Getting it under control

[Suzyq0826]

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!

[Jikan]

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)

[Suzyq0826]

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.

[barfer]

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!  

[Suzyq0826]

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!

[barfer]

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.

[Suzyq0826]

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?