New here, and to GAD. Wondering where to start?

Hi all,

I headed over here from the Crohn's forum. I've always been a bit of a high strung person, and have dealt with trichotillomania since I was 12. Since my diagnosis of Crohn's a year and a half ago, my anxiety has gone through the roof and I've been suffering from GAD for several months now.

My question is, where should I look for help? Any good online resources for finding psychiatrists and centers? I currently go to school in the Chicago/Norshore area, if anyone has any recommendations.

Also, my anxiety attacks often occur when my blood sugar is low. In fact, my anxiety has only been a big issue since I stopped eating wheat, and have subsequently been dealing with my blood sugar. Is this a connection for others?

Thanks all!

Have you had a diagnosis for GAD? You could have anxiety because of another problem, such as your blood sugar. That's not the same thing as having GAD. Yet, anyway. If you don't get treated it's possible you could end up with GAD or a panic disorder or something.

If you have had a diagnosis for GAD, then ideally you should follow Freezing's advice and schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist. But first I'd make sure you've ruled out thyroid and diabetes and hypoglycemia and all that kind of thing. They can affect your state of mind without question. If you've already done that, haven't been diagnosed but suspect GAD, then a psychiatrist would ideally be the right person to see.

Problem is, in my area it's hard to get the initial consult. You often wait for a couple months to be seen. That may be different in Chicagoland, but if it's not you may schedule an appointment and try to find a primary doctor who can help you in the meantime. Don't skip the shrink, though. They know the psychotropic meds better.

Good luck to you.

Thanks all! Yeah, my blood sugar regulation has been a persistent issue, so I'm wondering about the cause and effect. I'll try to get in touch with my GP and see if I can get some tests. I get pretty regular bloodwork and have always been told everything looks great (well minus that SED rate for us Crohnies) so I've been leaning more towards a mental issue. I do see a psychologist periodically who knows of my anxiety issues, so I'm hoping se can refer me to someone more specialized for this.

Hi I am Nanners from the Crohns board. It is very common for us Crohnies to develop anticipatory anxiety related to the Crohns. The constant what if's, i.e. what if I get sick, what if I spoil my spouses time becuz I am sick, what if I travel and get sick. What if, what if, what if. It really can get to you after awhile. I started seeing a therapist and I now take a low dose Xanax when needed. I have been able to learn and recognize my anxiety and now can stop it in its tracks. Some have more success taking a anti depressant daily to help control their anxiety/panic. I suggest getting in to see a therapist. Maybe you can find one that deals especially with people who have chronic illnesses. I wish you good luck.