Evaluations

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Evaluations
4
Sun, 01-02-2005 - 9:19pm
I have been on PaxilCR for about a year (off and on) now. It had been working sooo well. Recently, I feel I may need a new medication. Before, I used to be down about 2 or 3 weeks and okay for about 2 or 3 weeks. In the past month (even while on meds) I feel very depressed for 2-3 days and I'm okay for 1 day and then depressed again for a week or so. It's very sporadic. It's not like me. I'm wondering if I should get a new medication. The thing is, I get my meds prescribed from my family doctor. How do I go about going to a mental health professional for an evaluation. I know that there are different forms of depression and I guess it's about time I figure out what's really wrong with me. Does anyone have any ideas? Should I talk to my therapist about this? I haven't really seen my therapist for about a month now..it's really hard to go and see him. He only operates during normal business hours (when I work) and I don't really want to take off too much time from work. My therapist thinks I need to see him twice a week. I can't afford to take that much time off of work. I can't really go to a therapist that operates after business hours because then I have my 4 year old son and I'm a single mom. He's extremely hyperactive and requires alot of attention. So, I don't think going to a therapist after hours would be good either. Any ideas? Any suggestions?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
In reply to: mcduenas
Mon, 01-03-2005 - 7:42am

Hey hun,


Either your family doctor or your Therapist can help you find someone to do a complete mental health evaluation if thats what you want to do.


I understand about finding time to see your therapist but it is important for you to Make time too. Taking care of you makes you a better Mom in the long run.


So I have 2 suggestions.. Can you talk to your boss at work about perhaps taking time off once a week to see your therapist and then maybe working late another day to make it up? You dont have to go into details of why you need to see a doctor but if he or she understands its medical reasons they may be more accomodating.

If not then I would talk to your Therapist about him helping you find someone who can see you at a more convienent time.

*hugs             

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-28-2004
In reply to: mcduenas
Mon, 01-03-2005 - 3:34pm
The best thing for you to concentrate on is you and not the job. I did the same thing about my mental health and put it on hold for a job. My husband, then in May, had a near fatal car accident. That job replaced me so fast and you know what it was the best thing that ever happened to me. That could even be part of the problem the stress women are put under at work. Seek a good psych. that's what I did. He changed my medication. Of course, I still have good days and bad days but I am better than what I was.
Hope this helps.
Avatar for voyager69
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-03-2004
In reply to: mcduenas
Wed, 01-05-2005 - 2:21pm


I know my Pdoc will start her work day at 7 am if someone needs or wants an appt. that early.
Not me... LOL... I'm barely even lucid at that hour.
But, if you can find a doc who is flexible in their scheduling, it may be worthwhile to see a Pdoc before work but after you've dropped your son at Daycare. It will make one day a week longer than usual but at least youre doing something to help yourself.
Good luck.

"Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History"

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: mcduenas
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 6:16am
Just an update...I have an appt with a doctor today for an evaluation. Cross your fingers for me!