I'm terrified of seeing a psychiatrist, but I really NEED help?

Question

I've been struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts for years. More recently, this has included self-injury (cutting), mild manic episodes, extreme anxiety, dissociation, and very detailed suicidal fantasies. I cannot do my school work, I barely make it out of bed, I can't think or concentrate.

To put it in a nut-shell, I'm so sick it's going to be terminal if I don't do something. And, for some reason my will to live has been kicking in, in the form of dread over what I'll become if I don't change soon. So, I resolved to call someone tomorrow and get a referral and actually follow through with consulting someone.
The problem here is...I've made this same promise to myself many times. But, often the next day I'd feel better and convince myself I didn't need it, or just be too scared to pick up the phone.
What can I do to give myself an extra ounce of strength beyond just DOING it? Please, any advice is welcome. Any success stories? They seem to help a lot. Thanks

Answer 1

I have suffered from depression for most of my life. I have tried to commit suicide numerous times. I always seem to pull back at the last moment or what I try doesn't work.

I tried counseling it worked some what but didn't stop the depression. I eventually found a counselor who helped me to start living life. I was a victim of childhood sexual abuse by a couple of neighborhood teenage girls.

When I started on the learning how to live my life process. I found that I had to learn a lot of things that most people take for granted.

One of the things that my counselor got me to do and I have told many people about this and it has work for some. I started to keep a diary. Not the confess all story telling type. It was just notes on how the day went for me. Literally one liners. At the end I would try to think of positive things that I had done each day. Sometimes it was just that I had got out of bed and got washed. Gradually these things started to get more and more. I was also asked to finish each day off with a positive affirmation.

This didn't cure the depression but it definitely made it easier to live with.

Eventually I was sent to a Psychiatrist. I had developed panic attacks and debilitating anxiety. The psychiatrist prescribed SSRI anti anxiety and anti depression medication (Paroxitine) This guy was unusual in that he believed in giving the lowest possible dose that was needed. I started on ten milligrams and that is where I have stayed for over ten years. We did try to increase the dose but I got worse.

I am not recommending this drug. It is very individual as to which drug to take and how it will affect you.

What I am saying is that I wished that I hadn't been so frightened of these drugs. I wish that I had started them years earlier. I can now think with a clear head and manage a "normal" life.

Another thing that I found helped me tremendously was I jioned a local support group. This made me realise that I was not alone and that others were feeling the same way. I was also able to help others with my experience and they help me with theirs.

I think talking to others has helped me a lot.

I hope that you can find some help in what I have said. There is light at the end of the tunnel you just have to move towards it. Get help. I left mine for 20 years too long. Take it from me that it is not the easiest step but once you have taken it you will wonder why you ever took so long to do it.

Answer 2

Well I will let you know this if you didn't know, psychiatrists are really there to prescribe medication, not go into detail about your life every visit like a counselor does. Your 1st visit usually lasts 40-50 min. so they can get a good idea of what is going on, then if they decide you need meds, you usually just go back for 15 min. med checks & continue to see your counselor. They are certainly not scary at least none of the ones I have seen (& I have seen allot). If you do decide to go, I recommend you write down some of the things that you want to address with them so you don't forget, it helps both of you. Hope I helped:)

Answer 3

I am a success story. I lived with depression for years. I thought that all people got depressed like I did. The only problem was that I fell into deep dark depressions, and felt suicidal. I was finally referred to a Psychiatrist by my family physician. I felt so relieved when I found out that there were treatments for what I was feeling. It took a year or so for him to find the right medication for me, since everyone reacts to medicines differently. I am now down to the mildest dose of Celexa available, and I am doing great. I still occasionally get depressed, but I don't feel those horrible dark depressions, and I don't want to die. My friends say that I am a much better person for it. I know I am much happier!!!

Answer 4

What a bunch of morons. Questioner ignore their BS. You already know the answer that will be best for you. If you want to cut because it's the only thing that feels real, then do it. If you want to hear a bunch of namby pamby BS, keep asking people here or see a psychologist. Or if you want a medication to change your mood, see a psychiatrist. Lamictol seems to work provided you don't take too much.

I see the readers don't like honesty. I've got three down thumbs already.

The point is that the psychiatrist and psychologist will both get you to open up about your feelings, then ask you "how does that make you feel" and "so what do YOU want to do?" The good thing about the psychiatrist is that he can per scribe you drugs that will help.

However, the overlaying truth is that neither of these people can help you if you don't want it. So make a decision; cut and/or kill yourself or get help.

I'm not a cold insensitive prick. I speak of this from experience, minus the cutting, as I have been through depression, mania, aggression, suicidal tendencies, etc. But as my earlier comment about Lamictal should have let everyone know, you idiots, I have and am taking this to great affect.

So to the questioner, make a decision, it's only yours to make. To the other answerer's, go ahead and give me another thumbs down, you pansies.

Answer 5

You can call a crisis hotline and they usually have someone very understanding to talk to you and help support you to get the help. I guarantee that not talking to a psychiatrist is much scarier than talking to one. Mental illness in itself creates the difficulties of getting help for it, because it's your mind that needs to grasp for help but it's ill and convinces you of the wrong things. All qualified therapists and counselors know this and will help you get through that part. Just call soon. You don't need to be suffering another day.

Answer 6

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/self-injury/DS00775
Self-injury/cutting
Introduction

For people who can't fathom deliberately hurting themselves, self-injury may seem shocking and frightening. But for people who do injure themselves by cutting or other means, self-injury offers a momentary sense of calm and a release of tension. Unfortunately, that's usually quickly followed by guilt and shame and the return of other painful emotions. And with self-injury comes the very real possibility of inflicting serious and even fatal injuries.

Self-injury isn't a specific disease or condition. Rather, it's a type of abnormal behavior. It may accompany a variety of mental disorders, such as depression and borderline personality disorder. Because self-injury is often done on impulse, it's sometimes considered an impulse-control behavior problem. Self-injury is also known as self-harm, self-injurious behavior and self-mutilation.

http://health.discovery.com/centers/teen/cutters/cutters.html
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/cutting.html
http://www.kidzworld.com/site/p4217.htm
http://www.thehelpline.net/selfinjury.html
http://teenadvice.about.com/od/cuttingbranding/
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/53/61375.htm

Answer 7

We all back out of making that phone call we know we need to make. That's the hardest part is calling someone. Right now go get the phone # and tape it to the phone. Write yourself a note and do it. Like you said just do it. The only one you're hurting is yourself if you don't get the help you need, you kow you need. JUST DO IT!!

Answer 8

You need to go. In a way this question could be construed as an ultimatum of sorts to yourself. Deep down, you have a drive and desire to succeed, and you want to find it and bring it out. Go to at least one session. Start slow and small, admitting that you need help and time to figure out what's what and to heal in your life will make a difference. Everyone gets down sometimes.... its ok, and its ok to need and want help to understand ourselves....

I think it takes courage and great resolve to ask for help and I think you'll do great!!! I wish you good luck and take things slowly :-)

Answer 9

why are you terrified with a psychiatrist.? they wont bite you..
your problem is really serious huh! but try this go to a quiet room try to concentrate on things you achieve in life, funny things, or things that make you happy.. and also remove all the things that can be use in suicides..

Answer 10

just go 2 one session and see how u get on!
good luck! x x x x