New Psychiatrist - back at sq 1

[Amber98]

I've written on here a few times, I like being able to express how I feel in an anonymous way, since I don't have anyone else in my life to talk to about this.

But the past year I can say has been pure hell for me. It's my last year of University and at this point I doubt im going to graduate. I was doing so well, until 4th year when all my anxiety/depression from the past 10 years just hit me all at once. I can't concentrate at all, as soon as I see a test or I try to read, my mind starts racing and I can't even comprehend a single thing, even if I the same line over and over. Plus, I cry several times a day so it's hard to be at school because I don't know when I will just start randomly crying, so I've stopped talking to friends.

Anyway, at the beginning of last the year I started on Cipralex through a normal GP, then I finally got a psychiatrist after I had a breakdown. The Psychiatrist had me on effexor for 3 months, during this time I had no relief and I had to defer all my exams. Then she took my off effexor and put me on welburtrin for my depression, but it made my anxiety increase 100%. The psychiatrist would never listen to me she just kept prescribing medication so I told her I wanted psychotherapy or some form of therapy. Then she told me that I was out of my district and shouldn't have been referred to her in the first place. So she referred me to a psychiatrist in my area, who works in the hospital. I was fortunate to get the appointment within a week, usually you have to wait 6 months + but since I had a psych referral it was faster. She told me that at the new location, they would provide me with therapy, group counseling for anxiety and I would have a psychiatrist to monitor me.

So this week I went to my appointment. This new psychiatrist actually told me my diagnosis which I had never received before. He said I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression & Post Traumatic Stress disorder. He then took me off the wellbutrin and prescribed me PMS Sertarinline. As soon as the half-hour mark hit, he told me he'll see me in another month. I told him I've been trying so many medications and I really need therapy and that my other psychiatrist told me I would get it here. He said he only has half-hour with each client. He was so rude. I was so optimistic about my new psychiatrist because I thought he would provide me therapy. I'm just wondering, where can I go to receive therapy? I don't mean counselling, I've tried it in the past. I need like something that can teach me to think differently as I feel like I am no longer in control of my own life. I'm failing classes and I'm reaching rock bottom. Sometimes I get so angry, I want to hurt other people. I have such negative thoughts and I recognize that it's getting worse. So if anyone could tell me your therapy experience and how you started it, that would be great. Also if anyone knows anything about PMS Sertraline.

[Alisonj29]

Anytime, please let me know how you make out

[Amber98]

thank you for all of your help!

[Alisonj29]

I had my doctor get a hold of them. However you can self refer and tell them you need inpatient or outpatient. With inpatient if you check yourself in you can leave anytime. Others arent allowed to leave at all, but you have clearance if you do it yourself to go. They have alot of studies going on right now on the website, including a CBT one. You should try and get into one of those.
Good Luck

[Amber98]

Thanks for your response, I really appreciate it. I actually went to CAMH once for an assessment but they didn't admit me or put me in an outpatient program.

I also don't have a family doctor but maybe I can ask my psych to refer me to CAMH? How were you able to check yourself in?

Thanks again! :)

[Alisonj29]

This is the unit I was in
http://www.camh.net/About_CAMH/Guide_to_CAMH/Mental_Health_Programs/Mood_and_Anxiety_Program/guide_inpatient_unit.html

[Alisonj29]

I am so sorry you are having such a hard time. Being in Ontario I can tell you that it is NOT easy to be able to receive proper treatment. I would go to your family doctor and tell them that you want to be seen at CAM-H. Its right downtown Toronto and is the Center for Addiction and Mental Health. They offer inpatient and outpatient programs including CBT and other aggressive treatments. I live 2 hours from there so I checked myself in as an inpatient. The first day I had talked to a doctor and had a ton of bloodwork and other tests, a psychiatrist, Psychologist as well as attended to group sessions on coping with anxiety and depression. Since you are in the GTA you can go as an outpatient and receive the help there. It is a very good hospital and about the best help you can find anywhere. I wish you lots of luck and hope that you can manage to finish your schooling as you have come so far already. If you have any question please feel free to message me. They have a website too if you want to refer yourself. http://www.camh.net/

[Amber98]

PS: I live in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario. If anyone has had any good experiences with a psychotherapist, that is covered by OHIP, please let me know.