Stress Center Peer Support

My psychiatrist resigned and his patients are waiting to be filled in. So I went to the only guy in town who's on my insurance network. I'm having a hard time about whether to go back to him in two weeks.
He refused to get my records from the last doc. He wants to take me off the anti-depressant I'm on b/c he's not comfortable with it. Then start "from ground zero." I really don't want to go down the roads I've tried before.
He was real cold, impersonal and cussed a lot.
I'm holding my own ok right now so I can wait for the replacement doc to come, even though the copay will be twice. I'm thinking that's the way I should go????

Hi Bev,

That guy sounds horrible!!! I had one of those and left fast! I understand he is the only one available, but keep checking back to see when a doc will replace the last one. Don't settle, your health is important.

By all means, wait! I've come to believe you MUST be an advocate for your own health because NO ONE will do it for you. This guy sounds arrogant and egotistical (what ever happened to bedside manner?)- remember, HE works for you, and you have EVERY right to q. his rational and ask for a second or even third opinion. A good dr. is not indignent when you ask for another opinion but rather should feel confident in knowing another dr. will support his/her diagnosis.

I'm actually driving over 200 miles (both ways) tomorrow to find a replacement for my gen. prac.- he's a ninney, and I will NEVER see him again.
Best wishes,
Emily

Hi Fischee, Are you from New Haven, CT, By any chance? Leah from AZ

Thanks, Emily, you are so right. I feel more confident now, hearing that from someone else.
Good luck in your search! Bev

Can you find a Cognitive Behaviorial Therapist to help you? A psychiatrist can prescribe meds in addition to counseling, but maybe having a counselor would work better for you and usually they are more plentiful due to the education requirements. I started with a CBT and only went to a psychiatrist to evaluate my medication that my family doctor had prescribed. He changed my medication to newer drugs which didn't work at all for me. He is very compassionate, so if I didn't already have a therapist would go to him. I take a very small dose of Xanax at times, which works for me since I control when and if I take it and it doesn't affect my appetite. Perhaps your pastor/priest/rabbi could recommend someone in your area.

Belinda,
You're right. The in network isn't so important now that I've met him. I think I'll go searching again-Thanks,Bev

Pressing on,
Yes, I do see a therapist. She does acceptance and commitment therapy. (To which my new doc said- what the hell is that?) Comforting, huh?
It's basically accepting things you think that bother you with a "so what" attitude. It was hard in this program to replace negative thoughts- mine were mostly memories. This other is sort of a "let it go" approach as opposed to my dwelling on it.
Thanks, Bev

Hey Bev- just curious, what rock did this new dr. crawl out from under? *smirk*:D

Fischee,
WHO KNOWS where these people come from. It's amazing that some docs care about their work and for some it's strictly a job.
This one told me if there's ever an emergency, don't call him. He has a life too. (which I have no problem with). Usually they say to call their office if during business hours and speak to their nurse and go to the ER after hours.
He probably can't afford a nurse. He charged me an extra buck fifty to run a forty dollar charge on my credit card for a processing fee. I've never heard of such!
OH WELL- LOL