Anxiety

Chastity · 08-06-2004, 05:46 PM

I worry and am stressed all of the time. I guess I am tightly-wound, or high-strung or something. I need to take a chill pill. I don't mind going out in public, shopping, going to movies, the zoo, etc. But I'm not into making new friends, or going to parties, and stuff like that. I worry about freaky stuff, like the house burning down, or my DH getting in a wreck.

In 1998 I was stalked and raped by a stranger. I went to therapy and am settled with it. I think all of my problems are a type of fallout from that terrible experience. I don't have a doctor, besides my OBGYN. How do I approach a doctor and basically tell them all of my problems. Do I just call a general practice doc or should I call a shrink or what?

Thanks for your help ladies. It is soooo appreciated.
Chastity

thinkthin98 · 08-06-2004, 07:01 PM

HI There-
I too am one of the tightly wound (although no one would ever know from outside appearances). I talked to my OB/GYN about it and he recommened a psychologist who then receommended me to a psychiatrist (to prescribe Paxil). I just went to the psychiatrist a few times to get the dosage correct and now my OB/GYN prescribes my paxil.

I cannot say enough good things about how my life has changed from therapy and Paxil.

Good luck to you!

TheTomato · 08-06-2004, 07:08 PM

I don't know if anyone ever gets to a point where they're "settled with" being stalked and raped by a stranger, so I'm wondering if some of the anxiety you're suffering could be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? It can come up at any time, even decades later.

I suggest this because the type of anxiety you're suffering (worry about catastrophic events or dangers to you or your family, hesitation about making new contacts) doesn't sound like classic anxiety; it sounds like a reaction to trauma. And you're still able to go out in public, go shopping, to movies, etc., which someone with classic social anxiety would probably find a lot less comfortable.

But I'm not a shrink or a counselor; these are just my impressions. It sounds like something a counselor could help you with. A counselor isn't able to prescribe, but if he/she determines that you are suffering some anxiety, he/she can write a recommendation to your primary care doc that you be prescribed a low dose of an anti-anxiety med, say 10 mg of Paxil, for example.

I hope you'll feel better soon. Sounds like you've earned it, for sure.

Chastity · 08-07-2004, 01:50 AM

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll talk to my OBGYN, maybe she can recommend someone.

Tomato - Thanks for your input, I think you're right. I don't think "settled with" was the right phrase. I meant that I'm over my fear of being alone and the other obvious reactions. I didn't realize that the things I'm feeling now are "fallout" from what happened to me. I think when I read your post, things became so much more clear to me. After all of these years, it really is still bothering me so much. I guess I've tried to lock it out of my life and it just keeps coming back somehow.

Ladies I really appreciate your help. I'm going to talk to someone next week.

Chastity

RamblinRose · 08-07-2004, 02:58 AM

I have to agree, Paxil has certainly changed my life too, I think EVERYONE should be on it...LOL. No but seriously, it has helped me a lot, everyone reacts differently to it though, there are people in my family that have been on it too and they had bad reactions to it but for me it worked wonderfully, even if you don't go on Paxil there are a lot of other meds that can help w/anxiety. I have anxiety, SAD (social anxiety disorder) and depression and Paxil has definitely change my life and helped w/all of them. It's wonderful! Also, it was my family dr that put me on it, I did not have to go to a psychologist or psychiatrist, I just talked w/him about what was happening and how I was feeling and how I have always felt, he talked in depth w/me for a while, and decided to try the paxil. I see no reason why your gyn couldn't prescribe it though, they are able to, but I guess it depends on your doc and your insurance company, I'm sure she will be able to w/no problems though. Good luck, hope you are feeling better soon.

cmugirl722 · 08-12-2004, 12:22 AM

Here's another vote for the wonder-drug Paxil! I know some people hate it and other's it hasn't helped, but I think that drug has made my life SOO much better. I used to worry all the time about 'crazy' stuff happening - like being home in the middle of the night and fearing for hours that someone was going to sneak up on me with a gun and shoot me. That was one of the worst fears I had. I would definately suggest seeing your OB/GYN and asking them for either a recommendation to another doc (psychiatrist, etc.) or he/she may have an idea of a therapy for you to try, be it a med which they can prescribe, more therapy, etc. Good luck! I hope you feel better soon!

Candace