psychiatrist

[tricia56]

has any one been referd to a psychiatrist because of thier anxiety as ive had my anxiety for a few years now and the last couple of mnths its been really bad ive had cbt which was helpful but because ive been going to my gp alot about it espeicly my HA and break down crying to my gp she has referd me to see a psychiarist because its going on too long .i dont take meds im petriefied of taking meds and dont want to go down that road but when a woman from the asssement team from the local hospital foned me she told me that she had spoke to my cbt coucilor and that she said im just going round in circles and that her opinion and the woman that i spoke to says that they think i need meds and that the pschiatrist mite tell me that i need them im trying not to worrie about what the pschiatrist says but i dont want to take meds can they force me to do it and is there any one else on here who has seen a pychiatrist anout thier anxiety and what was the out come as im thinking that if i dont take meds i mite get worse or shall i just wait and see what the pschiatrist says thks

[pinkdove]

Hi tricia, I'm sorry you are feeling so bad, it might help you to know that i see a psychiatrist for my anxiety, he is really helpful, but i do take meds as i could'nt function anymore. they are really good at treating anxiety, better that your gp, as this is their specialist field, i would not worry about your appointment, but look forward to it, because it may be the start of your recovery, don't be afraid of going on meds, it may just be you need them in the short term, but nobody can make you do anything you don't want to, but it may be advisable to take his/her advice. take care and good luck :hugs:

[Abs79]

Hi Tricia

Yes I have seen a psychiatrist because of anxiety and like you I was terrified. It seemed like such a big thing and made it all seem much more serious. But it was actually fine, she was very nice and listened properly to my opinions about meds and so on. I had already had CBT like you but not really got anywhere, so was referred to the mental health team. Yes they probably will recommend that you try an antidepressant but remember it is your choice to take it or not, try to use it as an opportunity to ask questions and talk about your worries and concerns about taking them so you can make your own decision with more information. For me they also recommended more intensive CBT/psychology sessions so meds weren't the only option. I really didn't want to take anything but started off at a really low dose, I even stopped taking them for a couple of months but felt much worse and went back on them - and the psychiatrist was fine with this and didn't try to force me to stay on them. They can only recommend options to you and tell you what they believe will help you, but ultimately it is up to you to decide.

[Tyke]

Hi Tricia

I saw a psychiatrist when I first started with anxiety many years ago at my own request. I did this because I thought they would probably be more knowledgeable than my doctor about these issues and that was right. I didn't take tablets for long then, only Propranolol (beta-blocker) briefly, which had already been prescribed by my doctor. I used counselling and exposure therapy mostly to recover. I have had serious anxiety/depression issues again since. I am now on Propranolol and Sertraline (anti-depressant), but I have not seen a psychiatrist this time and don't feel I need to. What I would say is that I have got better much more quickly on this occasion and I do feel that owes a lot to the medication.

As pink dove and abs79 have stated, you don't have to do anything you don't want to - it is all your decision in the end. They advise you on what they think will be most appropriate to help you get better, but you don't have to follow their advice if you don't want to. If you feel that you would rather explore a drug free route then just make that clear to them. Personally though, I am fairly anti-drug myself, hate taking anything (even aspirin or paracetamol), but I have taken the medication route when it has been professionally recommended and it has paid off.

Tyke

[haz]

I've been under psychiatric care for over twenty years. I have Panic Disorder, Panic Attack, Agraphobia, GAD and severe recurrent depression. I have been on medication since I was first diagnosed at 21 yrs old.

A psychiatrist won't force you to take meds but it is kinda his job to prescribe medication that he or she thinks you will benefit from if psychology/therapy hasn't worked.

My first psychiatrist said something to me when I was 21 that I have never forgotten. I asked "DO I have to take this medication" - His answer "Absolutely not - it's YOUR illness, it's up to YOU".

I chose the meds but the decision is YOURS.

Don't be afraid to ask any questions about any medication that you may consider taking and whatever you do, DON'T read the Patient Information Leaflet's list of side effects, just ask what, if any, side effects you MAY be likely to get. DO NOT GOOGLE, you'll only scare the s**t out of yourself.

Good Luck. :flowers: