Anxiety Update

Hi Guys,

So I went back to counseling with my psychiatrist and i explained to him that i was nervous to take medication because of what I've been reading... Instead of him reassuring me of positivity he said if I don't want to take medication he doesn't know how to help me... Like WOW. It seems like the only one who wants me to feel better is me, and the people here to help you aren't really here to help you. Like he didn't try to give me alternitives. He said well maybe you need to see a therapist. I didn't say I would never take it, I said I was nervous and to be honest, if he diagnosed me with Anxiety, a mood disorder, and derealization disorder, how can he expect me to feel comfortable taking medication. My fear is losing who I am to me, not being able to bounce back, forgetting my family, turning into a zombie, and being uncontrollable. That's why I don't want to take medication. Instead of him trying to help me, he simply said well then I don't know how to help you. I was on the waiting list for months. All for nothing because Im not even seeing the psychiatrist any more. Now Ive been put on the waiting list I thought was the same list but i was wrong, it is a separate list which means I have this waiting process all over again. It's really frustrating and sometimes I just want to scream and black out. I feel like its unfair that I have to go through all of this. I don't know if you guys are religious but I sometimes question why do I have to go through things. I ask God for is help to deal with all my problems, especially my mental ones... But, he hasn't helped me yet. I just don't know what to do at this point. I try to make a big deal about a lot of things, and I'll shut down... If anyone can give me some advice I would appreciate it. I'm getting so very tired of feeling this way. Defeated, confused, helpless. I'm tired of feeling like I'm daydreaming. I want to be okay.

[Bekay]

So, he can council you on medicine but not you unmedicated ? That bothers me, I thought it was about money ,where did this guy go to school? All I can suggest is a new professional. Someone that will take a new patient, there shouldn't be any wait especially if they want money.

[Hidden in reply to Bekay]

It was like since I said I didn't want to take medication he didn't even want to bother wasting his time to help me. And that place sucks so much I was on the waiting list for a psychologist but then they told me last minute that she went on vacation. almost if not two months later she's still on vacation. And they said they're going to give me someone else, in my head it would've been a psychologist but it was a psychiatrist instead. Like wow. So now I'm back on the waiting list since my psychologist wanted to randomly take a vacation. and then you give me someone who i didn't want in the first place. they knew how i felt about taking medication. i just don't know what else to do

[blackcat64013]

Hi ShiDani,

From what you have written it sounds like you got a psychiatrist who only wants to prescribe and not do any therapy. Not good

If you are willing to take the medication (you will get relief from your symptoms and do not have those fears come to pass), I would be recontacting the psychiatrist to say you want a second appointment for the purpose of getting a prescription. If this proves impossible check back with the person who provided the referral and report back your findings.

A primary care provider can prescribe the same medication and recommend a therapist so maybe you would want to go to him/her in the meantime. If the doctor is unsure what to do, they often phone a psychiatrist for advice.

I am not sure where you are and what the waiting list is that you are referring to so can't help any more.

I hope tomorrow is a better day

[Hidden in reply to blackcat64013]

Yeah it was like since i said i don't want to take medication, who cares.

[chibi1309]

Hi ShiDani, it sounds like you've had a really difficult experience and I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through.

As someone else who doesn't take medication for mental health, it sounds like pursuing talking therapy will be helpful for you as they will work with you in a different way which you may find more empathic and understanding.

I don't agree with the way your psychiatrist spoke to you - it's difficult enough dealing with mental health issues without being made to feel this way.

I live in the UK and I'm not sure where you're based but over here there is plenty of charities who provide free therapy and support or you can pay for private therapy sessions which range in price. This may cut your waiting time if you feel you want support more quickly.

I hope this helps and wish you all the best.

[Hidden in reply to chibi1309]

Hi. thank you.

I live in the US, in new york city. You would think that being that I live such a busy place that it would be easy to find help. I feel like just saying forget it and just letting myself go. I feel like I'm trying to hold on just a little longer but everything is against me.

[chibi1309 in reply to Hidden]

I'm so sorry to hear that it's difficult for you to find the help you need. It's your choice how you decide to proceed and no one can tell you what to do (nothing I hate more than people thinking they know your life). But I would always say that whilst we are alive there is hope that things will get better. Maybe it doesn't feel like it right now, but sometimes something comes along that changes the whole picture. If you give up now then you'll never know if that's going to happen. Have you tried self-help techniques? I use something called insight timer - it's an app which is free, that houses lots of relaxation and mindfulness help. I know it's not for everyone but maybe that will help you to relax whilst you figure out what the right thing is for you to do. I wish I could offer more advice around services but being so far away it's out of my realm of knowledge.

All I can say is that there is a great community here willing to offer support to you, and that I truly hope you get the support you need. Sending all my best wishes to you.

[Hidden]

thanks for the insight.

[blackcat64013]

Hi ShiDani,

I might have misread your first email about your thoughts on taking prescription medication - I apologise if that was the case.

How do you feel about natural remedies available over the counter? There are quite a few to choose from. If you want to give them a try, ask you pharmacist for a consultation to find the best one for you.

In the meantime, have thought about practicing anything that could be a stress buster?

I choose one activity each day from my tool kit which includes meditation, yoga, warm bath with lavender aromatherapy or just being in the fresh air (gardening, walking, bike riding & photography). My friend loves searching for Pokemons but it's not for me.