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Attacks after leaving abusive marriage.. not sure what to do/where to go

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 9/10/2013 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
Not sure how to start this or exactly what I'm looking for, but I have had severe anxiety issues starting maybe 3 months ago. At the time my GP had prescribed me some Xanax (0.5 mg), which I do take.. and yes it does help.

But of course tolerance sets in and I feel like I need more than the 2 a day I am "allotted", actually the way the script is written I can take 2 a day for 10 days and 1 a day for 20, total is 40.

Imagine how stunned I am that now that I'm calling psychiatrists I can't get anyone to help me! Basically a "we will call you back" or "the doctor will review this and we will call you in 3-4 days"

When I call I state that I got out of an abusive marriage and I am in the process of starting a nasty divorce.
My husband does not know where I live, has taken ALL the money and is now engaged (there was also cheating involved)

I am in the process of looking for a job, I quit my old position based on manipulation from him (I work too much, this will "save" our marriage)

This anxiety has made it hard to function, look for a job (I usually have panic attacks when someone calls me back!) think about dealing with the divorce and anything else in my life. I feel crippled by it and it's causing me to avoid things I know I shouldn't avoid.

I'm wondering if I should go somewhere (where?) that I could get immediate help? I do have commercial insurance that is a PPO.. but is this considered an emergency? I honestly feel like I'm going to lose my mind some days.

I know that dealing with this is not working for me right now and I'm not sure how many places I'm supposed to call before I get some compassion and a doc that would see me. I have requested a refill from my GP.. but I'm sure she does not appreciate scripting this month after month (although she treats my whole family and I do not have any abuse/dependence issues)
Posted 9/10/2013 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi girl anon and welcome.

I am really sorry to hear of all that you are going through right now. I know how hard it is to be in that situation, as I have been there myself in the past. (relationship wise)

Know that all of this is temporary. Things are difficult right now, but it will not always be this hard.

Until you emerge out the other side of it however, you are right...you need to be able to function to make a better situation for yourself!

So at this moment, your GP is your prescribing doctor, and you are seeking further guidance from a psychiatrist, but so far have not been called back?

Until you can get a response from one of the medical professionals that is willing to help...I can recommend trying some self-help techniques to get you through the interim time.

On the main page here, 1st post, we have some great ideas for relieving anxiety and panic in our Resources. There are videos and links that teach some powerful tools and exercises. The 'breathing through an attack' and the progressive muscle relaxation...as well as the meditation tutorial are all excellent. Give them a try and see if they help you to manage some of the stress that you are dealing with.

I hope that you get a response from your inquires/doctor soon. I invite you to keep posting with us as well. Support is key in recovery. We are here to listen and understand.

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/10/2013 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
Each state is a little different, but for the most part the ER's function pretty much the same, Planning is
a preferred method. Make sure you are on schedule with your med's take them with you, go when you
are really in a hard panic or anxiety state. They will want to know who your doctor is, then without being derogatory about your doctor tell your story, you could also mention that you cant find a psychiatrist. They in all likelihood will make recommendations about md's and in some cases you get lucky and a doctor like you are looking for is working on call, that would be ideal! I wish you Peace, and Prayers!

Larry ***
Posted 9/11/2013 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi girl anon - I am so sorry that you are unable to find the help and support you need. Support and a good listener are so important when you are going through something like this. Do you by chance have a crisis center where you live. That's what I did when I had no where to go and it was a God send. Anytime I needed someone to talk to they were there. They then sent two of their staff out to talk to me and assess me, then got me a new doctor, a meds counsellor and a psychiatrist who all work together. See if you have one in your area - they do ask a few questions, but they have to know what they are dealing with.

Hope tomorrow is better for you - even if you have a good friend that you trust and can open up to it would be helpful. You don't have to deal with this by yourself.

By the way, crisis centers are not women's shelters - they deal strictly with patients who are going through a difficult time at that moment mentally and physically. turn

Post Edited (Wayupnorth) : 9/10/2013 6:19:03 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/11/2013 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
Firstly, congratulations and good job for all of the hard work you're doing for yourself!

I recommend this song a lot on here, I promise I'm not getting a commission (haha), but just like others said, while it's hard right now - things will get better.

Today truly is where your book begins.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7k0a5hYnSI

It's disconcerting how unhelpful psychiatrist's offices can be, considering that they deal with people who are emotionally unstable. It isn't uncommon, though.

If you start having thoughts of self-harm, then I would definitely suggest a trip to the ER.

I agree with Wayupnorth - a crisis center might be your best bet. I wouldn't even mention my medication until they asked. Around here, there are behavioral health centers that specialize in helping people who feel that they're to the point of crisis. Most of them answer the telephone 24/7 and some can even see you 24/7. Make it very clear that you feel you need immediate help.

There is a limit to how much medicine a GP can prescribe in some states. Mine actually told me that she'd prefer to double my Klonopin but that her license won't allow it. So, I'm waiting for my first psychiatrist appt and it's been a long wait.

Have you considering asking your GP to help you get in to see a psychiatrist? That's how I finally got an appointment.

A psychologist/counselor might also be of a lot of help to you. In my area, they're a lot easier to get in to see. Though they can't prescribe, therapy can be very useful.

In the meantime, we're here for you!
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