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Psychiatrist Visit

Ashley

Ashley

Bluelight Crew
Joined
Jun 17, 2005
Messages
1,000
Location
NSW, Australia
I've got an appointment with a psychiatrist in the morning, in about 8 hours and I'm spinning out. I've seen a psychiatrist years before, he was an arrogant prick, gave me some diazepam and Seroquel and said I had bipolar disorder and panic disorder. Anyway, my GP has left after treating me for about a year - and he wrote a referral to this psychiatrist; saying that I am currently prescribed alprazolam 3x daily and Seroquel 100mg at night (I don't take the Seroquel, as I don't believe I am bipolar and its just a dirty chemical). Is the psychiatrist likely to continue this prescription for me whilst I find a new GP or indefinitely? I really want to try something instead of Seroquel, like Trazodone or something. Anyway, I'm really going through some shit at the moment, is a psych the sorta person to talk to about this shit or do they just dish out medication and make diagnoses?

Ash. <3
 
It depends on what kind you get. Yes, there are some really sleaze doctors that just prescribe people anti depressants like it's candy so they can make some money, but I think that you will find that there are some really credible and caring psychiatrists who care more about their patients than the money they make off of selling them drugs. I have found it's really nice to have someone professional and trusting who can work with you. Just tell them that you're more interested in getting help than just prescriptions.
 
Hey Ashley, I would ask the psychiatrist to give you a referral to a therapist or psychologist so that you can get someone to talk to about everything--from your feelings about your meds, diagnosis, etc. to what you are currently going through right now with your break-up. Psychiatrists anymore are usually dealing in meds IME and don't do any kind of counseling. There are exceptions, but that is the norm. Good luck and let us know how it went.<3
 
Seconding what everyone else is saying, psychiatrists mostly manage medications and a counselor or therapist will help more with talking shit through. I used a psychiatrist to get me weaned off antipsychotic medication and now I just see a therapist which has been helping immensely, but it can be hard to find a therapist you like, don't be shy to shop around.
 
It's a baby! said:
I just see a therapist which has been helping immensely, but it can be hard to find a therapist you like, don't be shy to shop around.
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really good advice. Too many people say "therapy didn't help me" when it was either not a good fit between client and therapist or simply not a good therapist. It takes work and luck to find someone that you can really work with. And then of course it is important to remember that it is you that has to do the work.;)
 
herbavore said:
really good advice. Too many people say "therapy didn't help me" when it was either not a good fit between client and therapist or simply not a good therapist. It takes work and luck to find someone that you can really work with. And then of course it is important to remember that it is you that has to do the work.;)
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I've seen 2 psychologists in the past, but that was going back 5 or 6 years and it was utter bullshit, and expensive at that - they didn't bulk bill or anything! I'll keep you all updated. Still can't sleep, 5:34 AM. :(

Ash. <3
 
awwwww, try some deep breathing, Ash.:( I was just going to say that at least you could watch the sun come up but then Im not sure what time it does come up in your part of the world.<3
 
i have had my share of bad therapy experiences, but there's a common thread between all of them; i didn't want to be there and i was unwilling to do any of the work - and when it comes down to it, it's YOU that has to do the work, and the therapist's place is to guide you.
 
Hi Ash,
I've had my fair share of experience with psychologists and psychiatrists. Are you in Sydney? If you are I can PM you the details of my current psychiatrist who is very nice,and he bulk bills,which makes it easier to see him more often,price wise.

I also have the contact details of a psychiatrist I haven't seen,but a fellow bluelighter recommended him,as he actually does therapy as well as prescribing,and the sessions can often last over an hour.From memory I think he bulk bills too,and am told he is an excellent listener,and really thinks outside the box.

As for psychologists,they are very hit and miss.I've seen plenty over the years.It's all down to their style of therapy and whether you click with them or not.One style of therapy doesn't suit everyone,so I highly recommend researching therapy styles and seeing if one speaks to you.Then go here http://www.psychology.org.au/findapsychologist/ and look for one that pratices that type of therapy in your area.It also wouldn't hurt to email the ones you've chosen a brief overview of what your problems are and ask if they treat that.You can often gauge the one's you'd like just based on their email.

Oh btw,it definitely doesn't have to be expensive! You can get 6-12 free sessions with a mental health plan from your doctor.Medicare covers about $80.00 of the visit and you just need the name of the psych you want for your doctor to referr you.It's a good idea when you are emailing psychs to ask how much you'd pay out of pocket with a mental health plan too,as they can vary alot.Many will cover you completely with the mental health plan,others can range from $20-$100 out of pocket,so it's good to ask first!

Please don't hesitate to PM me <3
 
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