[LiverpoolMummy]

Hi lovelies. I've struggled for over 8 years with my mental health and only seen by my dr. She has tried me with antidepressants (over 10 different types) all made my conditions, symptoms so much worse. So far I've been told I have GAD, severe depression, cptsd all by my dr, but I think I have other things going on. I am asking to be referred to a phychiatrist so I can get properly diagnosed and treated. I have no quality of life. Every day my mental health is getting worse. I'm not taking care of myself at all and feel like I'm just giving up. I'm not living, I'm just existing. I also have this overwhelming feeling I'm going to die, it terrifies me and i can't shake it off. My own mum died when she was 55 and I'm 55 in 3 months. She also struggled with many mental health issues. My drs given me no hope. I feel they don't listen. Can anyone tell me what to expect when I see a phychiatrist, did they get you on the right medication? How many appointments before you seen any improvements? Can psychiatrists arrange brain scans? I had a brain tumour in the past and a tbi about 6 months ago after a bad fall, but was too scared to go to the hospital. On my worst days I feel like I have dementia. I never have any good days sadly. Please only your positive stories. Can't handle negative right now. Thank you in advance. Going to try and sleep so will check if any replies later (((((hugs)))))

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

[MuddyBoots]

Seeing psychiatrists has probably saved my life. Sure, I encountered a few that weren't exactly winners, but the helpful ones got me on the right meds. I still struggle with schizoaffective disorder, but I'm much better off now than I was before the right meds. I can't exactly say how many appointments it was before I found something that helped as it's very much a trial and error process, but I was misdiagnosed initially and put on antidepressants (which people like me prone to mania shouldn't take), but once they realized I was on the bipolar spectrum we worked hard in finding a combo of antipsychotics and a mood stabilizer that helped without unbearable side effects. A lot of it was try a med, get a little better for a little while, have a relapse and try another med.

I'm happy with my psychiatric nurse practitioner now and I trust she will help me when I need it. For example, I was starting to head into a mixed episode and she told me to take thorazine 3x a day every day instead of as needed and it's only been a couple days since that and it's already helping keeping me calm(er) and more organized.

I haven't had any psychiatrists order a brain scan for me, you might need a neurologist to get that done. Definitely ask about that though.

Good luck! I hope whoever you see is able to help you out

[Victoria'smom]

I have a good dx and med now. Each psychiatrist took an hour of history before prescribing medicine. Then after it's 15 min meetings. For med adjustments. they go based on current and history. I find it most helpful to have a therapist that works with psychiatrist. They're able to track meds and how I'm doing.

[sarahsweets]

Hey @LiverpoolMummy I am a little late to the game but do you have to go through the NHS or can you go private?

Originally Posted by LiverpoolMummy

Hi lovelies. I've struggled for over 8 years with my mental health and only seen by my dr. She has tried me with antidepressants (over 10 different types) all made my conditions, symptoms so much worse. So far I've been told I have GAD, severe depression, cptsd all by my dr, but I think I have other things going on. I am asking to be referred to a phychiatrist so I can get properly diagnosed and treated. I have no quality of life. Every day my mental health is getting worse. I'm not taking care of myself at all and feel like I'm just giving up. I'm not living, I'm just existing. I also have this overwhelming feeling I'm going to die, it terrifies me and i can't shake it off. My own mum died when she was 55 and I'm 55 in 3 months. She also struggled with many mental health issues. My drs given me no hope. I feel they don't listen. Can anyone tell me what to expect when I see a phychiatrist, did they get you on the right medication? How many appointments before you seen any improvements? Can psychiatrists arrange brain scans? I had a brain tumour in the past and a tbi about 6 months ago after a bad fall, but was too scared to go to the hospital. On my worst days I feel like I have dementia. I never have any good days sadly. Please only your positive stories. Can't handle negative right now. Thank you in advance. Going to try and sleep so will check if any replies later (((((hugs)))))

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

[*Beth*]

Yes, psychiatrists can order brain scans.

[darkfeary]

I am 48. I am similar to you. I have constant impending doom and obsessive fears of aging and dying. Soooo worried about dying early too. I am paralyzed in fear and cannot function. Trying to find a psychiatrist but it feels like there are no good ones who know what they are doing!!