinks they have the best combination or because they are getting some kind of kick back from a pharmaceutical company. But what I hate more is feeling like a pill seeker because they don't know me and I know what has been working for me.
Any advice?

P.s. thank you for taking time out to do this. I understand that people in mental health sometimes have limited social lives, yet you are willing to sacrifice the little time you have to help others :) your patients are lucky to have you!