Getting a psychiatric referral

I have bottomed out with depression many times in recent years -- tried one failed course of antidepressants after another -- and I'm finally to the point I can't cope anymore. Yesterday I wanted to check myself into a mental health facility so someone can help "fix" me, but I wouldn't know where to begin (nor do I have the medical coverage or money for that).

I contacted my physician to let her know the newest FDA-approved antidepressant that I had been on (Viibryd) was a big flop and that I have taken another severe downward spiral with the depression.

I'm now fighting music in my head, where a short bleep of a song loops through over and over -- thousands of times a day. Hard to explain... it's not like a song that gets stuck in your head from a catchy jingle on TV or one you heard on the radio... it's much different and more annoying. And sometimes two of them are trying to play in my head simultaneously. It's started in June, I had a little reprieve after starting the Vibryd in July, and now it's back. I can't take it anymore. I'm losing my mind -- literally -- and coupled with the thick brain fog I'm in it's more than I can handle.

She wants to do a psychiatric referral. I've been crying for days with the depression, now I'm crying because I'm scared to death to see a psychiatrist. I feel like a complete failure. As a longtime overachiever, one of the hardest things to admit is that you can't do it alone and need help. But the reality is, I need help.

I've already failed as a wife, a mom, a grandma. The guilt is consuming me. My heart is in so much pain.

I'm so sorry that you are feeling so bad. I've run the gamut on meds too.....but finally have a good combo for me. Depression makes you feel like you have failed at things. It's one of the big symptoms. I have been dealing with psychiatrists and depression for 27 years. We are not failures, we just have a disorder that is very hard to deal with. This may be a new beginning for you. Tell the doctors everything so they can best treat you. I hope you get some answers.

I think the fact that lots of meds haven't helped you means that a psychiatrist is the best thing your PCP can do. Psychiatrists know so much more about meds and other treatments than primary care docs do. I started seeing one when I was severely depressed, and they were much more willing to try combinations of meds to help me. My depression has been in remission for four years on the right combination of meds, so there is hope.

Crush, a friend of mine was having great problems with depression.  Her doctor kept trying different meds and nothing really worked.  She went for a psychological workup with a psychiatrist and she had been on the wrong medications!  The meds were changed and that has really helped her. 

 

Psychiatrists are trained for this and know a lot more than our PCPs.  Twenty years ago, you could only get antidepressants if you went to a psychiatrist.  Not so now! 

 

Apple was perfect in saying that psychiatrists are another tool in your tool kit.  There is  no shame in this.  If you needed a doctor to help with  your heart, would you feel like a failure seeing a cardiologist?  Of course not!  This is your depression talking to you.  You aren't a failure at anything.  Look.  You KNOW you need the help and are seeking it.  That's huge!  I'm so proud of you for taking that step.  Many don't. 

 

I'm glad you are going to get the help you need.  Tomorrow is a new day and so is that day after that.  Take one day at a time and you will heal.  We are here for you.  I'll keep you in my prayers.  Let us know how you are doing because we really do care about you.

 

Sherrine

The worst that can happen by seeing a psych is that you don't like them and try to find another. It is difficult for us to ask for help sometimes, I know it has been hard for me - but don't feel guilty about needing a hand.