How do you know?
 

How do you know that you need to see a psychiatrist? I completely admit that I have had some drinks tonight, but I ask because someone is worried about me. Do I get sad? Yes. Do I know the reason? Not always. Do I think about doing the unthinkable? Sometimes.

I just don't know. I don't want more pills - I already take 4 prescriptions a day. I don't know why I get really sad sometimes. I do get worried about my mental health, but I don't feel as though I have enough of a case to take up the time of a mental health professional/spend the money.

Is it enough that someone is worried about me that I should go?

I am asking here because I know that some members have gone through this or worked with people that have issues.

I think I just need a pointer sign or some advice.

And if anyone is in NC that has a doctor that can help, but doesn't want to respond publicly, please send me a PM.

Go see a psychologist or LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). They treat through therapy instead of meds. I see a psychiatrist for meds and meet with a counselor to work out issues with PTSD and Obsessive Compulsive behavior ( not OCD)

I second this

I do, as well. If someone is worried, take that as an indication that it's important to go. When we drink, our inhibitions are lessened and things come out that we usually keep suppressed. Even though those issues aren't front and center all day, they're still there. So if you get sad when drinking, it's worth exploring what that sadness is about. And - a suggestion, if I may - consider not drinking at all until you work on the issues that show up when your inhibitions are down. You don't want to be overwhelmed with difficult issues when you've lost your usual inhibitory balance.

Orrr, stay drunk and naked, partying hard till you die... shouldn't take that long. :headshake But what you don't want to do, is sit and worry about what you should do, because that will make you nuts.

Keep in mind if you see a psychiatrist, or therapist, or even a regular doctor, the decision to take drugs is yours. Take them if you trust the recommendation, after reading what they are and what they do. Then bring them up to the prescriber often... "Do I still need these? Why?" Taking charge can help you feel better just from the empowerment.

Oh, and don't forget to check in here with your board certified forum. ;)

Check to see if any of your prescriptions or the conditions they treat have symptoms and side effects that look like psych but aren't.

Fuckin' A.:yesnod:

One indicator is that you're planning a crime for which you want to get out of doing jail time by establishing an insanity defense.

Other than that, your general practitioner should be able to get you into screening.

The diagnosis I was given before they started pumping full of medications was that "I was dead" then they just starting pumping me full of medication before an official diagnosis.. eventually I was just so full of meds that I woke up one day in my car behind a dump truck and realized "they were over medicateing me"... I went to USF and had a few brain scans done but apperentlly the reasearch just isn't there to detect what ever it is I have.. my advice don't go on any pills untill you are one hundred percent positive that that's your best opiton...

That was not your diagnosis, that's just what you took from it.

I'm with UT, pretty sure when they decide you're dead, they revoke your drivers license. ;)

After all, JBK, with meds you write some excellent poetry. It's a good option.

I checked all my meds and there are not mental side effects. I know there is a correlation between depression and PCOS which I do have.

I have been thinking about it and I am going to go back to the gym CONSISTENTLY (not like before) - that did seem to help in the past and it will keep me out of the bar. I do think that I need to talk to someone and I found someone online. I liked what her webpage said and what she says her methods are. It can't hurt to go to one.

I think my biggest problem is being happy with my life. My life consists of three options:
Work > Home
Work > Gym > Home
Work > Bar > Home
Beyond that? Rarely anything else. I'm single, so no SO to hang out with. No close friends to talk to. Yea, I see people at the bar and stuff. Occasionally get invited to some things, but I don't have anyone to just BS with. Everyone already has their circle of friends or kids or bf/gf or all of that. Whenever I try to hang out, they are too busy. I just kind of gave up.
I am not close to my family and really have no desire to anymore. If I call my mom with issues, it is me for about 10 minutes, then her solution, then her life.

I don't know why, but when she said she was worried about me, I thought I was was pretty happy that night. It sucked when you thought you were ok, but someone else doesn't see it that way.

How about clubs? There are things like walking clubs so you could combine your fitness goals with socializing. That (running club) is really what helped me build my social groups here.

Maybe it's because you're usually not, and she saw the happy as change. Mothers a suspicious of change. Any little variation in routine means you're hiding something from her... something bad... an incurable disease... pregnancy... you're moving to Uzbekistan. :eek:

Maybe try checking out meetup.com to see if there are any groups you'd be interested in? I haven't gone to any myself, but I have some friends who have joined groups and found some good company.

I like this. My FiL, before he got remarried, was very active in the local hiking club and English Country Dance. Some bike shops run group rides which are leveled by ability. There are cycling clubs but they tend to lean competitive. I bet there are similar options around you.

I second meetup.com as a place to find such clubs. There is every topic/hobby/specialty that you can think of, in every neighborhood.

Indoor Climbing.
You'll get fit and get to know people. Completely clears your mind while you are doing it.

So, here is what I have done. I looked at some Meetup.com places that seem like a good fit, but then, anxiety crippled me. I reached out to someone that would understand and asked if she would come with me. She agreed and said she was proud of me and agreed that it would be good for me. She is the first I thought of to ask and she did come through. With that, I realized, I may not have day to day people, but when it really matters, I have those that care.

I also just emailed the counselor asking for more details and saying that I need some help and I would like to talk to her first.

I am making strides, right?

PS - I am still terrified of all of it.

Yeah, but it's kind of a good terror, like your first roller coaster terror. ;)

Definitely strides, WTG!

Hooray! Good luck, bbro. I hope it's a good experience for you.

Status - I have yet to hear from the counselor, and I am about to express my displeasure.

I am still looking at the meetup clubs.

Thank you so much for all the encouragement. You have no idea how much it helps.

I expressed my displeasure to her and I have still gotten no response. Since I like her ideals, I am thinking of seeing if I can find out who her therapist is.

Bruce - I know you were kind of joking, but for me, it is not a good terror. It is a crippling one.

I have not yet joined a meetup club.......yet.

I also have not given up yet. I am still scared and I hope to find a responsive therapist to talk to first before going to a club meeting.

I admit, I am crying now because I am scared. Do I have the strength to reach out to another therapist after being rejected? Do I have enough strength to actually join a meet up and follow through?

I wonder if I should have done this anonymously.

I know it is easy to say just do it. Get out there and have fun, but to me it isn't fun.

But I did promise that I would try. I am terrified, but I will try. For you. And for me.

PS - I would love a hug if anyone is in NC :comfort:

Aww, bbro. I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble getting in touch with the therapist.

I know what you mean about the feeling that things are easier said than done.

Keep Moving Forward. Sometimes that will be big strides, and sometimes it'll be a little shuffle. And sometimes, it'll be pausing to catch your breath before continuing on.

It's been a while - I figured I would update. I never did get a therapist. I noticed a huge difference and couldn't figure out what the change was. Realized that I haven't taken any birth control for a while. I am going to ask my doctor about it the next time but I think it might have a huge difference. I still get down sometimes, but not like before and not as often. I've maybe had one or two bad days since last posting.

I've actually taken some steps to get healthier. Including joining a great kettlebell gym.....even though I hurt my shoulder already - lol.

Glad to hear you're making progress bbro. Is that a common side-effect?

Aw FFS, I had a whole big response written and it got spoofed (not by cellar).

Griff - I think so. I googled it and it seems to be a lesser known one. I am going to talk to my doctor because I want to confirm that, but I hope (REALLY HOPE) that I will be having sex again at some point and need a replacement.

When I was looking back over what could have caused the change, this was the only significant change that I made.