First meeting with a Psychiatrist, and medication was mentioned, very scared!

[GreenLime]

I just had my very first appointment with a Psychiatrist and went over all these issues I have pertaining to anxiety, OCD, depression and possible eating disorders and  the Dr. mentioned medication, and that it may be necessary for me.

I've come out of the appointment with only that on my mind, medication.

Now I'm terrified. What is the medication going to do me? Is it just going to worsen my symptoms? I really don't want to become dependent on it and I'm really scared that it's going to radically change my life. I always thought about the possibility of taking medication but now that it could actually be a reality I just can't bear it.

[white knight]

Hi Greenlime

Your reaction is along the lines I'd expect for someone with anxiety. Anxious, worried, one edge, over thinking things. Over reaction is normal for you at this time.

Think of your body as a car and its computer is out of whack. Due to this its engine performs less efficient. For a time your computer needs some help, some more volts to allow it to run 100% or at least 90%. If it doesn't get that help it could stop altogether. Primarily medication is to help us continue on with our lives until we, hopefully, are in the position we can go off them.

My story about anxiety. I was always  nervous as a child. Then at 29yo following a workplace incident I was told I had a heart attack. Not so, - it was a panic attack. First I was put on meds and commenced therapy where I learned muscle tensioning exercises and deep breathing. After 10 months I got another job so I got rid of my toxic workplace. I also moved to a calmer environment in the country. (notice these self help steps also?).

The meds continued for 12 years. Likely could have made that much less but I wanted to not fall back into heavy anxiety.  All symptoms of anxiety drifted away after a full 25 years. Sounds daunting? not so. It all depends on your attitude about it. Mental illness is all about managing your illness not conquering it. Its a bonus if you beat it altogether.

To combat mental illness sit is a cocktail of remedies. Meds, therapy, regular GP visits, support, understanding from others, calm environments, eliminating toxic people from your life, solid financial plans, physical exercise and relaxation methods. Miss one out and that cocktail has lost its effect. Meds are an important ingredient.

One day you'll be mostly over it all and you'll be so glad...as I am.

Tony WK

[Doolhof]

Hi Green Lime,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and to the community here.

It is great that you have been to see a psychiatrist. Like White Knight mentioned, medication will just be one part of your healing process.

These days there are so many different types of medication available, that if it is decided you do need to take something, the Drs. will make sure it is the best one for you. There is also a lot of information out there about the medications.

If it is decided that medication is needed, the Dr will start you on a low dose. If you are concerned about anything while taking the medication have a chat to your Dr or to the chemist where you buy the medication.

Taking medication can have its negative effects in some people for sure, but the benefits can be amazing!

Be open to all the suggestions your GP and Psychiatrist make for your recovery and for managing your mental health.

Wishing you well,

 from Mrs. Dools or Lauren

[Miss-Anne-Throwpy]

Welcome Greenlime 🙂

I have mixed opinions about medication. Firstly, I think they're over prescribed and way over rated. On the other hand, if talking to a professional doesn't work and cognitive approaches don't work and other relearning/mind-over-matter approaches don't work, then medication might. - if you find the right one.

My GP originally had me referred to a psychologist but grudgingly, it's a fact that I've responded well to medication so we both agree a psychiatrist may be the better referral. Some psychiatrists will mix the talking therapy with chemical fixes. Some just won't and in that case you'll need a psychologist to do that part. 

Sometimes it takes a team approach - as in a team of treaters and sometimes it takes medication... most often a little of each or a lot. Most of all, don't rule anything out. Do what works for you, but if you have animosity about the chemical fix, then ask your doctors if other approaches might be appropriate for you and can you try them first? Listen to your doctors but don't forget, this is about YOU. You are allowed to ask questions. You are allowed to speak up.

[tweetheart]

My first two meetings with my psychiatrist did not go well the most recent two sessions did, I am feelings vulnerable and starting to have strong feelings for my psychiatrist he makes me feel safe. I've experienced allot of trauma. I don't know what to do and am feeling anxious and distressed about it. Has anyone else gone through this? I'm scared he might pick up on it.

[geoff]

hello Tweetheart, when you feel as though a little progress starts it's not uncommon for the patient to feel as though they are attracted towards their psych, maybe because they know the answer to your problem or perhaps they are the first person to understand what you are saying, there is nothing wrong with this because you know you can tell them what you want, but he would know where the boundaries have to stop, otherwise his psych licence would be suspended.
This doesn't mean that he doesn't like you as well and he will use all his knowledge in helping you overcome this illness, that's his aim.
Just let it flow and you're probably not the first person to have these feelings, but let him help you to overcome and cope with these two illness's. Geoff. x

[tweetheart]

Thanks Geoff

our first few consultations have been very intense and even the nursing staff are getting a bit suspicious. I'm also feeling extremely vulnerable and need to feel safe and protected after a few traumatic experiences including being mistreated at a previous facility and previous psychiatrist, that's what I've put it down to and yes the boundaries exist for a reason and there'd be serious consequences if he overstepped the boundaries.

[Doolhof]

Hi Tweetheart,

When you mentioned the nursing staff were getting a little suspicious about your sessions with the psychiatrist, am I to assume you are in a hospital setting?

If so, could you ask one of the nurses to be present with you, or a family member? Can you request a female psychiatrist?

Has this man made any notion that he is attacked to you in any way?

When we are dealing with our emotions and thoughts, it can be very easy to feel attracted to the person who is caring for us, helping us and listening to us.

Last year I found myself in hospital I did not have a psychiatrist to talk to, but my Dr. came in every morning and night to see me. One of the nurses commented that I had a very supportive husband. I told her he was not my husband. My husband put me in hospital then went on a holiday!

It can be easy to have feelings for people who care for you! Like Geoff mentioned, professionals have to know their limits as to how they can help people with in the boundaries.

It is wonderful you are getting assistance.

Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools

[Nikkir]

Hi GreenLime,

Thank you for taking the time to reach out and share your story with us 🙂 It is very brave of you to go and see a psychiatrist and try to get the help you need. I understand how you might feel nervous and unsure and not wanting this to be a permanent part of your life, I would feel the same. If you are really concerned get another opinion. Is there any other work you will do with the therapist ? It is always good to be working on changing your behaviours or thoughts or whatever is going on for you as well as medication if needed. Medication can be good but just make sure that you maybe even make a journal and record of the dose and how it makes you feel and get a review. Sometimes the medication is right but dose is wrong, sometimes its all wrong. Alot of people do find medication useful while they rebalance their lives but it doesn't have to be forever I wouldn't think. If it were me I would get another professional opinion 🙂 You can ring our line on 1300 22 4636 and chat about it and maybe get some resources. Please keep in touch if you want to, we would love to see how you are going. Best Wishes Nikkir 😉