Aa
Getting it under control
I have finally done something that I should have done five years ago. I've scheduled an appointment with a professional. I've been taking Xanex as prescribed by my GP for five years now, but never dealt with the underlying issues that are the root of my anxiety problems.
I am going to see a psychiatrist as opposed to a psychologist, because I am aware I am going to need medication management as well as therapy...and one-stop shopping makes sense to me.
I think this past long weekend, with my husband half-way around the world gave me the time to really think about what I need to do. I have to get this under control, not only because I am tired of feeling this way and the unpredicability of anxiety attacks...(I do like to consistently be productive and keep an organized schedule and this sure gets in the way), but because I am going to destroy my marriage if I don't do something and get my emotions and psche under control.
My husband is paying the price for what I went through in my previous marriage, which to describe it without going into the grisly details...worse than hell! At the time, I saw my regular doctor who prescribed the Xanax for me, but I think it was like slapping a band-aid on an amputation. I realize I need therapy to deal with the past, and then put it where it belongs. It is not part of my life anymore anywhere but in my head, and to subject my husband to the roller-coaster ride I have is very unfair. I've reread some of the emails I sent him the past 10 days while he was in South Korea...even I think I sound unstable. It's time to get a professional!
I am going to see a psychiatrist as opposed to a psychologist, because I am aware I am going to need medication management as well as therapy...and one-stop shopping makes sense to me.
I think this past long weekend, with my husband half-way around the world gave me the time to really think about what I need to do. I have to get this under control, not only because I am tired of feeling this way and the unpredicability of anxiety attacks...(I do like to consistently be productive and keep an organized schedule and this sure gets in the way), but because I am going to destroy my marriage if I don't do something and get my emotions and psche under control.
My husband is paying the price for what I went through in my previous marriage, which to describe it without going into the grisly details...worse than hell! At the time, I saw my regular doctor who prescribed the Xanax for me, but I think it was like slapping a band-aid on an amputation. I realize I need therapy to deal with the past, and then put it where it belongs. It is not part of my life anymore anywhere but in my head, and to subject my husband to the roller-coaster ride I have is very unfair. I've reread some of the emails I sent him the past 10 days while he was in South Korea...even I think I sound unstable. It's time to get a professional!
Tried that...no idea what they mean...could be anything :-)) Of course, you probably have inside information...you are really a nurse, aren't you?
As for success...I am hopeful and really believe with the right therapist, whatever initials he holds...I am going to get out of it what I put into it. And I am certainly will to try!
In the meantime...is 6 pairs of shoes too much for 5 days? I think not, hubby would disagree...but at this point, since I'm going solo it really doesn't matter what he thinks, now does it?
:-))) Suzy
As for success...I am hopeful and really believe with the right therapist, whatever initials he holds...I am going to get out of it what I put into it. And I am certainly will to try!
In the meantime...is 6 pairs of shoes too much for 5 days? I think not, hubby would disagree...but at this point, since I'm going solo it really doesn't matter what he thinks, now does it?
:-))) Suzy
Sounds like a good choice. I'm betting you have success. If not...at least you know you can look for another one.
It's funny.....when you look at those lists...check out the numerous initials after their names...and then try to figure them out! I've had big fun making things up.
But then I'm evil that way sometimes.
:0)
It's funny.....when you look at those lists...check out the numerous initials after their names...and then try to figure them out! I've had big fun making things up.
But then I'm evil that way sometimes.
:0)
I guess I'll just start with this one doctor and see how it goes....I think some of them are still called doctors, even though their not MDs. When I was on the United Healthcare website searching through the network providers the volume and differences were pretty extensive....I had my choice of psychiatrists, psychologists, master clinicians, clinicians...with all sorts of different credentials, from PhDs to designations I'd never heard of. The one I chose was a psychologist with a PhD with significant experience in anxiety, so we'll see.
Worse case, this guy's not for me and I find someone else, but I am definitely going to give him a fair shot at it.
Worse case, this guy's not for me and I find someone else, but I am definitely going to give him a fair shot at it.
Yes, the consulting CAN write a med for you but may want to see you at least once, but just play along with whatever the "system" is. Make sure you give us the blow-by-blow, too, OK?
You'll know I'm near when you see the bright light of the polyester reflected on the clouds.
-S
You'll know I'm near when you see the bright light of the polyester reflected on the clouds.
-S
I'm sure that the Psychologist would be able to easily hook you up with one of the consulting psychiatrists. The way I used to do it was very similar. I went to an office that was basically "One Stop Shopping" for my anxiety. I saw the shrink every few weeks at first, then monthly, then every 6 weeks, etc..for med management...and to oversee the "talk therapy". Those appts were like 5 min in length. Then, I saw the therapist in the same office for my "talk therapy" visits, as often as I needed.
It worked out very well, and I imagine your situation will prolly be similar. The therapist will obtain your history at the first visit, including med history (and yes, they are VERY well versed in these meds)....and then will compile a treatment plan with goals for you. Just express to the psychotherapist that you are interested in being followed by a psychiatrist and how that happens?
Can't wait to hear all about it....it's a great step! Good for you!
Hugs!
It worked out very well, and I imagine your situation will prolly be similar. The therapist will obtain your history at the first visit, including med history (and yes, they are VERY well versed in these meds)....and then will compile a treatment plan with goals for you. Just express to the psychotherapist that you are interested in being followed by a psychiatrist and how that happens?
Can't wait to hear all about it....it's a great step! Good for you!
Hugs!
I am excited...really. Any of course if you have to come get me kicking and screaming, please wear those snazzy pants, ok?
My GP has been prescribing my Xanax for the past five years, I am hoping that I will like the psychologist advise him of the meds I am currently taking, and he could possibly work with my doctor with medication management. I'm assuming even though he can't prescribe them, he does know enough about them. His office does have several consulting psychiatrists working with them, would they possibly have one of those doctors write me a script without me actually being a patient?
They probably all drink and play golf together anyway, like you said.
My GP has been prescribing my Xanax for the past five years, I am hoping that I will like the psychologist advise him of the meds I am currently taking, and he could possibly work with my doctor with medication management. I'm assuming even though he can't prescribe them, he does know enough about them. His office does have several consulting psychiatrists working with them, would they possibly have one of those doctors write me a script without me actually being a patient?
They probably all drink and play golf together anyway, like you said.
Well, what with over 20 responses and a thundering acclamation of enthusiastic support, you'd BETTER do what you say or we will come and drag you, kicking and screaming, to do all that stuff.
Barfer's got it with the difference between cologists and chiatrists. Basically, the shrink is trained to be an MD, and then specializes as a psychiatrist; ergo, can write script. The psychologist is usually trained from the ground up as such. He/she is no doctor, so no meds. You WANT someone who can do the meds AND the therapy.
OK to the psychologist for now, but get with the shrink as soon as you can. The psych may even be able to fit you in with one who is nearby; these folks often got to the same bars and keep in touch.
Very exciting, all this. Just think -you're going to get better!
Barfer's got it with the difference between cologists and chiatrists. Basically, the shrink is trained to be an MD, and then specializes as a psychiatrist; ergo, can write script. The psychologist is usually trained from the ground up as such. He/she is no doctor, so no meds. You WANT someone who can do the meds AND the therapy.
OK to the psychologist for now, but get with the shrink as soon as you can. The psych may even be able to fit you in with one who is nearby; these folks often got to the same bars and keep in touch.
Very exciting, all this. Just think -you're going to get better!
I can tell you one thing for sure if you are Canadian, a psychiatrist is covered by provincial health insurance, so therefore is free. A psychologist isn't and that means you have to pay for their services out of your own pocket. Doesn't that sound a little backwards, but Hey, this is Canada...we do things a little differently up here.
On a more serious note, the difference between the two generally is one sits back and lets you talk and get things off you chest that may have been bothering you for a long time and you didn't even know it; PLUS and this is a big thing, he can prescribe drugs. He's the one who will produce the biggest bill. That is a psychiatrist.
A psychologist generally sits back and lets you talk and may throw in the odd suggestion but will often suggest or do cognitive behavioural therapy with you. He does not prescribe drugs but may suggest which drugs you should be on if he thinks you need them at all. His bill is not as high but still, he does need to make a living.
I was really lucky, my psychiatrist didn't cost me anything and he did CBT. I was one lucky girl. Sometimes it's great to be Canadian.
On a more serious note, the difference between the two generally is one sits back and lets you talk and get things off you chest that may have been bothering you for a long time and you didn't even know it; PLUS and this is a big thing, he can prescribe drugs. He's the one who will produce the biggest bill. That is a psychiatrist.
A psychologist generally sits back and lets you talk and may throw in the odd suggestion but will often suggest or do cognitive behavioural therapy with you. He does not prescribe drugs but may suggest which drugs you should be on if he thinks you need them at all. His bill is not as high but still, he does need to make a living.
I was really lucky, my psychiatrist didn't cost me anything and he did CBT. I was one lucky girl. Sometimes it's great to be Canadian.
Thank you all for your positive, encouraging posts...for those of you that have been in therapy, I have a question. I know the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that the psychiatrist is an MD...what are the other material differences, if any? I could not get an appt with a psychiatrist anywhere near where I live, anytime in the foreseeable future, so I am going to see a psychologist. Is there a big difference in the quality or type of therapy I am going to get between the two?
Am I better off waiting to see a psychiatrist versus a psychologist, or can the end result eventually be the same, it only depends on the quality and professionalism of either one?Having never done this before it's pretty experimental for me, so I really have no idea.
Suzy
Am I better off waiting to see a psychiatrist versus a psychologist, or can the end result eventually be the same, it only depends on the quality and professionalism of either one?Having never done this before it's pretty experimental for me, so I really have no idea.
Suzy
Hi Suzy1,
gosh you have made an awesome step. I have been stugling also and rereading my messages, I do believe that now my anxiety and IBS..have actually went a little deeper. Missing my family and the lonliness. The posts here have been very eye opening also.
I have been trying to get ahold of my doctor for the last 2 days. I dfinately need a change in my course of action for me1. I started counseling again about 2 weeks ago. I found myself when i walked in a little scared, but when i came out i was refreshed!. a load of my mind for sure.
I am still missing my Son in the military and missing my family. My husband is hard at work, which leaves alot of time on m hands figuring out me lol. well that goes well for a day or 2 then boom i am right back where i started.
Time for reevaluation for me
Best to you and keep pluggin away,
Snooze
gosh you have made an awesome step. I have been stugling also and rereading my messages, I do believe that now my anxiety and IBS..have actually went a little deeper. Missing my family and the lonliness. The posts here have been very eye opening also.
I have been trying to get ahold of my doctor for the last 2 days. I dfinately need a change in my course of action for me1. I started counseling again about 2 weeks ago. I found myself when i walked in a little scared, but when i came out i was refreshed!. a load of my mind for sure.
I am still missing my Son in the military and missing my family. My husband is hard at work, which leaves alot of time on m hands figuring out me lol. well that goes well for a day or 2 then boom i am right back where i started.
Time for reevaluation for me
Best to you and keep pluggin away,
Snooze
Hi,
Just wanted to congratulate you on your great decision to seek help. Its the first and biggest step along the way to gaining some control back in your life which anxiety seems to take away.
I started therapy 2 weeks ago, and am amazed to have clicked with the lady I've chosen straight away. No problems opening up, and she is getting a hell of a lot of deep routed memories out of me that feel like a weight lifted off. Don't get me wrong, when the session goes really well and we get alot of stuff out on the table, I usually spend the rest of the day on the couch - exhausted!! But she said not to feel bad about that - allow it as recovery time, and then pick up again the next day. It can feel as though you are going backwards a little, and as you say alot of your problems are in your past and to address them, you may need to bring them into the room, so to speak, to dismiss them. Hope that makes sense?
Anyway, all the very best, I'm thinking of you, and hoping only good things will come from this.
Loueelamb
Just wanted to congratulate you on your great decision to seek help. Its the first and biggest step along the way to gaining some control back in your life which anxiety seems to take away.
I started therapy 2 weeks ago, and am amazed to have clicked with the lady I've chosen straight away. No problems opening up, and she is getting a hell of a lot of deep routed memories out of me that feel like a weight lifted off. Don't get me wrong, when the session goes really well and we get alot of stuff out on the table, I usually spend the rest of the day on the couch - exhausted!! But she said not to feel bad about that - allow it as recovery time, and then pick up again the next day. It can feel as though you are going backwards a little, and as you say alot of your problems are in your past and to address them, you may need to bring them into the room, so to speak, to dismiss them. Hope that makes sense?
Anyway, all the very best, I'm thinking of you, and hoping only good things will come from this.
Loueelamb
Now you've GOT something. Your expectation of the process is pretty accurate -establish the relationship, then start the talking. There may or may not be a couch. The "couch" is a throw-back to the early days of psychiatry, when the patient reclined and just began to spew out whatever thoughts came into their heads, while the psychiatrist quietly took notes. That was called "analysis." But today, the skilled psychiatrist can fairly quickly figure out how your experiences and feelings fit into various patterns and suggest appropriate subject matter for discussion, new ways to look atbold material, etc.
At its best, having a psychiatrist is like having an excellent guide in the wilderness. The guide doesn't know where the "bear" is, but knows how to detect the tracks, the short-cuts, the best approach. In the end, it is YOU who does the work, which is WHY it works -you did it, and in the doing of it, you learn that you CAN adapt, change -be happy, even! And it is entirely reasonable that some portion of your trek will be through previous experiences -back into childhood.
Following is a partial list of my Journal entries which are the result of the new self-understanding I acquired from my time in psychiatry. These are not meant to be a template of what YOU will discover, but rather, an example of how thinking and understanding change. I hope you like them.
Copy and paste them (one at a time) into your browser address box, or just click my name to go to my profile page and find them there:
The Stain on the The Stain on the Floor -an Anxiety Story www.medhelp.org/user_journals/list/366811
Where is it Coming From? www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/9206
Meet the Panic Family www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/7843
Is it possible? Could it be? (Symptoms) www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/7377
All in the Head www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/7293
Smoking Guns and Puzzles. www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/6075
Anxiety -and EVERYTHING else www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/14907
The Last Good Thing www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/12845
You're on your way, Suzy. Nice work!
-S
At its best, having a psychiatrist is like having an excellent guide in the wilderness. The guide doesn't know where the "bear" is, but knows how to detect the tracks, the short-cuts, the best approach. In the end, it is YOU who does the work, which is WHY it works -you did it, and in the doing of it, you learn that you CAN adapt, change -be happy, even! And it is entirely reasonable that some portion of your trek will be through previous experiences -back into childhood.
Following is a partial list of my Journal entries which are the result of the new self-understanding I acquired from my time in psychiatry. These are not meant to be a template of what YOU will discover, but rather, an example of how thinking and understanding change. I hope you like them.
Copy and paste them (one at a time) into your browser address box, or just click my name to go to my profile page and find them there:
The Stain on the The Stain on the Floor -an Anxiety Story www.medhelp.org/user_journals/list/366811
Where is it Coming From? www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/9206
Meet the Panic Family www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/7843
Is it possible? Could it be? (Symptoms) www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/7377
All in the Head www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/7293
Smoking Guns and Puzzles. www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/6075
Anxiety -and EVERYTHING else www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/14907
The Last Good Thing www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/12845
You're on your way, Suzy. Nice work!
-S
You betcha'...I think I feel like making a lot of noise :-))) I haven't felt this good in a long time. Just knowing that I am not going to be passive and let this **** control my life feels good. I'm packing for my trip, just spent a couple of hours with my best friend in Chicago....I see light at the end of the tunnel!
You guys are so wonderful! We finally finished playing phone tag and I have an appt on the 24th. He had one this week but it was on Thursday and I'm leaving for Chicago. We actually talked a little bit on the phone, that in itself astonished me...a phone conversation with a doctor and not a receptionist or nurse? Of course, quie a bit of it was discussing my insurance coverage....guess everyone has to make a living and wants to be sure to get paid....but we did talk a little bit about my situation too and that was pleasant. I'm really excited and looking forward to progress...that's all I can all it at this point. The whole experience is new to me.
My GP prescribes my meds and I have an appointment with him on the 15th when I get back from Chicago. I think I'll just tell him what I'm doing and let the two of them coordinate my meds...I don't know, I guess I'll be playing it by ear for a bit.
Thanks for all the support!
Suzy
My GP prescribes my meds and I have an appointment with him on the 15th when I get back from Chicago. I think I'll just tell him what I'm doing and let the two of them coordinate my meds...I don't know, I guess I'll be playing it by ear for a bit.
Thanks for all the support!
Suzy
I'm here in Toronto with my friend Barfer, but I've been thinking about you. I heartily and completely and totally agree with your decision to go for therapy. It, along with the right meds, saved my life. You are right that getting to the bottom of some of the junk you are carrying will help you with your disease immensely. It won't cure it, probably, but it will give you loads of tools to cope. And that's the goal - cope - because once you cope, you can grow!
Don't give up. It took me a long time to find a good shrink and I went through more than one before I found him. You can also have two - one a psychiatrist for the meds and beginnings of therapy (they are expensive) and a psychologist for more long term work (they are not quite as pricy). Working in tandem, they can form a team to help you get better...
You go, girl!
Don't give up. It took me a long time to find a good shrink and I went through more than one before I found him. You can also have two - one a psychiatrist for the meds and beginnings of therapy (they are expensive) and a psychologist for more long term work (they are not quite as pricy). Working in tandem, they can form a team to help you get better...
You go, girl!
A big step in the right direction! Good for you. Even if you have to play phone tag for a while, at least it looks like you are going to get help.
Thank you all for your encouragement. It's going to be a new expeerience for me, so I have no idea what to expect.
I just received a call from one of the many psychologists I hd left a voice mail for...of course it figures I did not hear my cellphone ringing, so I got to play yet another voice mail. He sounds pleasant enough and did ask me to call him back and identify what it was I wanted to see him about to ensure that he was qualified in that area...and he also wanted to know of course the most important thing...do you have insurance?Well I called him back, left the information on yet another machine, so we'll see.
Namaste,
I am proud of you for the decision(s) you have made, but you have some good questions and concerns.
I went through several psychiatrists and therapists before I found ones that I connected with and also felt that they were competent to handle my treatment.
Remember that they are working for you, should have your best interests at heart and if you feel they're not doing that, I'd move along.
Regardless, I wish the best for you and keep us informed concerning your progress.
Michael(Jikan)
I am proud of you for the decision(s) you have made, but you have some good questions and concerns.
I went through several psychiatrists and therapists before I found ones that I connected with and also felt that they were competent to handle my treatment.
Remember that they are working for you, should have your best interests at heart and if you feel they're not doing that, I'd move along.
Regardless, I wish the best for you and keep us informed concerning your progress.
Michael(Jikan)
Ouch...that made me laugh...got a pain in my side pictuing you waking up the doc.
I have visions of Bob Newhart....that would actually be fun, a therapist that had a sense of humor and could make you laugh??? I'm going to have to start searching all over again.
I have visions of Bob Newhart....that would actually be fun, a therapist that had a sense of humor and could make you laugh??? I'm going to have to start searching all over again.
That is a really good question. In my case, there was a couch but the only one using it was the doctor before I got there. My appointment was at 8:25 am and I would often catch him snoozing before my appointment. I sat in a chair and he with his back to a window. For the first little while, all I could see were the tops of trees swaying in the wind and it kind of made me feel sea sick. lol After a while, I did get used to it because I actually started talking and opening up instead of sitting there waiting for my time to be up. If I remember correctly the sessions usually lasted 45 and you are right, when the session is up, it's here's you hat, what's your hurry!
Well, if and when I finally do get in with someone, I have no idea what to expect. I am guessing there really is no couch, right? I bet there is a clock though!
This actually made me giggle a little because when I finally made up my mind to see a psychiatrist and on our first session he asked, "How are you feeling?" and I replied, "Fine." And that pretty much sums up my first session with him. Even though I knew I needed therapy, it was like pulling teeth to get information out of me for the first few sessions. After a while, he couldn't shut me up and that was when I knew I was on the mend. Good luck and keep us informed.
Thanks, I will try that. I am leaving town on Thursday and was hoping to have an appointment scheduled before I left for when I get back next week. maybe I will just be a royal pain-in-the-butt and someone will see me....of course, if I can't stand the doctor then I start all over again, but who knows until you try?
I haven't ever been in any type of therapy before, but I imagine that you build a relationship with this providor and have to be comfortable with talking to whoever you're seeing. I can't imagine that this happens with the first person you see for everyone.
Has anyone had to go through a few therapists or counselors before settling on one that they can have a repoir with?
I haven't ever been in any type of therapy before, but I imagine that you build a relationship with this providor and have to be comfortable with talking to whoever you're seeing. I can't imagine that this happens with the first person you see for everyone.
Has anyone had to go through a few therapists or counselors before settling on one that they can have a repoir with?
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?
