Sorry if this is really rambling… and doesn't really have a point or question...
I had my scheduled monthly appointment with my psychiatrist today. This was after having a really bad episode back on Sunday. He upped my dosage of Abilify. He also recommended that I seek therapy at a county-sponsored mental health service. (He also recommended that I severely curtail consuming alcohol, but more on that later.)
I don’t know why but the suggestion of getting low-cost, “talk” therapy is making me feel even more anxiety. I know my anxiety is getting more and more generalized but this seems weird… especially since I was wanting therapy before he suggested this. I think part of it that I’ll have to provide some sort of proof of my limited income and I just don’t know how I’ll go out that. “Paperwork” has ALWAYS upped my anxiety levels… not sure why.
The business about curtailing (or severely limiting) alcohol is weird, too. I guess I’ve always been defensive about “drinking vs. sobriety” and I’m not even sure why. I know that alcohol is a depressant… I guess I was less aware of it causing anxiety. I think part of my issue is that (until some recent episodes) I HAVE cut WAY back on the amount I consume… so, I guess I’m finding it discouraging that I’m supposed to cut back even more.
He even gave me a prescription for naltrexone… which I think I’m going to need to make second post about…
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Lost_in_life
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I'm sure the county MHS will let you know what documentation you need to qualify. I'll bet it's not that complicated.
A change in therapists is always a little unsettling, but the talk therapy can be of great value, so I recommend that you try it.
Also, drinking alcohol is a very bad idea when you're suffering from depression, so I would either eliminate it or cut back drastically. You have enough on your plate as it is. The fact that your doc prescribed naltrexone means he thinks you're drinking too much.
I wish you the best.
I know where I live, to qualify for free or low pay therapy, you need proof of income and what you pay out for rent or house payment, utilities, car payment if you have one. Definitely call and ask so you're prepared.
The psychiatrist probably has a couple of reasons he wants you to stop drinking. It is a depressant and it also can be harmful mixed with many medications.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who replied. (I'm not sure if you'll get a notice if I reply this way as opposed to replying to each individual reply. Sorry.) I've decided to make efforts to find out what the deal is with the county's mental health services on Monday. My biggest concern is that I'll need to provide proof that I was laid off. My slack boss never sent any documentation on this... and I hate dealing with him. (He's a very negative person. I was stupid to work for him for over 26 years!)
Also, I feeling a good bit better. I've increased the dosage of my meds (per doctor's orders). I've decided not to take the naltrexone. The side effects sounded extreme; and, one of them was potential depression!
I am sorry that you are having such a difficult time. Being anxious and depressed can really mess your life up. I have been dealing with both for the past six and a half years and it has really been difficult. I tried medication, counseling, changing my diet, and many other things. They all helped in a way, but nothing really solved the problem except my faith in Jesus Christ. I will be praying that you find a way to reduce your depression and anxiety.
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This is my first post.. thanks for listening 
I need help
