How do you find a good psychiatrist?

[Misha]

This has been a hard, dark Winter for me. I'm feeling anxious and depressed and like I need help. I'm so wound up that sometimes I feel like I'm about to snap at Jude for no good reason and that really disturbs and saddens me. Anyway, I'm thinking I may need professional help (duh!) but I'm not sure about getting medication. Short term, I think it would be great to have an occasional xanax or valium to calm myself but I worry about becoming dependent (and I worry about Howie relapsing if he finds any drugs). I'm overwhelmed. I'm usually the one in control and the person who loves to help others but now I need some help to get through this dark time. How do you find a good Psychiatrist? I'm so afraid of getting a quack!

[sums]

i have no idea but i just want to give you a hug (((((((mary))))))) and tell you that i love you :heart:

[little frog]

you might want to talk to your regular family doctor, they usually will be able to refer you to someone. this is how i found a therapist and my family dr gave me paxil, although i think it's best if you get the meds from the psychiatrist.

also, friends are also a good source, if you want to divulge that info to them.

xoxoxo .. i LOVE you mary!!!! if i think of anything else i'll let you know.

[Misha]

Thank you both! I love you guys too. It's so strange, the depression and anxiety comes in waves. This morning Jude and I were have a wonderful time painting and laughing and now that I'm here at work with no distractions and all the negative feelings are coming back.

I JUST got health insurance and have an appiontment for an annual check up on March 4th. Great idea about asking my regular dr--I will do that (actually maybe I'll call her before then).

Allison, did Paxil help?

[little frog]

the paxil did really help. i'm not very much into meds at all, but i had to admit that i was just going through a really rough time and i needed help. i didn't stay on them for long, 6 months i think, i didn't want to be dependant on them forever, but it really helped me get through each day .. and time helps, if you can get through each day without freaking out.

[safireblues]

I've been on meds most of my adult life. I hate having to be, but I've gone off them several times and within 6 months, I'm right back to not sleeping, thinking the whole world is out to get me, and ready to go in the garage with the car. There is depression on both sides of the family, so I'm screwed.

I think there's 2 kids of depression--situational and regular. Someone like myself has depression for life, it will always be chronic and I will likely need a low dose of medication for life. I hate it but the alternative is being dead so there you go.

If this is your first bout, it's very likely situational and you may go through it once and never again. It sounds like you're still quite functional (at work, taking care of your child) so I don't think you need meds at this point. Don't get benzos either as they are super addictive when you're depressed.

What you likely need is: 1. Therapy 2. Exercise. Therapy helps because when we talk about toxic feelings and emotions, it literally changes the brain chemistry. Because you've always been the strong one, it's likely that you keep most things inside and have been ok with that system up to this point.

Exercise naturally changes your brain chemistry as well and can lift a mood quickly.

Also watch your food, cut down on caffeine and sugar and simple carbs, as they make you go up and down all day long.

If you do all these things and you don't improve or you get worse, then ask around your area for a good psychiatrist. Do not go to a family doctor, they will put you on whatever the reps are pushing. Google google google, look for testimonials from people who say "this guy saved my life."

Hope that helps. PM me if you ever need to talk.

[safireblues]

Oh and even if you get meds, make sure you get therapy on the side. Cognitive behavioral kind, not someone who wants to rehash why daddy never loved you, but more practical ways to change your thinking, push out negative thoughts, etc.

My sister had good luck with the Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety, as did I. *these are tapes/cds

When I did meds alone, I never got better. It was only once I did meds+therapy+exercise that I saw significant improvement and consider myself in complete relapse so long as I take my meds, keep exercising and go to therapy.

[Rionach aka Spec K]

In the short term, Misha, try to get some good vigerous exercise in like safireblues suggested. It really helps. :)

[safireblues]

Exercise in the sunshine, specifically.

Also, when you go for your checkup, have your hormones checked. I believe you are mid 40s and had the little guy not too long ago, so you may be having some hormonal issues.

[Misha]

Thank you so SO much! I'm at work but will write more later:heart:

[twirly jill]

i had depression problems after a breakup about 5 years ago. i was able to get a list of local therapists and i called all of them. i went to see the first one who called me back. luckily, i really liked her and i saw her for a few years. she really helped me out of a bad situation. its good to talk to someone who can be totally objective. as much as your friends and family love you, i think its really important to talk to someone who isn't involved in your life. also, i felt like my friends were thinking, "enough already"

i ran into my therapist at trader joes about a month ago. a little akward

good luck with everything misha

[Wende]

When I was ready. I typed it into google for my area, and I called the one that had a long bio, about who he was and where he came from and what he does now. He worked right out of his home. He was a *talk therapist* a budhist, a naturalist, he didn't believe in most medicines, he was an amazing man with lots to talk about. He could relate. There were no pens and pencils. I only needed 6 months or so, My dad now goes to him and has for over a year now.

Mary, going to someone is scary and confusing at first. Just make that first step in looking up names in your area. They gave you quite a bit of wonderful advice up there. It's good to see you reaching out. That is such a wonderful begining. We love you :)

[TEO]

Great advice in this thread.

I talked with my alternative medical practioner's, as well as a couple of close friends who know my issues, and I know theirs. I listened to the various recommendations, why the person was being recommended. Then called the one based on all factors, I thought would be the best fit for my circumstances at the time. Turned out the first choice was a great choice, so I did not need to call others on the list.

All best in finding a good fit, to help you over this bump in the path. :heart:

[Misha]

Hey you guys, this thread has really helped (part of the way I feel is feeling like I don't have the focus to write a nice long response..). Anyway, I'm seeing someone today at 10am--we talked on the phone and she seems very nice so I feel hopeful. I'll give an update later

[fire_rocket]

Good luck Misha. :heart:

[Sunny Sunshine]

Good luck today Mary :heart:

[wabbit]

:heart:

[little frog]

:heart::heart::heart:

[SunshineDrummer]

Good luck, Misha. :)

I always get a bit down during the colder months. I just atrributed it to the "winter blahs" until a doctor I consulted mentioned SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Turns out, I'm prone to it. I didn't need meds, but I started using light therapy and it helped a lot. I still get down from time to time, but at least now I can recognize where its coming from.

Just mentioning because its something you might want to ask about if you start attending sessions. I had no clue about SAD until the doctor mentioned it to me.

[Drop_o_Rain]

Misha... I got a lamp for Christmas and it has helped a lot...

and, if you ever want to yell, cry or scream... you know that you can call me too

:heart:

[vinandtonic]

I found my therapist through an insurance referral. She was so awesome that I recommended her to one of my employees.

best of luck to you. :heart:

[Misha]

Thanks:heart:
So, I went to the psychiatrist and really like her. She talked to me for almost an hour and had some really great insights. She did prescribe some short term medication and I'm feeling a bit better. But honestly, I think just talking to a third party helped. One interesting thing we can to the conclusion was that I have social phobia disorder! Reading about it when I got home was pretty unbelievable--I have almost every symptom. I feel like a piece of the puzzle of my life has finally been put together.

I think I'm going to stick with her--she was pretty ***** (which I like and need) and wants to see me again next Friday. I'm glad because I thought she'd see me for a few minutes and whip out the prescription pad! (Howie had a pill pushin psychiatrist like that).

Anyway, this thread has meant so much to me. You guys really helped me so much. Last week was BRUTAL.

[little frog]

so happy to hear this is working out for you Mary. must be a huge relief to find some answers finally. :heart::heart::heart:

[Mama Kel]

:heart::heart::heart:

[sarah b.]

:) :heart: cool.
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[Luna]

:)

[safireblues]

Awesome Misha. There's a big difference between folks who use meds as a tool and know them well vs. pill pusher types who will write you whatever the reps pushed that week.

I am so glad you found someone you liked, and talking about it is essential. It's like a little pressure release valve, when you get too much built up in your head, you need to talk it out to release the pressure.

Keep us posted on how you do.

[Misha]

Oh THAT is it EXACTLY--like a pressure valve that has been released (partially). Just that one session gave me so much insight and I know it's going to be a tough journey but I'm going to have to focus on me in these sessions (as opposed to always focusing on anyone and everyone else!). There are so many issues going on in my life (mostly bad) but I'm feeling a little more able to cope with them.

I'm seeing her again on Friday.

[little frog]

:heart::heart::heart:

[Jersey Thug]

congratulations on finding a good fit for you, Mary. many wishes for continued success and a lighter, happier heart :heart:

[Spiffy]

best of luck to you :heartbounce:
I've found that working out really helps me vent my frustrations in a positive way.