I need motivation to get help.

[bornto_]

I stopped going to school in June last year and then dropped out on the day I turned 17. I had very bad anxiety at the start of year 11 last year. Some of the classes i was in gave me a rush of anxiety when I entered the room. My heart would race, I would get sweaty and dizzy, I felt like I was going to throw up and tried to hold it in. Because of how bad my anxiety was, I couldn’t concentrate and complete all my work. I took days off every week, and I was getting told off by teachers. Then I got sick and took a week off, and the next week off, and then I didn’t want to go back to school. The teachers ended up organising a distance education program in August. I ended up not doing any of the work. I stayed in bed and slept a lot (usually 12-17 hours). On some better days I thought about doing some work but each time I approached it in my head I immediately got stressed and anxious so I never did it. When I turned 17 I dropped out. After I dropped out I wanted to go see a new psychologist again to try to get over my anxiety and depression, but I couldn’t build the courage to leave the house. And nothing has changed since. I haven’t left the house in 1 year and 2 months.

In October 2017 i went to a GP to get help for social anxiety that i had put up with for 4 years (since the beginning of high school). The GP was amazing, better response then i had expected. The GP diagnosed me with mixed anxiety and depression, and referred me to a psychologist. My mum told the GP that she wants to avoid medication, as she is generally against medicine. But since then she is now ok with me taking medication. Maybe she's ok with it now because she has seen how bad my anxiety and depression has become, and because my sister is taking an antidepressant and its been successful.

The psychologist i was referred to was not helpful, and i don't really think he understood my issue. Maybe it was because i talked about too many issues and situations and confused him. I only saw him twice. At the end of the second appointment he said he was going to book another appointment and i was supposed to receive a confirmation, but never did, so i didn't go back.

Is it possible for a GP to prescribe medication? If a GP prescribes medication, do i also need to see a psychologist for talk therapies?

[geoff]

Hello Bornto, and a warm welcome to the forums.

It's upsetting to know of your circumstances and I'm truly sorry, but to not leave the house for over a year is definitely a great concern, and if you've been to a psychologist that you couldn't connect with, then you are entitled to see another.

Can I suggest you write down what concerns you on a piece of paper and then hand this over to the psych, this will help you when they ask, 'how can I help you', sometimes it's so easy to forget what you want to say, but now you have noted down the concerns on some paper.

Many times I've forgotten what I wanted to say and leave the session only wishing I had written it down.

To have a psychologist who you feel comfortable with is very important, you are then able to talk with them about exactly what you want to.

If your mum accepts AD's ( antidepressants) maybe beneficial then speak to the doctor with your mum.

You can also speak to Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 who help people up to the age of 25 years or perhaps Sane 1800 18 SANE (7263).

I understand and accept what you have told us, and I'm so sorry you have to cope with all of this, but we all want to do is help you because many of us have struggled with this ourselves.

I hope you can get back to us.

Take care.

Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi bornto?

Thank you for your post and I appreciate you opening up about what's been going on. It sounds like you've been battling anxiety and depression for a long time and for what it's worth I'm glad that you tried talking with your GP and your Psychologist to get some help.

Reading your post it sounds like you have a really good GP but didn't click very well with your psychologist. Like Geoff said, you are fully entitled to see another if that's something you want to consider. Sometimes it can be hard to find someone to connect with, and even if they don't fully understand hopefully they'll try to. Is that something you're open to?

and to answer your question - yes. Sometimes people just take medication, sometimes people just do therapy, and sometimes people do both. It's just about what's right for you.

Hope this helps,

[Summer Rose]

Hi bornto?

I'm so sorry to learn about your struggles with anxiety and depression. I know you have had a really tough time and I appreciate the incredible strength it took for you to seek help. I think you have made great progress and that you're on a good path.

To answer your question, yes a GP can prescribe medication (so can a psychiatrist, a psychologist cannot). Everyone's treatment plan is individualized. Some people just take medication, others engage in therapy (and there are different types) and some people do both.

Beyond Blue has a booklet called, What works for anxiety. If you call the support line on 1300 22 4636 they will post you one (free of charge) or you can download it from the website. This pamplet provides excellent, evidence-based information on various treatments and I highly recommend it.

You hang in there. It gets better with the right treatment.

Kind thoughts to you

[Autumn77]

Hi bornto,

Go back to see your doctor, that way you can be precribed medication. Get a new referral to see the psychiatrist. Take someone with you for support.

Good luck