Posted by Racer on April 30, 2005, at 21:54:53
In reply to ANYONE UNDERSTAND PLSE ?, posted by crazychickuk on April 30, 2005, at 18:10:51
HoneyBunny, here's a reality check for you:
If you were psychotic, you would not know that those worries weren't real. You would be telling us that dead people really were getting into your head, or whatever your fear was. The fact that you are aware that what you are afraid of is not real tells me that you are not losing your mind, you are not psychotic, you are not any crazier than anyone who suffers from severe anxiety.
I do hope that that's something you can hold on to when the anxiety gets really bad.
Now, Donna, it's wonderful that you're seeing a psychologist. I think that's the best way for you to learn to manage your condition long term -- BUT (you knew that was coming, didn't you?)
But I think that you really will need medications, at least right now.
There's good news, though, compared to last time: this time around, you have a psychologist who can help you get through the hardest parts, can help you work out what is and is not a serious side effect, etc. And your psychologist can help you communicate with the doctor who prescribes the medications, so you won't be on your own there. That last part, I think, is probably the most important. Instead of a doctor saying, "Well, Missy, you don't know because you're mentally ill..." now the psychologist can say to him, "Hey, you treat my client with some respect: she's already severely anxious, and you make it worse by pressuring her and ignoring what she says!" That's a great thing.
You know, if you remember, that I was going through a hell with not wanting to try any new meds, remember? My new doctor, though, is great: he actually listens to me! Whoohoo! Guess he went to a different med school... That makes such a difference, let me tell you. Maybe having a therapist who can help with communication will be helpful.
Be well, dear.
poster:Racer
thread:492022
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050428/msgs/492109.html