FA+
Shop
So I saw a psychiatrist yesterday
4 years ago
General
[ General information ] ♞ [ Commission info ] ♞ [ Open slots and commission status ] ♞ [ About me ] Dear friends, patrons, and followers!
A bunch of things happened lately but I wanted to wait with writing an update until I've reached this milestone. I'm suffering from depression for something over 25 years, and anxiety for many years too. It's been so long that I don't remember anymore what it was like to feel alright. And yesterday I saw a professional about it for the first time in my life.
The past weeks were hectic, with some pretty bad bursts of depression and a constant baseline anxiety as I was trying to sort my insurance out - again - as well as trying to finally get hold of the psychiatric clinic, but eventually, I got an appointment for yesterday.
Long story short, I'm on SSRI starting today. The doctor and her assistant were very friendly and understanding. She quickly concluded that indeed I have major depression and that medication is strongly recommended. So I'm taking Escitalopram now. She said this one has fairly mild side effects, which will start right away - case in point, I'm getting mild dizziness right now - and positive effects should start in about a week. The full effect is reached in like two months. I'll check back with her in 3 weeks, to see how well it works, if the dose needs adjustment or maybe we need to try a different one. The good thing about this med is that it treats both depression and anxiety at the same time.
Right now I feel really mixed. I don't like the idea of taking this thing, but I'm hopeful that it will help and give me some breathing room. The first week is going to suck, with only side effects and no positive effects yet. I hope it's worth it. Wish me luck!
At the same time, I have to mention that I was unable to work for a long time now due to my condition, and it will be a while before the medication - hopefully - really makes a difference. Right now I can barely get through the month for the past few months. I hate to ask, but if you can, a little help would be greatly appreciated. You can support me through either Patreon or by making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi. Any little bit helps and is truly appreciated.
Thank you for being part of my journey. Stay tuned for updates!
A bunch of things happened lately but I wanted to wait with writing an update until I've reached this milestone. I'm suffering from depression for something over 25 years, and anxiety for many years too. It's been so long that I don't remember anymore what it was like to feel alright. And yesterday I saw a professional about it for the first time in my life.
The past weeks were hectic, with some pretty bad bursts of depression and a constant baseline anxiety as I was trying to sort my insurance out - again - as well as trying to finally get hold of the psychiatric clinic, but eventually, I got an appointment for yesterday.
Long story short, I'm on SSRI starting today. The doctor and her assistant were very friendly and understanding. She quickly concluded that indeed I have major depression and that medication is strongly recommended. So I'm taking Escitalopram now. She said this one has fairly mild side effects, which will start right away - case in point, I'm getting mild dizziness right now - and positive effects should start in about a week. The full effect is reached in like two months. I'll check back with her in 3 weeks, to see how well it works, if the dose needs adjustment or maybe we need to try a different one. The good thing about this med is that it treats both depression and anxiety at the same time.
Right now I feel really mixed. I don't like the idea of taking this thing, but I'm hopeful that it will help and give me some breathing room. The first week is going to suck, with only side effects and no positive effects yet. I hope it's worth it. Wish me luck!
At the same time, I have to mention that I was unable to work for a long time now due to my condition, and it will be a while before the medication - hopefully - really makes a difference. Right now I can barely get through the month for the past few months. I hate to ask, but if you can, a little help would be greatly appreciated. You can support me through either Patreon or by making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi. Any little bit helps and is truly appreciated.
Thank you for being part of my journey. Stay tuned for updates!
Medication will only take you halfway. Expecting drugs to solve all your problems will not end well. You're likely going to have to change longstanding habits and attitudes.
Take as much medication as you need, BUT NOT MORE.
Do not be afraid to switch doctors if you feel like you are making no progress. Psychiatry is full of quacks and people who are crap at their job. The first doctor was doing nothing but drugging me up and doing a crap job is still in the industry 20 years later. Second one did a much better job with the medication side of things, but still was crap with helping me figure myself out mentally. Finally got with someone who did a great job with both.
It's probably going to take years for you to get yourself fully sorted out. This isn't to discourage you, but to help you set your expectations.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Hope this is helpful.
So far I have very good impressions of this doctor. She was very understanding and nice and treated me with respect. She even helped a bit by reducing my costs as much as possible. And she is 20 minutes of walk from home. But we will see. I hope she will work out because I can't afford private, so I'm stuck with the universal healthcare ones.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
V.