First Psychiatrist Visit Ever / So Many Issues To Mention

[Izzieste]

Hi everyone,

after struggling with mental health pretty much my entire life (I'm now in my 40s) I have finally accepted my GPs referral to a psychiatrist.

I've always felt a sense of being disconnected from everyone. I am highly sensitive to people as well as noise and bright lights. I feel drained after being around people or in brightly lit and noisy shopping centres. I also feel very stressed and anxious in a messy room or office.

I'm afraid of heights, being immersed in water (so no pool, ocean, boats or water-based activities), bridges, spiders, snakes, medical procedures and I am claustrophobic.

I do not cope well with chaos, which is making life and work very challenging because there no longer seems to be a lot of stability in life or work. I feel a bit calmer when there is order and structure, routine. I have low self-esteem, body image and trust issues. I have a type A, perfectionist personality and very high expectations of myself and life. I feel angry and frustrated all the time and emotional outbursts, after which I feel mortified and embarrassed. I've gradually been withdrawing from people to the point where I no longer see anyone outside work and my family lives overseas. I avoid dating completely as well because it seems like such a huge effort with a lot of risk of rejection and being on an emotional rollercoaster.

I have a feeling I have lifelong GAD and depression, but for a while I've been feeling like there is more going on, like a mood or personality disorder. I've been taking medication for a few months but don't feel like it's helping me enough and overall my mental health is rapidly declining. I can't afford to lose my job so I feel like I have no choice but to get a proper diagnosis to help my GP and psychologist work out what approach might work better for me.

At the same time, I am very nervous about what a psychiatrist will say. I have so many issues I don't even know where to start. Should I make a list before I go to maximise my appointment time? Do they just ask questions or do any other assessments? Can they force you to go to hospital without your consent? My gut feeling tells me I need to just stop thinking about it and just go, but it's a bit nerve-wracking at the same time.

[missep123]

Hi Izzieste,

In that case I think it's really important to try to do it the way that you feel most comfortable. I agree with smallwolf, it might be worth asking your psychiatrist and they would know the process. I hope that the way you prefer is an option!

Please continue to keep us updated as we are here for you!!

[Outside observing]

Your feeling anxious about a trip to a psychiatrist for the first time is completely understandable. You have many issues to speak about and honestly, I think you could take this post with you if you feel too anxious to speak freely or don't feel like you will get your point across. And as the poster said above; keep us posted on your progress.

[Izzieste]

Well, it's been a very eventful and stressful month. My mental health has been going downhill fast and I had to take some time off work because I am completely burnt out.

I have been diagnosed with major depression and generalised anxiety disorder, which makes sense to me. I am sad but also very relieved. I no longer have to wonder what's wrong.

Because I feel so burnt out, I've had to reduce my work hours, which will create more financial pressure (I'm single) but it will give me time to attend regular GP, psychologist and psychiatrist appointments, rest and look after myself. I've also had to ask for adjustments at work (less responsibility, reassign certain tasks, minimise disruptions etc.). Work has been supportive so far, so hopefully it will stay that way.

The psychiatrist suggested alternative medication, but they are the same ones I have taken in the past that caused severe side effects for me (note: everybody reacts differently to each particular medication, so not everything works for everyone, this was just my personal experience). The medication I'm on seems to help with anxiety but doesn't do much for my depression, but I can manage a little bit better than before I started taking it, so I'll stay on it for now.

I hope I can keep my job and manage financially and use the time off work to rest and find ways to cope better and improve my physical and mental health.

[missep123]

Hi Izzieste

Thank you for keeping us updated on your progress. I can understand that it is a tough time at the moment. I think it takes a lot of strength though to recognise when you need to focus on your mental health and to reach out as needed. I am glad you spoke to your work about it too and that they are supportive.

For me personally, taking care of my mental health means that I can work better in the long run, otherwise it really can be a daily struggle.

Please keep us updated! Here for you!

[PleasurepoLE]

Was just wondering how My friend can get help He's been struggling with Mental Health problems ...I'm trying to work with Together so that we can find maybe Your best Opinions and help let pleasingly HAAPy thoughts flow from deeper inside ₩¥¥#@

[smallwolf]

hi PleasurepoLE.

Having a chat with their GP is a good starting point. For yourself...

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/supporting-someone/supporting-someone-with-depression-or-anx...

if you want to you could also create a thread for your story if you feel the need to add to your story. Listening and checking in on your friend is one of the best things you can do. Like this forum, being supportive and non-judgemental goes a long way. 🙂

[Guest_4643]

Hi Izzieste, I just came across your thread.

I'm sorry to hear of everything you're dealing with. I know it was ages ago, but I hope your Psychiatrist appointment(s) went well. Sorry I'm late seeing your thread. Take care.

[missep123]

Hi Izzieste,

Checking in to see how you are going!

Here for you!

[Izzieste]

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't been on here in quite a while.

I'm at a point where I feel like there is no cure and I don't know why I keep seeing my psychologist and psychiatrist.

They both say the same things: it's important to have a daily routine, get enough sleep, eat well, socialise and exercise regularly, get out of my head, live more in the moment and stop trying to plan too far ahead. I try all these things but it's an ongoing struggle.

I've been on antidepressants for a year now. They take the edge of my anxiety (less panic attacks), but I still feel majorly depressed. The other medication options provided by the psychiatrist are medications that I've already tried in the past that caused major side effects.

I'm just trying to get through each day but I don't enjoy anything at all.

Anyway, it is what it is.

[Guest_4643]

Hey Izzieste, thanks for checking in. I'm sorry to hear that.

If it makes you feel any better, I'm exactly the same, but i've been on meds since 2019. I know how you feel, everything you wrote is the same for me. I get it.

We'll try and get better, together. I'm here for you