What to do next?

[mikenielsen1031]

My life is hell, I have depression with anxiety and agoraphobia. I take meds but they don't seem to help...I saw a psych for about four visits but felt it wasn't helping so I stopped. I have recently applied for SSI but even if I get approved, money isn't going to fix all my problems. What should I do?

[BonnieSue]

Never give up, find a good psychiatrist and let him/her know every time your meds aren't working. Be specific when you describe how you're feeling so the doc can tell what's going on with you and how to adjust your meds. Learn what kind of feedback the doc needs and give it when the appropriate time has passed for the drug to work.

Try the online site Psychology Today to see photos of psychiatrists, their specialties and philosophies, education, fees, insurance accepted, and so on. Ask friends and family for recommendations or for them to ask their doctors for recommendations. Most doctors have lists of recommendations for specialists to give out to their patients who ask.

[BonnieSue in reply to BonnieSue]

I see that my answer is incomplete. You need a counselor. There are 2 people you need when you have anxiety and clinical depression: a good psychiatrist and a good counselor. Both are standard treatments. Ask around for a referral to a good counselor to guide you through getting meds adjusted so that they are working for you, that you're eating and exercising healthily and to help you look at your thinking and life and see where you're at and where you can feel better and how. Life is complicated enough without these disorders we have and we need someone in our corner helping us and supporting us all the way. Don't skip this step and don't stay with somebody who isn't helping you.