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Old Feb 25, 2012, 11:13 PM
interested2012 interested2012 is offline
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Member Since: Dec 2011
Posts: 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by exxxtasi View Post
I've been battling my crazy thoughts for longer then I can remember, and I've never had trouble going to my doctor and expressing my worries(he was my dr. Since I was born)...he retired last year and now I have to rebuild a trusting relationship with the new doc that took over. He's ok, already I've noticed small things about referrals and stuff that don't get done, but overall I'm sorta comfortable talking to him. I was in a few months ago because the pharmacy totally changed my meds on me and I was going downhill with suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, and the strong urge to run away from my life(which ive done, more then once)...so I asked for a referral to a psychiatrist, preferably one specializing in substance abuse, and he said there's none anywhere close to where I live. Really? Not anywhere? So, I don't know where to turn next. The med issue is better, I suppose, I'm on the max dose of lamotrigine and the suicidal thoughts have not returned, but when I go to bed I can't stop thinking about what a horrible person I was. How stupid I was. Etc. Etc. Etc.....

Sorry for the novel, if you're still reading thank you for listening
It's hard to answer this without knowing whether you're in a city or a rural area. If you're not comfortable with your GP managing your illness then you should insist on a referral to a psychiatrist; whether they specialize in addiction or not. In a crisis situation you can contact mental health helplines; they can help you find community resources that your GP may not be aware of.

To find someone who is specialized your best bet is usually a university setting. Perhaps it's worth driving to the nearest such institution in order to see someone who can help you. Waiting lists are long but the sooner you get on one the sooner you'll be seen.