What are your opinions on a referral to psychiatry?

[Nicola]

Hello

I was made to see a doc today by my mum and il give the doc his due, he hadn't heard of MD and he was quite non judgemental. He listened to what I had to say and said he would look it up himself to find out more. But he also said the best person to help me is a psychiatrist. So he has referred me to mental health services.

I'm especially nervous about this because I work in mental health and chances are il be treated by ppl iv worked with. Not really sure how to deal with that.

But i just wanted to ask if anyone has had experience with psychiatrists and did it help?

Thanks Nic xxx

[greyartist]

I went to one. I was disappointed at the whole experiance. The man was nice but I waited an hour and a half each time I went only to see him for about 6 min. They seem to have to fit you into some label(for insurance purposes) then just give you meds to try. I was labeled bipolor. He said the compulsive DDs were "intrusive thoughts" I went 3 or 4 different times and tried at least 3 meds. The last one did slow down the DDs and help me concentrate but the side effect was anxiety, which he gave me another med for. I felt always drugged up, I got to the point of thinking if this is what life is going to feel like I just don't want to go on. So I stopped all the meds and just went back to dealing with the MD.

I wonder if a psycolgist would be more helpful.

[Wish Upon A Wish]

I'm with a psychotherapist now, and she's quite open, and understanding, well, rather, she tries her best, because, well, she can't understand fully unless she experiences it herself, but you know what I mean.

Maybe try to go to a centre you haven't worked at yet, and book an appointment with a stranger?

But if the first person doesn't work well for you, try seeing someone else as they may be more open minded or just a better fit fo you.