Update
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| Thu, 03-01-2007 - 8:35pm |
Thank you everybody for your advice and opinions on my earlier posts. I have had a good couple of days after a mild depression and then a day or so of hypomania (?mania?).
Now that I am a bit stable I realized I never introduced myself. I am Stephanie. I live about 45 miles outside of Chicago with my DH of 13 years and 4 DDs. Abbey 10, Gabrielle 8, Madeline and Natalie 5. I am currently a part-time resource teacher in the local school district. My DH and I are going through some maritail difficulties and have been in counseling for 2 years. The counselor has indicated that he thinks I may have some bipolar symptoms and definitely generalized anxiety disorder signs (I agree 110% with the anxiety). I have been taking Effexor since the birth of the twins for depression/anxiety.
Now that I am on an even keel I of course think that I don't need an evaluation by a psychiatrist. I am finding it hard to pick up the phone and call even though I know I should.
Also, now that I am feeling good I am considering a full time teaching position for next year. I haven't taught full time since 99/00 and this is only the second time I have taught p/t since them. I am petrified of making the decision because I never know when a major mood swing will hit. Another reason to get to evaluated and under control I suppose.
Anyway, I am more than happy to have found a place to talk. I look forward to getting to know everybody.
Steph

Hi Steph! I can so relate! I worked full time as a social worker, then have been unemployeed for the past year (of my own choice) and was terrified of going back because of the moods and anxiety.
Go ahead and pick up the phone. I just did it myself for the first time. I went to my very first psychiatric appointment ever, just yesterday. I had alot of anxiety over it and even posted here that I was entertaining thoughts of cancelling the appointment. BUT, I went and got it over with and I am actually relieved to have done it now too. I have the dx and can start dealing with it now. You can see my post about the appointment. It was okay. I thought the psychiatrist was a bit strange, but he knew his stuff. I'm actually starting to feel good, good about knowing that by going ahead with the appointment I did something that is starting me out on the path to improve my symptoms and possibly decrease this overwhelming anxiety and mood issue. I have hope now instead of struggling day to day week to week taking my coveted lexapro and just waiting out the depression part. When the Pdoc said he wanted to take away my Lexapro I got really scared, but I'm starting to think I may be able to give it up if I get something that will work better. Its scarey though, but I can do it. SO CAN YOU! Imagine, being able to choose whether to go back full time or not, without the fears and worries about dropping into the mood swings so bad. Being able to make decisions clearly. And you know that you have control; so if you are given a medication that you aren't comfortable with, you CAN and SHOULD talk to your doctor about it until you ARE comfortable or s/he finds something that you are comfortable with taking.
Best wishes, its okay to take that step and make the call to schedule an appointment. (I just did it, and I'm still the same and alive and well!)
((hugs))
Xyro