1st visit and NERVOUS!!!

[blued82]

So I have been having a lot of anxiety and panic that has made things in my life very hard. I don't like to go out anymore and I have pretty much stopped driving due to a panic attack while driving. Anyways I have decided to go and see a Dr. Well I am pretty nervous bcus I have been to my regular Dr but never a shrink. Well I am just wondering what to expect and if they put you on meds on your 1st visit? I am so nervous I haven't been sleeping much over this!! Someone help!!!

[blued82]

Thanks nurse girl. He put me on Effexor. I am really happy and excited about starting this. I took my first pill last night.
I will go to him once a month and then continue doing the Lucinda Basset program and exercising.

[nursegirl6572]

Congrats for taking the steps necessary to address the anxiety!

It sounds like you've been trying to manage this in ways that didn't include medication, which I commend you for.  I'm a strong believer that while using meds is a personal decision, when symptoms become severe enough that our every day life is being drastically affected, it's time to ramp things up a little...and medications really are the next logical step.  I think trying meds is the sensible thing to do, as long as you make sure you also incorporate therapy into your treatment plan.  That is SO important.

What meds did the doc prescribe?  You have a great attitude, which will help you a lot.  You have a great level of self awareness, which helps a lot in treating anxiety.  You've recognized that you have a problem, and have sought help for it.  You also recognize that you have an anxiety disorder, you aren't crazy, or anything like that.  You are definitely not alone.  MANY many people suffer with anxiety disorders, nearly 20% of the US population is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.  That's a LOT of people!  And, that doesn't include those who haven't been officially diagnosed yet!   People from all walks of life.  I guarantee there are several people in your life that also have an anxiety disorder that you would never know about unless they said something.  I found that when I started opening up to people about my panic disorder, I found SO many people also dealing with chronic anxiety.  One of my closest friends confided in me that she TOO had panic disorder.  We both were just always too embarrassed to talk about it with each other.  Boy, what a breath of fresh air that was for BOTH of us!  We helped each other so much.

Very best of luck to you...you are on the road to getting this anxiety managed.  There are SO many things YOU can do yourself at home too...on top of the meds and the therapy.  There are books to read, goals to make, all kinds of things.  The MORE you do, the better off you'll be.  A lot of people think it's as easy as taking a pill, or going to therapy once a month.  That's only part of it.  WE have to do the work necessary to make the changes in our thinking.

Keep in touch!!

[blued82]

Ok well I did it. I went to the Dr... I have been so nervous about this appointment and everyone was right, it wasn't bad at all! He told me I have panic disorder and he put me on some meds and he wants me to start facing some of my fears. He said I have to face them to get over them. I am so glad I went and i hope this is the light at the end of the tunnel i have been wanting to see!! Hope everyones doing great!!!

[blued82]

Hey starb, we are not crazy we just have an anxiety disorder. Have you been to the Dr over this? I often get dizzy and feel just not myself 2! It really is hard and im here to talk if you need to!!

[starb31]

I dont know what it us but i get very lightheaded and dizzy when I'm on my feet i get hot and cold all if the time could someone pkease help me and tell me what it could be please. I cant remember anything i feel like im going crazy

[blued82]

Thanks Paxiled, I think I really need meds bcus this has been going on for 6 months and I have tried a lot of other things like exercise, cutting back on caffeine, yoga, supplements, the Lucinda basset program and I still have a lot of anxiety. I am not done with the program and I think it is helping but I think I may need meds 2!! I appreciate all the support and answers I am getting on here!!

[Paxiled]

Also remember, you don't have to take anything if you don't want to.  The psychiatrist won't force you to do anything.  The choice is still yours to make. Now, if you do see a psychiatrist, yes, he will prescribe drugs -- that's all they do unless you find one of the rare ones who still do therapy.  Psychologists do therapy and don't prescribe drugs, so they can sometimes make an evaluation with you whether you need meds or not, but you need to find one who specializes in treating anxiety.  But just remember, your treatment is in your hands, nobody is going to force anything on you.

[blued82]

Thanks cj, that makes me feel a lot better!!! I live in a pretty small town and I don't think we have an anxiety support group. :( That would be nice if we did. I am on a few support groups online but I have a bit of social anxiety 2 so I think I need to be around ppl more. I am just ready to get on meds and join some groups and I am doing the Lucinda Basset Program 2!

[cj29]

In my opinion, it is normal to be nervous about going to see a psychiatrist.  I believe you are making the correct decision.  He/She has spent his/her entire professional career in trying to understand illness like anxiety and panic.  I was also initally extrememly nervous about going to see one and going on medication, but in retrospect I am glad I did both.  When I was going through this, I also saw a counselor (psychologist), because in my experience, he talked with me more and gave me the knowledge and the tools to confront it.  He also discussed with the doctor about meds as well.  Another important step I took was finding an anxiety group.  One, it showed me that I was not alone, two, it helped me get ideas about how to confront the anxiety, and three, it showed me how so many people actually go through this at one point in their lives.  For example, we had a succesful lawyer, teachers, grad students, etc...people are people and we often share the same experiences no matter what our backgrounds.
I suggest going into this with an open mind...also, don't be afraid to ask questions about your experiences with this...that is what the doc is there for.  Keep us posted!

[Jerry_NJ]

Well I haven't been to a "shrink" myself but my wife has both a psychiatrists - an MD who prescribes medications - and from time to tome a psychologist who knows what the medications are and may discuss with the MD based on what he learns in talking with my wife.

I don't know how soon meds are prescribed but I think as soon as the MD thinks they may provide some help.  Our son suffers too, mostly from depression in his case, and he tries to break from meds when he believe he has his life better controlled.  

I understand what I think is called phobias and a fear of height is one that troubles me.  It was so bad for a while I had difficulty driving across a high bridge or along a drop off in the mountains.  I also had difficulty flying in an airplane for a while.  I am now a million miler with United Airlines.  I did not take any meds I just kept confronting my fears and got them under control.  Height still troubles me but I am going to pass out or freeze up.