Gidge, please forgive me for my ranting. If I can share my experiences I hope you or someone else out there won't have to go through the emptiness of feeling helpless for so long like I did.
My PTSD is involved in workers comp. I understand I have the benefits of not having to pay for medical consults and medications but there are good psychiatrists and psychologists out there and you shouldn't have to feel alone. It does take time to build a relationship of trust and you deserve to have this.
When I told him the truck outside was really annoying me he made a joke about throwing a rock at it
I became so frustrated with your psychiatrist when I read this comment. I'd want to throw a rock at him and say "Oops, I also experience moments of anger." :whistling:
Shouldn't he be helping you to cope with what you were feeling at the time and building trust between the two of you? Does he usually deal with PTSD?
He told two weeks ago that I almost certainly had PTSD then last week he was saying all these symptoms of memory loss, trouble concentrating etc etc are related more to depression.
How confusing for you. I believed depression and the other symptoms you are experiencing go hand in hand with PTSD. You presented your symptoms and left with a sense of what to face. Now you're back and seem lost. Forgive me if I am wrong???????
Would you feel confident asking your psychiatrist what one is to expect with having PTSD?
Anthony has some great infotrmation on this forum relating to PTSD symptoms etc. Maybe that could assist? There are also some great books out there and others recommended on this Forum.
My P acknowledged my PTSD yet began treating the symptoms of depression and anxiety first. I was a bit confused and said, "Whoa! Why not treat the PTSD first?" (laughing to myself now) He explained that if I could balance out dealing with the depression etc I could then have the strength to deal with the therapies for my PTSD. (hope this makes sense:confused:) As the months pass I seem to have more of an understanding of what is going on with me. I still get my bad days, and boy I do.....
Aside from seeing him to discuss going back to work and antidepressants, he didnt think I needed to see anyone else about the trauma I encountered. I did go today to see a counsellor who told me that as I was seeing a Pyshciatrist I did not need to see her again. All in all I feel like noone cares (in the medical profession)and I have to deal with this on my own. I have stopped the mood stabiliser, as it was making me feel too spacey but now of course have trouble sleeping as it did have a sedative effect.
My psychologist/counsellor is there to talk/vent about my current feelings and trauma & go through coping mechansims. (I read somewhere on this forum counsellors are not necessarily equipped to deall with PTSD but a pschologist can be)
My psychiatrist (P) basically deals with the medication side of things and talks about how I'm dealing with things in general. He is in contact with my GP and psychologist. I can also call my P if I'm really out of sorts. I don't know if this is usually the case for most people on this forum to see a psychiatrist and a psychologist but it is what the insurance psychiatrist recommended and it helps me.
Im seeing him again Wed with a little bit more of a clear head, so will ask for a refferral to work through issues of guilt etc surronding the initial trauma and for another sedative to help with the sleep.
You go girl! Good for you to address this issue. You are showing strength in asking for help where you have a right to.
When you mean referral, do you mean a psychologist/counsellor or strategies from your P? Hope you get what your'e looking for.
Medication was given to me which I was VERY hesitant about but I'm glad I did take them. There was a bit of trial and error for a few months. Lots of different "bodily" feelings. I don't think I would be here if I didn't initially take them. It was a bit of mayhem finding the right meds. I have found it really helpful (and my husband LOL) to be on something which helps me sleep at night.
My P told me, "My meds aren't there to make me happy. They are there to help. Just like an antibiotic. Some people may need to take a short dose of antibiotics, some longer doses. Only I can make myself happy along with the treaments available for me."
It seemed harsh but also seems true. Fingers x'd I won't need meds forever but I'm more open to it now.
Good luck with your pyschiatrist and I hope you get through your troubles. Whenever you feel alone, the Forum is a great place to visit. Just reading other peoples experiences on how they manage is uplifting in it's own way.
Warmest thoughts, Ragdoll xxxxxxx
p.s. See, I do rant;)
