[anxteach]

I haven't seen a counselor in years, but my anxiety and depression is becoming unmanageable. My problem is that I'm not sure what I should be looking for. I'm currently on depression meds (sertraline) prescribed by my general practitioner doctor. I'm not sure that they're really working for me the way they used to, but I'm terrified of weaning off and trying other meds because I've had some horrible experiences in the past. I know I need therapy as well, and would like someone to talk to. So my question is - should I first look for a psychiatrist, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, or just start with a therapist who could then potentially refer me to someone for med adjustments? I don't know where to start!

[kaliope]

I would start with a therapist who could refer to a pdoc....
or you could ask your gp for a referral to both........

[HazelGirl]

A Pdoc managing your meds might be best if you've had troubles with them in the past.

[UnderRugSwept]

Perhaps a pdoc to get help with meds first since you are having some issues with what you are currently on, and then maybe the pdoc could give you some therapist referrals...my pdoc recommended one of the Ts I see now.

your general practitioner might be best suited to refer you to a psychiatrist who s/he knows and has worked with before.

Hope things get better for you soon.

[Victoria'smom]

I would get into a therapist first ask your GP for a psychiatrist referral.

[anxteach]

Originally Posted by Elsewhere

Perhaps a pdoc to get help with meds first since you are having some issues with what you are currently on, and then maybe the pdoc could give you some therapist referrals...my pdoc recommended one of the Ts I see now.

Forgive my ignorance, but what does pdoc stand for? Psychiatrist?

[HazelGirl]

Originally Posted by anxteach

Forgive my ignorance, but what does pdoc stand for? Psychiatrist?

Yes, sorry. A Pdoc is a psychiatrist.

[BlessedRhiannon]

Personally, I'd go for therapist first, and then psychiatrist. Your therapist can probably recommend a good psychiatrist if needed.

[blur]

i would let your GP know everything you said in your post. the GP may want to refer you to a pdoc, or if experienced, may prescribe another drug to augment the one you're on or do something else entirely. the GP may also know of a good T for you. good luck.

[Leah123]

Well, I was going to suggest a therapist because I hoped that with psychotherapy, you might find enough relief to not need to necessarily face more complications with your medications, that the combination of both would be more effective than one or the other.

But I see the replies are divided and I'm not familiar with the medication side, so I think my actual suggestion is to follow your gut instinct. (Probably a good suggestion anyway, now that I think about it.)

I'm sorry you're struggling.

Hope you find some relief soon no matter which way you go.

[anxteach]

Originally Posted by Leah123

Well, I was going to suggest a therapist because I hoped that with psychotherapy, you might find enough relief to not need to necessarily face more complications with your medications, that the combination of both would be more effective than one or the other.

But I see the replies are divided and I'm not familiar with the medication side, so I think my actual suggestion is to follow your gut instinct. (Probably a good suggestion anyway, now that I think about it.)

I'm sorry you're struggling.

Hope you find some relief soon no matter which way you go.

Thank you Leah I think you're right and that my gut instinct should point me the right direction. I know there's not one best way to go about it, so I think I may try therapy first and then take it from there. But I'll also let my GP know the next time that I see him what my thoughts are about the meds.

Thanks to everyone for the great advice!