A very futile day trying to get help....

[artsyfartsy]

I have clinical depression, social anxiety, and agoraphobia at my worst. I have been off meds for 9 months and have been doing intensive therapy. However, therapy is not enough. I need medication and that is just a fact. I live just outside of downtown Philadelphia and am floored at how hard it is to get help. I am looking at a minimum of 6 weeks to get into a psychiatrist because there is a shortage here. It has been suggested that I go to a PCP to get meds but have no clue what to ask for and most refuse to treat mental health. I have suffered from this my whole life and am very rational but very frustrated, as well as, very depressed.

[Ashlan]

Would it be possible to see a PCP and ask for the meds you were originally on? What was the reason for stopping them? I'm a pharmacist and one of my constant struggles in my area is getting people into mental health physicians since they have such crazy wait lists.

[artsyfartsy in reply to Ashlan]

I was on 60 mg of cymbalta. I had a racing heart, insomnia, constipation. He then added xanax in the morning and evening.

I spent 7 months getting off of it and wonder if it would be wise to get on that specifically as a temporary fix.

[blackcat64013]

Hi Artsyfartsy,

Mental health professionals unfortunately are hard to see.

I agree six weeks is a long time to wait for an appointment with a psychiatrist.

Definitely take the primary care provider route because mental health is a common presentation in general practice. Doctors they have the knowledge about conditions and medications. It is true some do not have a particular interest in mental health but they know what to do. If using a medical practice with several PCPs, you can always ask to see a doctor who has a mental health interest. As a starting point, the medication you need to ask for will be the one that worked for you before 9 months ago. What worked before may not always work again so be prepared for some trial and error.

Hoping you can find someone to relieve both your depression and frustration.

[Sprinkle1]

Hello, Listen to Blackcat she is very knowledgeable. I would also suggest going to your M.D. if he/she is into mental health there will be help, or ask for a reference to a Dr. who treats mental health, and can prob ably offer a reference to a psychiatrist who specializes. Sounds like you need meds, and as Blakcat suggests the old ones may work or you may have to try something new, and there will be about 6 weeks for them to kick in, and maybe side effects. Ask to do the Genesight tests, it shows which antidepressants are suitable for your body. Simple test done with a swab in your mouth, sent to a lab and analysed. I did the test recently and am on Pristiq with No side effects. I wish you well, send you love, success and peace. Sprinkle 1

[artsyfartsy in reply to Sprinkle1]

I have never heard of this test but will definitely check this out! THANK YOU!!

[Windy101]

I sympathize. Hearing it can take 6 weeks for an appointment is crazy - it might as well be 6 months.

I would go the fastest route you can, even if it is a GP. You can research meds for agoraphobia, etc. and make suggestions. They'll have the PDR and might be more knowledgeable than you think. With so few psychiatrists, the GP's are picking up the slack now more than ever.

Still, make the soonest appointment you can get with a psychiatrist. They might have a cancellation and get you in sooner. Regardless, at least it will be on the books so that if your meds aren't optimal, you've got a good option coming up.