[exxxtasi]

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

[kaliope]

Your doctor sounds uninformed...Im glad that you are doing better, but the thoughts you continue to have could easily change that for you. Since your doctor isnt being very helpful, perhaps you could contact any psychiatrist for a referral. They would know who amoung their peers would best be able to meet your needs. Then if you need a formal referral for ins reasons, you could take that information back to your doctor.

Hang in there.

[hamster-bamster]

You would need someone from Canada who knows the system to respond to your post. You may want to repost explicitly asking for that in the title.

[cocoabeans]

Canada! Needing a psychiatrist? Oh... Be prepared to wait or, visit an emergency citing mental issues. They'll refer you right away but, don't expect a good one with time for you. It is hard enough to get a GP sometimes. I'm in a major city too. Have you tried getting a different GP? You'll need a referral for a psychiatrist. Maybe a walk in can refer you?

Sounds like you may be better of with some counselling though since it is guilt over past drug use getting you down? NA meetings are weird but, some people benefit. Psychologists are stupid expensive. Hmm.

[BuggsBunny]

I don't know if Canada has these or not, but perhaps a psychiatric nurse practitioner would be a possible referral from this doc. In the US they are licensed to prescribe meds, and they can do therapy as well. There is also the fact that they had a psychiatrist overseeing them, and that would give you access if you needed it.

[cocoabeans]

Yes, we have those Buggs.

[interested2012]

Originally Posted by exxxtasi

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.

Look on Canadian Mental Health website, they should have info for your area. Search for your area and you will find a list of services for mental health and addictions. At least will be able to point you in the right direction.

http://www.cmha.ca/bins/index.asp

You never know either, my first pdoc I got in quick and he was amazing. Too bad he retired.