Seeing a Physician for Anxiety?
I was recently asked by a counsellor if I would like to see a physician to discuss my anxiety and posibbly meds. I originally said no as I was afraid to talk about myself amd I wanted to stary way from meds. But now I might wan't to go and see what they say.
Is there anyone who had this kind of thought when they were origanally diagnosed or started talking to a physician? Can anyone provide me with their experiences with a physisican? Expereince when they first started on meds? Also any one who has insight to opening to their parents about being in counselling and their anxiety? ( I'm a university student)
@ScotchTape
I think it's great you're looking to see a physician about this and I know it can be very daunting!
My experiences were a little mixed - I think when I first broached the subject of anxiety/depression I was shooed off with meds (without any reasoning or describing), and the second time was so different since I had a doctor familiar with mental health issues.
I generally find people can have a few different experiences; they can be shooed off with meds, told that they don't have anxiety or (ideally) heard and referred. Sadly there is no easy way to tell, although it's always good if you can see a doctor you know or ask for one who specialises/has an interest in mental health issues.
If you can, have a think about what you want from that appointment before you go in - are you looking for a script, are you looking for more understanding on how anxiety affects you? If you are looking for a script, what is it you want to know before you walk out that door? Sometimes having those questions in your mind can help the appointment go a little smoother.
Perhaps this is something you can chat with your counsellor about? They might be able to help you broach that topic or even be able to recommend one that's more likely to help. It can be hard but it's also worth it.
BTW I haven't ignored your question about the parent's one just thought it deserved a longer answer!
Also doctor and physician are the same here so I've just used the word I'm familiar with!
@ScotchTape
My doctor told my husband to bring me to the pysc ward the 1st time I saw a MD about my issues and that was very scary. Now not on any pysc meds because GI took them all away from me.
I am in a similar situation. I'm also not sure how to tell my mom, and I also worry about not being taken seriously!
I am stopping my meds they don't work.
@ScotchTape I didn't know who to go to either. So I first tried to tell my surgeon 3 years ago out of fear that it may cause complications with recovery, He said it was my body/mind reaction to all of the surgeries and complications I'd been having. My last surgery was last July (6 hours under the knife!!!). I had a panic attack on day 4 of my hospital stay. I knew what it was, but of course, because I was there I went through a bunch of heart and lung tests. They then classified it as a panic attack due to all the pain I was in, "just rest and you'll feel better'. The next few months are a bit. of a blur, I can't remember much of them. In October I had to go to my family doctor for another post surgery check up. She didnt even finish saying hi and I broke down in tears, sobbing, could;n't even talk for the first while. She has now become my saviour. Just be sure you can trust what he/she says. Get a second opnion if it doesnt feel riight. Look up any medicatoins they give you because almost always they'll forget to tell you about something.
I hope all goes well for you!
I don't think that there really is a good therapist or doctor to help me with this issue. Not sure if anyone else has found anyone on this planet. Considering going to the board of directors and the press.
@DanaMH
Hi Dana, I'm obviously not privy to all about your life, but you sound like you feel you're at your wits end. I see the post of you stopping your meds because they are not working. My experience has been that not one med will work the first time. I'm on my second now, and you have to give it time. My first they said three months, I was on it for four and it didnt help at all. In fact, I think it made me worse. They've just prescribed me a different medication and I'm hopeful that it will work. Again, I don't know your story but please keep reaching out and do give the medications some time to work. There are lots of kinds to try and they take time to work.
All the best to you, I hope you can find someone you can trust to help you
@Loreilee
I am on the 30th or so med and Yes I know they take time to work the issue is they aren't giving me them.
@DanaMH
I'm sorry to hear that, maybe a new doctor or psychiartrist may help? I didn't know there were that many different ones to try. I hope you find someone to help you. Best wishes.
@Loreilee
I am firing my pysc MD and they told me I have to have 2 appts with him before they will give me someone else. Friday is appt 1 and Tue is appt 2. I can't get another PCP MD until July 1 when I get medicare.
@ScotchTape
I didn't know about my anxiety and depression or at least fully comprehend until I moved back home and saw my family doctor. I didn't have to say anything. She knew and he asked if I was feeling sad or down. I said I was fine. It took months but the next visit and admitted it wsa time for help. The meds do help.
