Trouble finding psychiatrist, Anxiety & (suspected) ADHD holding me back in life

[44Max44]

Hi,

I've been trying to see a Psychiatrist for quite a while now but to be honest I have no idea where to look. I've tried emailing a few but they're all booked up usually. Does anyone have any tips on how/where to find one?

For years and years now I've suffered from many different things ranging from depression, anxiety, healthy anxiety, generalized anxiety, and so on. I suspect that I may have ADHD or am maybe on the spectrum based off of the symptoms I experience. I meet most of the criteria for someone with ADHD but have never been to a Psychiatrist to get it checked out. As a kid I was always just a little bit odd and the 'shy' kid and everyone thought I'd grow out of it I guess, but 20 years later and I'm still the same but just with anxiety and depression on top of it.

I've never been able to act normal in public and the only people in this world I can truly act normal around is my best friend and some family members. It's so hard for me to find jobs because my anxiety holds me back and any job that requires me to interact with any customers (so pretty much all of them) would be torture to me because I suck at socializing.


Thanks for any advice

[blondguy]

Hi 44Max44

I remember your posts and great to see you again!

I understand you as I used to have had generalized anxiety disorder for long time and its horrible to have for sure

Can I ask if you have a proactive (helpful) GP that can help you? They are more experienced with mental health issues nowadays than when I was seeking help in the 1980's

I still see my GP every few weeks for a 'tune up' with my anxiety...They can be super helpful especially with a double appointment Max. My psychiatrist is great but the wait was too long

any questions are always welcome Max!

my kind thoughts

Paul

[smallwolf]

hi, welcome back and waves to paul.

I would agree with Paul about checking in with your GP. While some will see clients privately many (like mine) require referrals. If you go to this page...

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/find-a-professional

has links to service that allows you find what you are looking for.

I don't know if you are getting any help for your social anxiety issues etc., and I know different professional offer different services... for myself, my psychiatrist looks after the medical side of things and leaves the "head stuff" to my psychologist.

We each have our own ways of dealing with our challenges and life.

If you want to chat some more

Tim

[Guest_1643]

hey max!

i've read a lot of posts about ppl trying to find a good psych for ADHD - common question I think! So just know you're not alone.
I just wanted to validate u also and say - it is really, really hard to find a good psych. There is almost always waiting times. Please don't be discouraged. A number of pyschs take one or or two new patients a week, phasing them in. You can get it, it just takes time.

I have the opposite experience to Paul. I find it easier to get in to my psych than my GP

but I've had to be very very proactive. Going on the cancellation list isn't enough. I often call every few days and check if they have any cancellations - don't be embarrassed to do this!

A good way to find a psych is by a recommednation from a friend

Another good idea is that some psychs do assessments- they may be fully booked out but if you say it's just for an assessment (1-3 sessions when they "assess" your situation and make recommendations) - that can be very helpful. Then they cn refer u to another psych if needed. So, even if they aren't taking new patients or have long wait times, if the appointment is just an assessment, for such a short-term engagement, they may be able to fit you in. This can be invaluable as they can then suggest therapists, programs and ideas that will help you, so you can feel more confident in finding the right therapist!

My advice would be to call a lot of ppl, and call each one a lot and to also check in and follow up if you don't hear back. It's like this for us all and nothing personal, th system is overloaded and it's hard to get in. Even harder if they are a good psych with a good reputation.

Good luck!

[Cee123]

Hi, i was diagnosed with ADHD at one point and the therapist said probably on the spectrum as well. But i dont know so much. But from experience for ADHD, when i took the medication she prescribed it was like a fog lifted from my brain for the first time in my life and i was able to think more clearly and plan things. I thought this is fantastic! I was able to read and finish things without any distractions. My memory was better. I was studying at the time. But when she didnt want to see me anymore, that was when i stopped the meds and i felt like i was struggling with studies and i had no motivation anymore. I dont know if it was the ADHD symptoms coming back or the depression i was suffering. ADHD makes it hard, i dont think it ever really goes away. Now i just manage through exercise. It can be one of those things that gets in the way or is a pain in the a***.