I Need to see a Psychiatrist

[Lolaz]

I am suffering from severe anxiety. My family doctor put me on effexor last month. I feel awful and can't stand this feeling anymore. I looked up the timeline to see a Psych in Ontario Canada and it's a 4 month average. Should I try to see a psychologist even though I can't afford it? I am desparate and can;t cope with it anymore. Please Help.

[IncognitoC]

You are still very early in your medication, it is probably not even working the way it should be. I am also a month into taking medication and waiting for a change in my mood. Try to hold off for a couple of weeks. It will save you some money.

[LoveforAll41]

Hi Lolaz, I am so sorry that you are going through this. Is this your first real struggle with anxiety? I know that here in the US it is probably cheaper to see a social worker who works as a therapist. I am on Effexor and I like it, but the first month or so was crazy, I was very anxious and broke out in my anxious sweats that I hate. Knowing that it was the meds helped me put it in perspective and get through it.

There are a couple of books I love that have helped me. "Feeling Great" by Dr Burns (there is also a podcast called the feeling good podcast will many episodes to choose from) and "Get out of your Mind and into your Life" by Steven Hayes.

I know that we can all achieve peace if we but find the right path for us. I wish you strength, hope, and understanding.

[Lolaz in reply to LoveforAll41]

Love forAll

Thanks so much for your reply. I called my doctor's office and I have a telephone Appt at 3PM Today. I'm in Canada and we are lucky to have free health care, but only psychiartists are covered but not psychologists.

I have suffered from anxiety since age 12. I was on Effexor for 10 years 150mg, I was weaned off it in April this year. I was feeling fine until about July and the anxiety slowly crept back up so I asked my Dr. to go back on Effexor. I was on 37.5mg for four weeks and then I went up to 75mg last Sat. now the anxiety is off the charts. I want to keep on the Effexor as it worked so well before. I hope Dr. will help somehow this afternoon.

I want to thank you for your reply. It helped. I will look into the 2 podcasts you recommended (maybe it will take my mind off it a bit). I hope I can hang on for now. I wish you and everyone else peace and calmness.

Take care.