Frustrated

[Hardlookcap]

So out of nowhere today I decided to call psychiatrist offices to look for new patient openings. I called every single office listed on google for my city and began even for the next city over with 100% failure rate. If I even got a human, they apologized and told me that they know this is a problem and they were sorry but there was nothing they could do. No offices taking new patients. Not 1! I ended up monotone ... in tears... tense all over ... and angry that it took so much for me to reach out to get help and when I finally did ... I ended with needing help to find help! I quit for today because I don’t have much leeway to push myself before getting to panic. Words can’t express. 😢

[Lostjoy]

Awe, it is so frustrating isn’t it? I have the same problem where I am. Have you though about online counseling through Skype.

[MyMeanMind in reply to Lostjoy]

Great idea, lostjoy!

[MyMeanMind]

Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that, hardlookcap! It does take a lot to reach out and find a Psychiatrist, and to have walls thrown up at every turn must have felt horrible and deflating. I’m so sorry. ☹️ Maybe your regular doc could help you find one? How about a Psychologist, instead? Hang in there!!!

[Hardlookcap in reply to MyMeanMind]

In the state I reside in, psychologist can’t prescribe medications. My primary care doctor will not Medicate mental health cases because it’s not his direct field. There is no way around it. I reached out to the local advocate for mental health health who is in charge of helping find help and I got a horrible reply of “there Is a shortage of psychiatrists in the entire area, I will need to call this number to be added to a wait list” ... I already did that prior to emailing him and I was told the wait list is even full. I feel defeated and hopeless.

[Agora1 in reply to Hardlookcap]

Oh I'm so sorry. What might your "Plan B" be? Stay with the psychiatrist you have? I did only have a social worker who pulled me through agoraphobia and my anxiety. Maybe while you are on a wait list, that might be an option. x

[Hardlookcap in reply to Agora1]

My psychiatrist retired and that is how I even got to this point again. I was doing great after we found a combination of meds that worked enough to where I could resolve the remaining issues with mind tactics. I can barely get to my own downstairs let alone to go to counseling. I’m going to just cry it out and hope to god I fall asleep and I guess just see where waking up takes me. I get the strength to reach out just to find out it’s not even available. It took me about a year to do. The struggle!

[Agora1]

I agree with MyMeanMind, a psychologist could help and they can prescribe medication. x

[Hardlookcap in reply to Agora1]

Read my reply to the last person, that explains it.

[chatnoirmd]

I was in your spot a few months ago so I know how it feels. I’ve had two primary care doctors in a year. The first one was very comfortable with writing scripts for depression and anxiety medications. I had to find a new doctor because she moved and he said the same thing that yours did. I ended up seeing a gyn and she had a resident family care doctor on rotation that I really liked. I explained my story and she was shocked my primary would not ‘treat the whole individual’. Especially if you are on meds already, they can continue to at least refill them. I asked if her practice was like that and she said no and gave me the contact info. My advice is to call and get a good primary if you can. They know, or they should know, the challenges in mental health at the moment. Mainly the lack of psychiatrists. You can also ask them to put you on a waitlist for when a spot comes available. I’m happy to chat more if needed. Good luck!

[Hardlookcap]

One of the offices I left a voicemail at called me back. They don’t have openings either but are going to see if an exception can be made. A nurse is to call me and get my medication list from me. I have just slept all day as a result of my panic attack yesterday. I hope this comes through but I’m not going to get excited.

[Agora1 in reply to Hardlookcap]

I hope it comes through for you as well. xx

[Hardlookcap in reply to Agora1]

Thanks hanging in there

[MyMeanMind in reply to Hardlookcap]

I hope it comes through for you, too, hardlookcap. I'm sending good vibes your way!

[Madison10]

Hi

I wanted to say hi and you are not alone. Hang in there and take a lot of deep breaths. For along time including now, I have the worst time in pushing myself to make phone calls, just horrible. It’s such a shame when a person finally reaches out and can’t find anyone. I have done something similar . Calling and calling, no one is accepting new patients or you can be put on a waiting list for months. I know when I get the courage to call and I am desperate I need help right now. If you need someone to chat with, I am a good listener

[Hardlookcap in reply to Madison10]

Thank you. I have my down moments... sometimes multiple a day. I’m taking things day by day - a simple day seems to be eventful enough. Following my own writings and replies in here is helping me physically see my moods as they flux. Kind of different for once to be able to track them.