Is it worth going into psychiatric care?

[Klaura]

Hi all,

I’ve been dealing with treatment resistant depression for 7 years and haven’t gotten much better. I have periods where I can’t function at least once a weak and I spend the day sleeping because I’m too tired to do anything. Im getting really low because I’m so exhausted and I can’t tell if it’s my medications or the depression and insomnia. I don’t feel like I’m getting anywhere with my psychiatrist anymore and I feel he’s getting desperate and besides the six antidepressants I’m on, he’s also put me on a large number of supplements to counter a potential metabolic disorder but it’s not helping. I’ve tried therapy and apparently I’m not eligible for ECT or TMS.

Im wondering whether it would be worth going into a hospital to have more one on one treatment. Would anyone recommend?

Thanks x

[Sophie_M]

Hey Klaura, 

Thank you so much for reaching out to our wonderful community, and sharing your journey here with us. We can understand that you'd be feeling really exhausted struggling with treatment-resistant depression for such a long time, and trying many types of combinations of medications and therapy to find some improvements. We think you've shown so much strength in being proactive about trying to find the right support that works for you, and we hope that you can find some comfort in knowing there will be many in our community that can relate to what you're going through right now. We're really sorry to hear that you're feeling like you're not really getting anywhere with your psychiatrist, but we hope that this safe and non-judgemental space can be of some support to you, and please know that our community are here to offer as much advice and conversation as you need through this.

Do you think you'd feel comfortable opening up to your psychiatrist about how you've been feeling about these current medications that you're on and the potential of psychiatric care? They may be able to offer some extra information and options that could be really helpful for you. We'd also really encourage you to reach out to our Beyond Blue Support Service, which is available to you 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or also through Webchat (1pm-12am AEST) on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport. One of our kind and understanding counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings and concerns with you and can offer you some extra support and advice about your situation.

Please also feel free to keep us updated here on your thread to let us know how you're going whenever you feel ready to- we're all here for you Klaura.
 

[Klaura]

Thank you very much for getting back to me.

I recently tried decreasing my medications but after four weeks I didn’t feel any better so it was decided that I would go back on them. I don’t feel comfortable at all talking to him about it anymore because he will not budge.

He has not recommended hospital as he said that people are more at risk in hospital than out. I just don’t have faith in him anymore because nothing is getting better but I feel guilty because I’ve been seeing him for the last four years.

Thank you again for taking the time to provide me with information and help

[geoff]

Hello Klaura, it's disappointing to be in a position like what you are trying to cope with, but a suggestion is to go and visit another psychiatrist, especially if it's a topic you don't feel comfortable talking to them about.

We definitely need a person where any discussion is possible and if this can't be done, then it's time to find someone else who will understand what you're talking about.

Your files will be transferred over to the new psychiatrist with your permission.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Klaura]

Hi Geoff,

Thank you so much for taking the time to give me some advice.

Ive been thinking about getting a second opinion for a while and after reading your response I’m definitely going to do it.

Thanks again

[Guest_1643]

Hi Klaura,
I think Geoff's idea is wonderful.
I would say definitely get a second opinion. It can save lives and change everything, and just give another perspective. Never feel bad to try someone else

I had to see four psychs before i chose one I like (and one that would take me!!)

Sometimes the psych that has the most time isn't the best..... but u don't want someone who has an endless waiting list and no time either, it's a balancing act for sure.

If u need to wait a few months to get in with a psych i would just pop urself on their waiting list and see if a spot comes up. It will give u something to look forward to 🙂

If u have any questions happy to answer. I have a pscyh and have also stayed in hospital a few times.

[Klaura]

Thanks for replying to me 🙂

I'm seeing my doctor today to request a referral for a new psych so we'll see how things go and I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks again!

[jtjt_4862]

Hi Klaura,

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation, and I'm glad that you were able to reach out to the forums, and gotten some great advise too. Hope all goes well with your doctor and getting a new psych! Will be thinking and rooting for you! I'm always here to listen to you as well.

Jt