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Don’t know anymore

Unknown userMember18 Aug 2023, 10:50 am AEST

Don’t know anymore

Had review with local dr yesterday who has now doubled the dose of my anti depressants. Have been referred to psychologist who I have seen 3 times, first 2 sessions completely taken up by going over timeline of traumatic events in my life. 3rd session psychologist explained theory behind how trauma impact on the brain and different responses people have. Next session in approx 3 weeks due to psychologist being on leave. Yesterday local dr said due to me having PTSD, separation anxiety/fear of abandonment and OCD he is thinking psychiatrist may be more applicable and wants me to discuss this with my psychologist at next session. I’m confused.

I’ve been on the medication for approx 6 weeks now, still struggling with things but can feel little bits of improvement. About 15yrs ago I suffered with panic attacks when being too far away from home which over time eventually stopped and I returned to enjoying hours of driving. My panic attacks started again few months ago and I have been almost physically sick when trying to drive more than 30mins from home. Last weekend was lovely and I was desperate to get out of home and knew had no one to ask to help. I ended up going for drive to town about 90mins drive away and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience apart from one small panic attack.

days when I’m feeling low I stay off social media completely. Might read posts on here but don’t comment or post. Recently someone who says is my friend sent me fb message asking what is wrong as I hadn’t been online for couple days. She already knows some of my background and I felt comfortable saying was just taking some time out for me as was feeling low. In her response I was chastised and told I shouldn’t do that and on days I’m feeling down I should be reaching out via social media to chat. Those words became a trigger with nightmares starting that night of events in my teens I had managed to block out. I’ve tried to explain things to her without success. She insists she is correct

2 replies

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In response to: Don’t know anymore

MissLilSenior Contributor11 Sept 2023, 4:26 pm AEST

Re: Don’t know anymore

Hi @Former-Member I think seeing those improvements and that you have made progress with going for drives is amazing and you should celebrate those wins.

I think talking to your psychologist about your drs request to see the psychiatrist if you aren't too sure on whether that is something you would like to do. I do find that the psychiatrist is more trained on medication decisions then your normal GP is.

For me i think it is important to remind our friends, family and support systems that each one is different in how they manage their emotions, and it is ok to take time to reset and refocus away from social media and those around us. I'm not saying her behavior or input is ok but you as an individual need to do what feels best and right for your own mental health. Sometimes the people who care for us just want to help and we are often influenced to check on people when we notice something different about them.

In response to: Re: Don’t know anymore

Unknown userMember11 Sept 2023, 5:14 pm AEST

Re: Don’t know anymor

@MissLil On Friday in my last psychologist appointment we had good chat about possible referral to psychiatrist. Based on how I’ve been feeling recently my psychologist has said she believes may be a benefit for me to continue working with her whilst waiting to see psychiatrist. She explain I may continue with both or just psychiatrist depending on what that therapist decides.

Friend I mentioned in my previous messages knows I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD as I’ve told her and have explained what my days can be like ie good and not good. I’m slowly getting used to that, for whatever reason, she feels I will be 100% by taking vitamin D and after I move. Same with majority of my friends, our conversations tend to now be about general everyday things. Not ideal at times but am finding it less stressful on me that way.

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