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looking for a psychiatrist for sub. abuse, agoraphobia, etc

Engage

Engage

Bluelighter
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Feb 26, 2012
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Cartesian theater.
Just cold calling here.
Any seasoned advice on what i should ask up front?

Much longer story, just walked out of an inpatient setting, need a group or psychiatric help ASAP.

Otherwise I'll start using again.

My insurance is of little use. They just have a long list of names with no'speciality' info.

:(

Thanks.
Only have smartphone to communicate with so ... any help appreciated. Won't be able to type out book length responses.

(You're welcome)
;)

EDIT:
Apparently, you cannot just call a psychiatrist and actually speak to them to see if they may understand your situation.

Just getting a ton of automated voice services.

Fuuuckk.
:(
 
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Its a horrific situation and you are going to need all the support you can get while you take the time to find A) who actually has room in their practice B) someone who will actually listen to you as a human being and treat you accordingly and C) someone that fits A and B and takes your particular insurance.

My recommendation is that you write something down about your situation, what you are dealing with, what you have been doing so far, what you have already tried that has failed, etc. It can be so overwhelming to try to get all that out with multiple people in person, one after another. By writing it all down for yourself you can be more clear about what you feel you need and if you feel like it you could even print it up and give it to the doctor to read (and then ask questions). That would not be a bad way to judge who will take the time to listen to you and who will simply start throwing meds at you. Remember that you are interviewing them and you have a right to ask questions and evaluate how each of the potential doctors answer.

Also consider looking for a support group. Check Icarus for regional information. Good luck. I know this must be a very scary time. Try to just breathe and take it slow.
 
I *really* appreciate that you took the time to answer me. Good advice, and I will take it.

The first inpatient experience was so ... fucked. Really. That I don't think I'll *ever* do that again. Rather die, alone, in relative silence.

Well.

Anyways, thanks.
 
Written on phone so excuse typos.

Wow, just spent an hour typing out the story and presto zippo, got logged out. Fuuuck.


Anyways, short ver: talking to an out patient program that seems nice, but kinda pricey ($150 for the initial assessment! But on a 'sliding scale' of course) after group and one on one with psychiatrist, you meet weekly with doc, get meds.

Basically, I'm still using. But at a maintenance level. I did help an old buddy move and the majority of the time I was sideways, upsode down. At one point thought he had taken me somewhere to harvest my organs, etc, the room kept changing. Weirdness.

Anyhow! Just dealing with life and writing lists of psychiatrists that work with my expensive insurance to cold call and make appointments with. To meet with. Haven't done any of that yet, keep sliding back...

Just gonna 'shotgun' a whole bunch of them next week, hit a bunch ip , hopefully, depending on their schedule ( you know how they like to make you wait and wait and waaait and fill out form after form hoop after hoop...as, I think, a subtle show of power) anyhow, hope i spot a good smart one...life as a ... former 'street urchin' user (now suburban dad with mortgage, etc) has given me one or two good qualities, I think. I can pretty much read people fairly quickly. Not a psychic or anything close ...but just a subtle notice of mannerisms and behavior that can sometimes save your life on the street. If someones acting shady i can pick up on that real quick, high class and low...so I have some of that. Whatever. Basically, that ability is all I'm relying on at this point. Smell bs from a mile away. Doesn't always work. So...

Any suggestions for questions or taking family along to not feel intimidated, etc, little 'tricks' like that...setting my shoes on fire and pretending nothings in wrong ...to 'throw them iff their game'...very much appreciated. :) lol.in

Basically, I mainly need meds for bipolar and anxiety, therapy for substance abuse and marriage and possibly to reconect with dying parents (long story)...but i know asking for the mefs i *know* work or even hinting at self diagnosis can spell doom. I'll end up with whatever newest, shit antidepressant their latest $100 lunch providing pharmaceutical rep got suggested through the pharma pipeline.

So, thanks for the help...sincerely...hopefuly this goes through....wish me luck! Blessings you guys, thanks for reading.

Bye.
 
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Exercises are more difficult than I had thought.
It´s a great advice and everyone should follow.
But if you are still lacking endorphin it´s gonna get harder to maintain a habit..
 
Be straight forward and tell him/her how you are feeling.
It´s not that difficult to get medication for anxiety, if that´s what you are asking for.
If you are paying you will probably get more time. Why would you want bipolar meds, did I get that right?
 
Well, I've been diagnosed with it twice. Basically the cycle runs like this: drunk, high, depressed, don't leave house except quick shady, anxiety ridden trips to market or whatever ... body starts breaking down, withdrawals even as I drink....week or two of hellish recovery....then I'm like superman making up for lost time (20 years) everything must be in order, everything perfect, i can do it! Im special, the chosen one, driving family crazy cleaning house, I'm going to finally pursue my ambition of being a scientist ('its not too late!!!!') Taking mild uppers to compete with young students in school, acting erratically, mind flying with millions of plans, lists of lists of lists of things to do...etc. A few weeks pass, maybe two months, the anxiety and nervous energy turn to anger that its not working out properly, perfectly...i some fights between me and wife over (probably) inconsequential things, next thing I'm despairing, nothing will ever work, it was all a stupid drug addict fantasy, I'm old and useless and always will be (I'm late 30s) and I feel my choices ate suicide or drink. Cycle repeats.

So again, I really like the idea of writing this down, may use these posts as starting point :), and trying to 'flip the ol script' on them just a little and see how that works. Of course that takes social confidence, of which I have zero. So...


I dunno, gotta start somewhere.


I think the anxiety, 'agoraphobia', depression, bipolar, drug abuse / self medication are all really one big thing. I mean they all sort off overlap....a lot. Like on a Venn Diagram, it'd mainly just be one mash of greyish black with slivers of color on the sides.
 
You know, I just basically want to find out some basic questions to ask a prospective psychiatrist that you may be sharing a large chunk of your life with and who can prescribe you medicine that may help even you out.

Just: what questions should I ask them when I meet them the first trip?

:)
Thanks.
 
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