Anxiety and depression thread (Please read OP)

LonelyBoy84

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Hey LonelyBoy, in my situation there was a lot of changing meds, mostly dosages over the first year to find a balance, have you been referred to your local mental health unit?.

We did some changes of dosages early on, with the hope being that a low dosage would provide me the boost I'd need. I was on less than the minimum therapeutic dosage for the first 4 weeks (5mg), then moved to 10mg for 2 weeks (minimum therapeutic dosage)....at that point I had a very bad anxiety attacks and was getting super depressed, so the doctor upped my dosage to 15mg - that's where I've been for 2 months.
That certainly stabilized things, and got rid of the real lows (as in I can concentrate on stuff, sleep through the night, get the odd moments of feeling fine and laughing etc, have much more control over my worries) - but I still feel worried and quite depressed/flat most of the time. So wondering if the doc is thinking that's good enough it ain't good enough for me, I want to feel like myself again!

Gremlinertia

Say exactly all that to your doc, maybe discuss further options etc.

LonelyBoy84

I did. That's when he basically said I should just accept that I'll be on the meds indefinitely and potentially for good. That we'll check in again at Christmas. That's why I'm wondering if physciatrists opinion may be of value

Gremlinertia

LonelyBoy84 wrote: »

I did. That's when he basically said I should just accept that I'll be on the meds indefinitely and potentially for good. That we'll check in again at Christmas. That's why I'm wondering if physciatrists opinion may be of value

Tell the doc that you insist on a referral, no gp would attempt to treat a broken bone or any given chronic condition themselves, they delegate to the appropriate specialist

Gremlinertia

Just had my outpatient appointment, was terrible tbh. I managed to say things but it seemed overshadowed by a previous appointment mix up and some other random talk..

Shpud2

Sorry to hear that Grem

LonelyBoy84

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Tell the doc that you insist on a referral, no gp would attempt to treat a broken bone or any given chronic condition themselves, they delegate to the appropriate specialist

How long does a referral usually take?

aluminium

LonelyBoy84 wrote: »

Has anyone any experience seeing a psychiatrist privately?

My story is a few pages back on this thread, but I'm on Lexapro the last 3 and a half months.
On 15mg escitalopram about 2 months at this stage. Panic attacks are gone, but still feeling worried most of the time, and when not worried, very flat/depressed. Not enjoying things like I used to at all. Mornings are the worst by some distance, I'm so tired no matter how much sleep I get and I get upset sometimes just because I don't feel at all like myself and feel drained by the whole thing.

I spoke to my GP and he said that I should probably expect to be on the meds for some considerable time going forward and perhaps for the rest of my life. I'd have no issue with that if I was feeling myself tbh, but I ain't - so I was a little disappointed with that and it seemed kind of defeatist. I'm in my early thirties and this is my first time on anti-depressants (with esciptralopram being the first one I was prescribed).

I'm doing CBT, mindfulness & going to the gym, but thinking someone to take a closer look at my meds might be beneficial or bring some improvement. Anyone any thoughts?

last year or maybe 18 months ago, i was on cymbalta, prozac and celexa.
none worked.
there was a row in the house one evening over who eat a bar of chocolate. i took half a box of stilnoct told everyone to f off and went to bed. i woke up next morning.....
i went to the gp for a referral to a professional. (private) .
the referral letter was for a psychiatrist who was no longer practicing. so the receptionist made an appointment with the other psych., in the hospital. turns out this psych only dealt with sexual issues. that was a waste of 250 euro. then i get a receipt in the post. "received 250 euro, Dr XXXXXX, Sexual Psychiatrist. ". So i got nothing from the psych., and was to embarrassed to claim tax relief on the bill.

I think that I can see the funny side of the situation means that the lexapro is working

Gremlinertia

LonelyBoy84 wrote: »

How long does a referral usually take?

Very dependent on where in the country you are really..

LonelyBoy84

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Very dependent on where in the country you are really..

I think Doctor thinks I’m suffering from situational depression (or adjustment disorder) due to all change in my life (new house, 2 changes in work, getting engaged, stress, etc.) so is hoping that I’ll snap out of it as they’re usually relatively time limited episodes

Gremlinertia

Referral can be some months waiting list which can be cancelled if you do 'snap out of it'

echo beach

aluminium wrote: »

So i was to embarrassed to claim tax relief on the bill.

Don’t be embarrassed. There is still time to claim your money back on the Med1 form. Often you don’t have to submit the receipts, only confirm you have them, and even if you do have to send it in nobody in revenue cares.
Still it is a strange thing to put on a receipt. I’m all for being open but a bit of discretion doesn’t go amiss!

cristali

LonelyBoy84 wrote: »

I think Doctor thinks I’m suffering from situational depression (or adjustment disorder) due to all change in my life (new house, 2 changes in work, getting engaged, stress, etc.) so is hoping that I’ll snap out of it as they’re usually relatively time limited episodes

I've been trough a lot of changes in the last 2 years too and have a lot of stress in my life at the moment, feeling very anxious in the last month especially, can't stop crying, I feel very jittery inside my body ...I don't know what to do

LonelyBoy84

cristali wrote: »

I've been trough a lot of changes in the last 2 years too and have a lot of stress in my life at the moment, feeling very anxious in the last month especially, can't stop crying, I feel very jittery inside my body ...I don't know what to do

Recommend exercise & mindfulness. I know it’s cliche, but they definitely are helping me. Also, talk to people, friends, partner, professionals - realising what you’re going through is common & not unique to you really helps me too

RabbleRouser2k

Made an appointment with a psychotherapist on Monday-appointment for next week.

Hoping this can help me. I haven't had a counselling session in a few years, honestly. But I feel I need this.

I was taking my time finding one, but then my mum was going for an eye test to get new glasses, and she spotted an advert posted up in the optometrists.
(The issue of locality and quality was important to me. One or two I saw had websites that to me, looked more like they wanted positive customer testimonials than helping patients.)

Tell me how

RabbleRouser2k wrote: »

Made an appointment with a psychotherapist on Monday-appointment for next week.

Hoping this can help me. I haven't had a counselling session in a few years, honestly. But I feel I need this.

I was taking my time finding one, but then my mum was going for an eye test to get new glasses, and she spotted an advert posted up in the optometrists.
(The issue of locality and quality was important to me. One or two I saw had websites that to me, looked more like they wanted positive customer testimonials than helping patients.)

Good luck with it. I am in the process of finding a new therapist at the moment. It is a challenge but very important there is a connection between the two in my opinion.

RabbleRouser2k

Tell me how wrote: »

Good luck with it. I am in the process of finding a new therapist at the moment. It is a challenge but very important there is a connection between the two in my opinion.

Thank you. There's been a lot of stuff that I need to address. The therapist wants to meet me first, to know if she can help me.
I find that a positive, I think. I believe she wants to see if there's a genuine connection, or rapport. So that I'm not just wasting time and money.

Tell me how

RabbleRouser2k wrote: »

Thank you. There's been a lot of stuff that I need to address. The therapist wants to meet me first, to know if she can help me.
I find that a positive, I think. I believe she wants to see if there's a genuine connection, or rapport. So that I'm not just wasting time and money.

That's good. Hopefully she will feel confident that she can help.

LonelyBoy84

RabbleRouser2k wrote: »

Thank you. There's been a lot of stuff that I need to address. The therapist wants to meet me first, to know if she can help me.
I find that a positive, I think. I believe she wants to see if there's a genuine connection, or rapport. So that I'm not just wasting time and money.

I’ve found that they all seem to want to do this, but I’ve yet to hear of one who doesn’t think they can help!

cristali

I have an app today at 2 to see my psychotherapist, can't wait tbh, I've taken time off work coz I can't focus, I don't have really anyone else to talk to and I just don't want to be a burden, my husband does his best but I can't stop feeling that I failed on him and in my son and work by being like this ...

Tell me how

cristali wrote: »

I have an app today at 2 to see my psychotherapist, can't wait tbh, I've taken time off work coz I can't focus, I don't have really anyone else to talk to and I just don't want to be a burden, my husband does his best but I can't stop feeling that I failed on him and in my son and work by being like this ...

Best of luck with it. I hope it goes well for you.

You're not a burden. You are dealing with an illness. We all need some help and support from time to time. That's why communities evolved.

Trebor176

Anxiety has it me today. I am worrying over simple things like a couple of very minor things in work, and stressing over whether to head be out and meet friends tonight.

I spoke of issues I was having with so called friends some time back. I am not allowed to attend certain events organised by three who I had considered friends.

Tonight is one such event - a monthly singles night. However, there are a few other friends going, but will not be going for the singles night part. They will stay in another part of the pub where it is held.

I am likely to bump into those that have turned against me. The worst that can happen is that they ignore me. I doubt my presence will be questioned. So, it has me fretting over whether to go or stay put!

Tell me how

Trebor176 wrote: »

Anxiety has it me today. I am worrying over simple things like a couple of very minor things in work, and stressing over whether to head be out and meet friends tonight.

I spoke of issues I was having with so called friends some time back. I am not allowed to attend certain events organised by three who I had considered friends.

Tonight is one such event - a monthly singles night. However, there are a few other friends going, but will not be going for the singles night part. They will stay in another part of the pub where it is held.

I am likely to bump into those that have turned against me. The worst that can happen is that they ignore me. I doubt my presence will be questioned. So, it has me fretting over whether to go or stay put!

Go out and stay with the friends who aren't attending the singles night. They don't own the pub and cannot dictate where you go.

If you meet them, say hello, and walk on. Try to avoid being questioned about anything if they try to do so.

Enjoy yourself, even if it is just for one drink. You are entitled to.

Trebor176

Tell me how wrote: »

Go out and stay with the friends who aren't attending the singles night. They don't own the pub and cannot dictate where you go.

If you meet them, say hello, and walk on. Try to avoid being questioned about anything if they try to do so.

Enjoy yourself, even if it is just for one drink. You are entitled to.

You're right. I should just go. If it means having a drink by myself until the others come, then so be it. I know a few other friends will be attending the singles night. I'm sure I will get a chance to chat to them too, but I would rather not be seen by the organisers!

Heart Shaped Box

I'm really sorry in advance if this is the wrong forum, but I'm just wondering if anyone here can help me out - I've been prescribed antidepressants (brentillex) by a Doctor in Dublin, but I can't seem to find them in any pharmacies so far.

Anyone have any experience? They're also more expensive than I would have thought..

LonelyBoy84

Heart Shaped Box wrote: »

I'm really sorry in advance if this is the wrong forum, but I'm just wondering if anyone here can help me out - I've been prescribed antidepressants (brentillex) by a Doctor in Dublin, but I can't seem to find them in any pharmacies so far.

Anyone have any experience? They're also more expensive than I would have thought..

Seems odd Doctor would prescribe something not readily available in pharmacies? Maybe give the doctor a call & ask?

Gremlinertia

Heart Shaped Box wrote: »

I'm really sorry in advance if this is the wrong forum, but I'm just wondering if anyone here can help me out - I've been prescribed antidepressants (brentillex) by a Doctor in Dublin, but I can't seem to find them in any pharmacies so far.

Anyone have any experience? They're also more expensive than I would have thought..

They are pretty new here and prohibitively expensive for most unless on medical card or using the drug payment scheme.. However availability should not be a problem but perhaps you may need to stay loyal to one pharmacy as an ongoing thing? I know that my own pharmacy will fill my script because they know i will be returning there each week or month.

Trebor176

Tell me how wrote: »

Go out and stay with the friends who aren't attending the singles night. They don't own the pub and cannot dictate where you go.

If you meet them, say hello, and walk on. Try to avoid being questioned about anything if they try to do so.

Enjoy yourself, even if it is just for one drink. You are entitled to.

I bit the bullet, and am in the pub. A few friends are an route. No sign of the organisers, their little group, and attendees, some of who I am also friends with. I'm sure I will see them later.

aluminium

Trebor176 wrote: »

I bit the bullet, and am in the pub. A few friends are an route. No sign of the organisers, their little group, and attendees, some of who I am also friends with. I'm sure I will see them later.

Well done.

RabbleRouser2k

Heart Shaped Box wrote: »

I'm really sorry in advance if this is the wrong forum, but I'm just wondering if anyone here can help me out - I've been prescribed antidepressants (brentillex) by a Doctor in Dublin, but I can't seem to find them in any pharmacies so far.

Anyone have any experience? They're also more expensive than I would have thought..

You sure you don't mean 'Brintellix'? There might be a generic form of it, in the chemist, which can be cheaper. Similar to all the generic 'Fluoxetine' brands out there.

LonelyBoy84 wrote: »

I’ve found that they all seem to want to do this, but I’ve yet to hear of one who doesn’t think they can help!

True-but I've had a mix of good and bad counsellors. Some were genuinely tapping into my problems. Others were just collecting money, and taking a 'well, you're no longer washing your hands as much (my OCD). Tbf I did cut back a lot'.