Mental Health Question

[wembley]

I have an appointment with my regular doctor next week for my sinus issues (there’s another thread detailing that trauma). I’m going to call this morning to see if I can get in today at all because it’s more than I can handle.

Anyway, my question for this thread is about mental health. I’ve been thinking that there is something off for a long while but I’ve never really said much. Life is just feeling more and more overwhelming. I know that I have some pretty big stressors in my life right now but I’m feeling like I’m drowning instead of getting excited. There was the depression quiz a while ago and I didn’t score so well on that and it wasn’t surprising. I think I have panic attacks as well. I have these times where the whole world seems like it’s in fast-forward and I’m on pause or slow motion. I just feel like everything is rushing by me and there’s nothing I can do.

The thing I’m wondering is can a regular doctor be the one to help? I know it’s probably not like the typical stereotype of laying on a couch and talking about my childhood when going to a shrink but I just don’t know that I feel comfortable going to some stranger and telling them about my life. It’s not my thing. I just want to get back to normal. Maybe talking to someone could help but I’m just not at that point right now and really the thing that gets to me even more is that there isn’t one specific thing that happened that set me off. Yes, there have been some things that have happened in my life but I don’t know that that is what is holding me back. It gets me even angrier when I don’t even know why I’m down because there isn’t a good reason.

If I bring this up at the appointment, could she even do anything or would she refer me to someone else like a shrink?

[Heather]

Awww

What you're going through is very common for a lot of women, and can happen for a number of reasons. Definitely, without a doubt, talk to your doctor about it. He/She can better determine if the reason is hormonal or chemical, in which case she can prescribe meds. If it's "mental", she can determine that too, and in that case may refer you to a specialist.

I'm sure that it's all difficult to talk about, but don't hesitate to talk with your doc about these things.

[Steph]

Some family practitioners do prescribe Anti-Depressants. If this is something you are considering I would ask your doctor.

[Robyn Lynn]

Definitely talk to your doctor. I had a bad anxiety attack a couple of years ago and was referred to a psychologist to talk to and a psychiatrist to get meds. Your regular doctor can also prescribe meds. They may also be able to give you advice on taking vitamins that may help and on eating right and an exercise plan. I have been on Zoloft for about a year (I was on Paxil but it has worse side effects) and it helps, but diet and exercise can help, too.

Hopefully you will be able to get to the root of everything and start to feel better. I know how it feels to get overwhelmed and not feel like you are in control so if you want to talk just let me know.

[birdie]

I know it can be horrible. I was depressed for a LONG time before I finally bucked up and took myself to the doctor a few years ago. I was really nervous but it was actually easier to talk to someone I didn't know about my problems because there was no risk of being judged by someone you know. She took blood to make sure it wasn't dietary, nutrition, or hormonal imbalance. She prescribed Lexapro and the difference has been amazing.

For years I felt awful, like I was a burden to society . And like you, I could find no reason why I felt this way. I was raised by a wonderful mom who taught me that I was great no matter what. I had great friends and a boyfriend at the time who loved me very much. But it didn't stop the hurt. Not that this is how you feel--depression is different for everyone. But talk to your doctor. Actually, just talking to my doctor and being prescribed something made a world of difference because I knew I was doing something about it.

I hope you feel better!

[syringa]

Definitely talk to your doctor. The panic attacks can be a sign of depression. Depression can be caused by any number of things, including a chemical imbalance in the brain, hormone imbalance, etc. Things such as improper nutrition can make the problem worse. Many general practitioners can prescribe anti-depressants or they can refer you to someone who can.

[Emily]

Hey babe - I sooo know what you are going through! A couple of years ago I was experiencing the same feelings as you, I was feeling like everything was getting on top of me and I didnt really understand why - I would cry at the drop of a hat and also had a few panic attacks and sometimes felt them coming on and really had to try so hard to fight them off! I also couldnt stop worrying about things - silly little things and I just felt like my brain was overloading, you know like there was so much going on through my head and sometimes I just wanted some peace and quiet but could never get it because I couldnt switch off!

Anyway I went to a counsellor and it is the best thing I have ever done for myself - it took me a while to find the right person, one lady I only went to see once and the other I saw for about 2 months but she just didnt make me feel any better. I finally found this great lady who just really made me realise that I dont need to be take the weight of the world on my shoulders everything and its okay to just step back sometimes - its hard to explain but it really was just a case of going in once a week and just letting it all out! Some sessions I would just be blubbing the whole time! I saw her for about three months.

I dont think that its such a good idea to go onto anti-depressants unless you are having counselling at the same time! Alot of people will make the mistake of going on Anti-depressants but not actually dealing with the issue so when they do go off them they just have the same problems again!

I would suggest you go and buy some St Johns Wort - its a natural antidepressant and actually works! You take one a day, it takes about 2 weeks untill you feel any effects but it works really well! Also I would suggest going and seeing a counsellor - I know there is alot of stigma around going and seeing counsellors, alot of people just wont do it! But there is absolutely no shame is trying to help yourself!

And also - chin up babe, because when you are feeling like you are just keep reminding yourself that things arent as bad as they seem!

One good thing my counsellor taught me was gauging things that I worried about on a scale from one to ten with one being you are feeling fine and 10 being that you are dead - it really helped me put everything into perspective!!

[Complicated Woman]

I would definitely talk to a doctor -- you don't deserve to have to feel the way you've been feeling, honey. Sending prayers and good thoughts your way.

[michaelsbride]

Been feelin the same (which is why i havent really been on here lately...). I think once i move, i'm going to get back in therapy. I was on zoloft and prozac for a while but not long enough to really see the difference plus i was in such a black hole i dont know if it could have helped anyway.

Best of luck sweetie...

[555Ann555]

I'd talk to your doctor about it, it might help a bit just to get it out there. Just to be able to tell someone that everything is not OK.

You know we're all here if you want to talk about it. I think about half of us on here have had bouts of depression with/without presribed medication for it...

You will get there honey, this won't last forever.

[Emily]

michaelsbride - you should seriously try St Johns Wort, it really is great! Just makes you feel a bit more in control and secure!

Sorry to hear you are feeling down too babe - chin up! Sending you lots of love and thoughts from London!

[Marrying_the_Good_Husband]

Originally Posted by wembley

Yes, there have been some things that have happened in my life but I don’t know that that is what is holding me back. It gets me even angrier when I don’t even know why I’m down because there isn’t a good reason.

Annie, as the other girls said, the doctor would be able to prescribe an anti-depressant.

As you said, that's really the purpose OF therapy--when you don't really know why you feel the way you do--but you do. Therapy would really open a lot up to you. It's nothing to be ashamed of in this day and age. I agree with what Emily said that an anti-depressant might help you through a short-term period, but it isn't going to solve your issues. The underlying problems will still be there--and always will be--unless you work through them in some type of therapy. Obviously I can't speak for doctors, but I believe it's typical practice to refer patients to a therapist, as well. Now, I'm sure you could just get some drugs without seeking treatment for the issues. But I don't think that's necessarily the recommended course.

We're definitely here for you, Annie. As Ann said, so many girls here have talked about being on anti-depressants and so many more have talked about being in therapy. They're both very positive steps in your life.

[wembley]

One problem with going to therapy now is that my insurance ends on the 12th. I'll be put on Dustin's insurance once we're married but I'll also be still pretty new on the job and don't know my schedule or anything and who knows when insurance will kick in. I don't want to start something to only have to stop in a week. Plus who knows when I would be able to get in to even start the process with a therapist.

Maybe I should just wait until I'm on my new insurance and can find out what is covered and what is required with this process until I say something. I've made it this far, I could make it a month or two longer.

[michaelsbride]

Originally Posted by wembley

One problem with going to therapy now is that my insurance ends on the 12th. I'll be put on Dustin's insurance once we're married but I'll also be still pretty new on the job and don't know my schedule or anything and who knows when insurance will kick in. I don't want to start something to only have to stop in a week. Plus who knows when I would be able to get in to even start the process with a therapist.

Maybe I should just wait until I'm on my new insurance and can find out what is covered and what is required with this process until I say something. I've made it this far, I could make it a month or two longer.

thats exactly what im waiting to do... its really hard but im excited to get better.

[Robyn Lynn]

I would take Emily's advice of taking St John's Wort. I may look into that as well when I get myself off Zoloft. Also, like I said before, vitamins can sometimes help and so does eating right and exercising (I have been feeling sick(different things) for 2 weeks and haven't been able to exercise and have noticed a major difference in my mentality.). Also, you mentioned that you have been having a lot of problems with your sinuses and the stress of that can make you feel even worse. Your doctor will be able to give you differemt options.

You can also look into free or low cost counseling services in your area. Do you go to church at all? Sometimes churches offer free counseling services.

One other thing -- if your doctor prescribes medication and you are worried about having to stop taking it before you get new insurance, see if they can give you free samples. Just explain your situation. My doctor did that for me when I was between jobs.

[swtdl11552]

Ohhhh sweetie - tons of hugs. I hope everything smooths over for you! Everyone has already give you the advice I'd offer as well. But, be open about how you're feeling - I have noticed that when I get down (it seems mild for me, but I definitely notice that its cyclic!) I'm less moody if I just own it, ya know? Your physician should absoltuely be able to steer you in the right direction!!

Good luck! We are here for you!!!

[wembley]

Thanks everyone! I'll look into finding the St. John's Wort. Would it just be in the vitamin section?

I did see the doctor tonight for my sinus issue. She gave me amoxicillin and allegra. Hopefully that will make everything better with that.

I didn’t bring up my potential craziness though. She was running really late and I wanted to be able to get in to the pharmacy before it closed tonight. I also decided that once I get on FH’s insurance, then I’ll look into my options and find someone to talk to. You ladies are right, she could possibly have prescribed something but that wouldn’t have necessarily made things better, just fix the symptoms. I want to be better. It’s a big step just to admit that there is a problem. Small steps

[Emily]

Awesome - small steps are all you need to get there!

You should be able to get St Johns Wort at most pharmacys, just ask they should have it! It will probably be in the vitamins section!

Take care - I am thinking of you!

[Complicated Woman]

Annie, I have reccommended this before to someone, I think, but look around at churches in your area and see if they have counselling pastors. Usually they are professionally trained to deal with issues like this and do it free or at a very nominal fee.

[wembley]

I will look around to churches. Right now FH and I don't have a church of our own yet. Maybe I'll ask the pastor who's doing our ceremony if he can either help or recommend someone. I like him a lot. But then it's hard because I know him pretty well and it might be weird for me to really open up.

[feb-bride]

I've been seeing a therapist for a couple of months now. I'm also taking Wellbutrin for depression symptoms, but I wouldn't be taking an antidepressant if I weren't also going through the therapy process.

The NP who prescribed the Wellbutrin actually recommended that I *not* take St. John's Wort because it could negatively interact with other medications that I'm currently taking. So, before you start taking something, you might want to check with your doctor.

If you ever want to talk, you can always send me a PM.