Anxiety & Panic Community

You certainly are contending with a number of things that are very upsetting including your job, your marriage, your friends and your feelings of anxiety.


Since you had been on medication for quite some time, even though you are off for over 8 months, your body may still be adjusting to the fact that you don't have it any longer. I know this sounds like it is highly improbable, but I have seen research which indicates that medication can take quite a bit of time to leave your body and return it to its more normal state.


I know that clinics have been stretched to the point where people are having to wait for a long time to see either a counselor or a physician. Since you do not have insurance, nor money to pay out-of-pocket, what did the mental health Center offer to you? Even though they have a 3 month wait list for the doctor, can they offer anything to you? I'm thinking of some type of group therapy for those who are on this waitlist. Often centers will do this in order to provide some support to people who really need it. You have made a case where I do believe you should be considered for this type of service.


In the meantime, you can always use some self-help techniques and we do have a number of these in our Tips column. Please review the relaxation breathing video tutorial and use that on a daily basis, several times a day.


Remember, if things get really bad, you can always go to the emergency room at the local hospital and they may be able to give you some medication which you can take for a short period of time. I don't know whether or not they would charge you for this, but many hospitals have what is known as "charity care." For this they receive funds from the state.


I know you're trying to hang on and each day that you do you can become stronger. Begin to think about the things where you can make some changes and where you will have some power over your life. One thing, of course, is to have good friends around you and you might want to begin to think how you can repair some of your friendships. You indicated that you had done some things which you regret and your friends may be understanding if you explain your situation to them.


Dr. Farrell

Thank you for your help and suggestions. I went back to the clinic today. I have a therapy and med appointment for monday now. (thank god!) The worker I saw today was very helpful. She said what I am going thru sounds like PTSD more than anything (something about disassociation?). Maybe bipolar as well. I will learn more from the therapist starting monday. Things always seem a little better knowing help is not so far away....

True. Nice to know there is help available.