I dont believe in Psychology anymore

[jakegorzen]

First of all, I deal with Anxiety just about every day, either mental, or physical.
And I dont want this to sound like a rant, or Conspiricy theroy, etc, but I do want everyone to hear me out.

Im sick of hearing about all of us getting the same remarks from Doctors "its anxiety..its depression..etc"
Sounds to me like they partied to much in Med school and use the whole "mental health" thing to make themselfs look smarter..or like they have the answer.

Or I hate how Phyzer, and the rest of the drug company's market diseases to both the client "us" and to the pusher "the Docs"
I truely feel inside that these people know what it is......but they dont want us to know because they want a customer for life.
For instance.
The Parasite Toxoplasmosis "mainly from cats" its being proven to cause Schizophrenia in other countries, and yes there is a cure to Kill this parasite, but why would the Drug Cos want this known?..Then they wouldnt have the lifetime customers anymore after the treatment and recovery time.
The Drug Haldol has been proven to kill the Parasite "not the egg"..what a coincidence that the very same drug that "works" for Skitzo. also kills the same Parasite......makes me wonder.

How many of you found yourselfs in this situation
You go to your Doc....for the million and 1 times.....you explain that you want a certain test...they look at you like......"what the h3ll are you talking about?"
Ive found atleast 50% of the time I know more then the Damn doctor.......??????
But then they tell you your paranoid....or its the anxiety pretend like there doing the test..when there just doing a basic blood test, and mock you because your smarter then them.
I had a Doctor once not even know that Chantax and Wellbutrin was the same damn drug "Bupropion" which inhibits the D2 "Dopamine" receptors.
They acted like they didnt even know what Dopamine was....

I DONT BELIEVE IN MODERN MENTAL HEALTH NO LONGER!!!
Theres a reason why all of our "symptoms" are the same
What about when you have the physical symptoms without the mental???????
THOSE ARE SYMPTOMS!
or whats even scarier is this
"The exact way that the medicine works is UNKNOWN, but its thought to....."

WHAT IS THAT? They can market and prescribe something that THEY THEMSELFS dont even know how it works?
They work on a THEROY, and THEROYS change ALLOT.
THEROYS are not FACT.
And, while this is my theroy, atleast mine steps towards the end of the problem and not just a BAND AID!
They have NO TEST for any of the so called chemical inbalance, so how do they know?
Why is it that we now have more school shootings, and violent crimes compared to 30 years ago?
O thats right, the kids in the school are either on one of these meds....or just coming off them.
Im no longer calling them MEDS either, there now called DRUGS in my book.
But then they say things like Marijuana is dangerous, etc "I dont use myself" but is it more safe then there DRUGS?
HELL YES
I could go on and on, but Ill stop before This looks like to much of a rant.
But I leave this for you to ponder.
They can send a man to the moon, a Camera that catches up with the speed of light, Computers built into a cell phones, BUT THEY CANT FIND A SIMPLE CURE FOR MENTAL HEALTH?
I expect more from my health care then this, I geuss when moneys not involved, maybe then we will se a cure, until then, I'll cure myself

[Paxiled]

This is a great thread, lets us get some of our frustration out.  Thanks, Jake.  Only thing I want to add is to the post that said look at drug websites, all adverse reactions have to be reported.  Not true.  Post-approval, the system is entirely voluntary.  Most psychiatrists do not in fact report adverse drug reactions.  Most pharmaceutical companies do not release their negative data to the public.  That's why there are so many lawsuits won against them, look at Paxil, Vioxx, well, you could go on almost forever.  

On the other hand, to believe there are "cures" out there not being released is impossible to know even if it's true.  There are certainly many purported cures, but there's usually insufficient reliable information upon which to base a decision, and anything unpatentable will not get any research money.  And Jake, again, the FDA does not do any independent studies.  They only read pharmaceutical studies to see if they were done correctly, and later monitor reports, again of research done by others, after approval.  Perhaps you're thinking of NIH and NIMH.  As far as the funding coming from pharmaceutical companies, this is true, but it's a tax or users fee, not necessarily nefarious.  It might be, it's being investigated whether there's a better way.  I don't know.  It's the common method of paying for regulation in the US.  The worse problem is that FDA can't find enough qualified physicians or psychiatrists or pathologists who aren't being paid in some way by the pharmaceutical industry to put together unbiased panels.  It used to be university researchers were independent, but now as soon as they discover anything potentially useful they establish a corporation, get venture capital, and take it out of the public lab and move it into the private world hoping to go public, get bought out, or license the drug to a major company.  

I'm in the middle here, despite having my life ruined by the pharmaceutical industry and a bad psychiatrist.  I still realize that my case was extreme, and an entire system can't be judged in total by the extreme cases.  Still, we need to do this better, a lot better, but what don't we need to do better?  One post mentioned antibiotics -- they're great, but their overuse particularly to fatten up animals has caused untold damage.  No good deed by medicine goes unpunished by incompetent and greedy practitioners.  I still think this is the main defect in human life that has to be remedied, and the fight has been going on for centuries.  

Again, great thread.  

[nursegirl6572]

Our health care system has MANY MANY flaws, but do I believe that the govt is "hiding" cures to make money?  Heck no.  The ailments that DO have a cure are real, and they work.  And, the cures and treatments in themselves make the health care industry MILLIONS, no BILLIONS of dollars.

I see hope and recovery EVERY single day for just about every disease under the sun.  Does EVERYone recover?  Of course not..but a good number of them do.

What you're all feeling is frustration b/c nothing has worked for you thus far.  Giving up and blaming someone else...or the government, or the doctors may make you feel better, and you may truly believe that....you are entitled to your opinion, but what does it accomplish.  And, if it truly WERE true....what a HUGE scam it would be...what could YOU do about it?  But answer me this...WHAT is it going to do to help YOU get better?

There are countless success stories...mine being one of them.  I go thru ups and downs and have learned that I will for the rest of my life.  But, if I don't have faith in the very people who went to a decade worth of schooling to help me.....and if I do not educate myself and work my behind off to help myself....then I hardly feel I have the right to complain that I'm not getting better.

The fight is worth fighting.  You should SEE some of the things I have seen people overcome.  It would amaze you.  

Lastly...if you understand the mechanics of a virus and how it affects the cells, you would understand that INDEED there is NOT a cure for the common cold, influenza, HIV, hepatitis, which are ALL viruses.  You can buy into the hype if you want....but trust me...the health care industry could profit just as much, if not more...from dispersing a "cure" than they would medications.  There needs to be more research, but research costs money...it's all a big cycle.

But, you have to start trusting in someone...even if it is only yourself....so you can get better and have brighter days ahead.  It IS possible.

[cj29]

I am sorry that you are going through this right now.   Anxiety is VERY hard deal with and I went through exactly what you are going through for about a year as I tried to come to grips with this.  I was EXTREMELY frustrated with the doctors and thought they weren't worth a penny; but as time went on I figured out that if so many had the same opinions, and doctors usually love to disagree with one another, that maybe I was actually having anxiety issues.

Mental Health issues are very hard to deal with...there is a lot of gray area in between the black and white which is sometimes hard to get through, but it can and will be done.  I threw up my hands in frustration and 'gave up' multiple times and felt like I just did not want to deal with this anymore.  Science, medicine and technology has come a long way, but it has much farther to go.  There is still no cure for many diseases; heck we can't even cure the common cold.  Mental services has come a long way in the past 20 years...I know it is hard to keep faith in a system that seems to continually fail you...but with paitence (I know that is the LAST thing you want to hear right now), hard work, and the right therapist you CAN and WILL make progress....don't give up!

[ILADVOCATE]

Much of this can be addressed in a manner that will not impeed on people's recovery. Remember the pharmaceutical industry also makes antibiotics, anti-convulsants and many life sustaining prescriptions. In encouraging them to redirect their research to new treatment modalities for antipsychotics this will help people. As for new categories that are being considered as for adding to the DSM-5 not all are facetious. For example "schizo-obsessive disorder". I still have some aspects of ocd even though the psychotic thoughts are in remmission and if you read what I am under study for in my journal entries I have done some advocacy (within the system) to have those named as criteria. I cannot detail more publicly but if I had ever come off in a confrontational manner when I did testimony I couldn't have accomplished it. I don't think you can conclusively say there will not be safer and more effective treatments. Some are in study. I am a proven recovery. I can't assume other people will recover as well as I did but its strongly possible. Think about redirecting your energy into pushing for safer and more effective treatments and greater regulation by the FDA over what exists now. I try not to think in negatives and I want more people to recover as I did. When I present it that way there is no opposition to begin with. Try thinking of it that way.
   On a smaller scale if you do see a psychiatrist don't be afraid of them or think they are there to control you. They are there to work with you and help you. Approach them in that manner and you may see a change on both sides. As for that book I mentioned somewhere along the thread its on loan to my psychiatrist. I would never tell him how to treat me but I think it made rational sense to him and like all providers he believes in the medical model and standard treatment. You can be helped and you will recover. If not with what is available now then what is available in years to come. And if you are concerned be an active part of it.

[jakegorzen]

Yes, I know there is middle ground between anti physc/ and pro physc.
It is true, that there is sometimes a "need" when it is urgent.
Where Im getting at is that, there is to much corruption leading to misery.

Kristine, I DO MEAN THERE IS A CURE FOR THOSE DISEASES, look up where the FDA gets there money, if you look through there funding "not only goverment funded" but funded also by Pharm's.
How do you think they make up for all the lost goverment funds.
O, and the people at the FDA, and all the nice people who pass the laws requiring for certain goverment employes to take certain vaccines, or "new" diseases that is required by law for children to take, etc...get all the nice "insider" stock information on who has the drug, how its marketed, and who its marketed to.

Im gonna stop there, because I will go on if I dont.

As for.."conspiracy"
Id rather be a LEADER who doesnt believe the "ALL MIGHTY GOVERMENT" and the DRUG PUSHERS, and be labled a "conspiracy theroist"
Rather then believing all the hype.
Do you actually believe the MULTI BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY "Pharms" really want there to be a cure?
If there were cures, then there would be no diseases....no diseases mean no pill to band aid, no pill means NO MONEY.

Im in no means putting people down for taking prescription, in fact its the opposite
I WANT BETTER FOR PEOPLE, but that will never happen in a world of greed.

Paxiled:
Thats a great point when it comes to Seroqil

If you look back......30-50 years ago.....how many school shootings were there?
in fact...how many disorders was there in the DSM compared to now?
Another little nice trick they do..invent diseases..change the name of a drug..remarket it...WALLA a new industry...what kind of monster just "creates' a new diseases and makes BILLIONS from other suffering?
In any case
Theres always people who put all there trust in someone with all the money
and theres always someone who puts no trust in the money.

[silverberg]

ok, I heard you out! now read what you've written, tell me, is that Rational? I wish you the best of luck, but stop blameing everyone else! take responsiblility for your actions!, but then again you said at the end you will cure yourself, I wish you the best of luck!

[kristine9190]

I agree with you 100%, I think it is our responsibility to be an equal party in our recovery. I do a lot of research on the meds that I am on, as well as research on what might interact with them as well. You really need to be your own advocate when it comes to your health, nobody knows our bodies better than we do.

[ILADVOCATE]

I think the best thing we can do is educate ourselves on what treatment is available, how exactly it works, what are the good effects and what are the side effects. "Depression Central" is good for information on mood disorders. If people know of similar sites on anxiety disorders and believe they are of help then perhaps ask if they could be posted.

[kristine9190]

I think it is sad that you consider this reality, the reality of all of this, is that, Anxiety isn't something that is going to ever be fixed solely by Meds or Psych Dr's, the reality is that it takes work and a lot of it. It is certainly your prerogative to not take meds, but it is unreasonable to assume that those of us that do take them, have been misled in anyway.

[ILADVOCATE]

First of all I don't believe any treatments are not being given to people purposely. I do believe there should be more research into newer treatment modalities. I can't suggest to people they take what I am on because its not FDA approved yet but when that class of medication is approved people will recover at a more favorable rate. Yes there is grounds for reform within the pharmaceutical industry but it can't happen if we write them off completely. I've corresponded with some researchers and they are working hard to help people. Profit is the main problem but that's true of anything. As for "suffering" I would not detract from anyone's life experience but I don't refer to my disability as that. I live with my disability. The book "No Pity: People with Disabilities: Forging a New Civil Rights Movement" is where I take my opinions from. There is nothing in there that is anti-psychiatry but I would think you would agree with a fair amount of it. Approach the system as an equal partner in recovery, as a consumer and you may find you achieve more.

[toejam_muncher]

to a large degree i agree with you on many counts...however it can't be denied that many people with mental health problems DO need professional help. that doesn't always mean they need medication, though. in the world we live in, anxiety and depression have taken on a whole new meaning that didn't exist even 100 years ago. the first and most basic reaction is to take something that creates the illusion of eliminating the problem. of course people turn to pills and doctors are more than willing to prescribe them. imagine where we'd be without doctors? i prefer the odds of me living into my 80's verses the odds of me only living into my 30's. but i do see what you mean, and it is true. drugs are no more than fads...they come and go with whatever the most popular pill of the day is. remember barbiturates? remember valium? now its xanax and another hundred different benzo's they've created simply to keep a 'new' form of treatment out there...a treatment better than the rest. they're really all just the same. the point is...there's no longer the outlet for our anxiety and depression that there was 100 years ago. 100 years ago...people didn't dream of being superstars, because superstars didn't exist in the way that they do today. you couldn't get famous overnight on youtube. that gave a whole different meaning to life...a far more simple one. perspectives were different. it didn't take nearly as much to satisfy that feeling inside that you're doing something worth while in this life. and anxiety goes with depression....so it's safe to say anxiety has changed just as much. the roots of anxiety in today's world are very different than they were 100 or 1000 years ago....and because of that, there are very different ways that we have to deal with both depression and anxiety. part of that is with a GOOD doctor...not someone who is more interested in sedating those very normal emotions....but rather someone interested in exploring the roots of why you're at the place you are in your life and what you can do to create a better outlook...one that you want. because when you do that...when you find where you want to be going in life and actually work to get there...that in itself reduces stress and anxiety.

i could go on all day. i really wasn't trying to prove any point other than there are plenty of different ways people deal with their issues...but the question is whats really right and whats really wrong? i guess it boils down to whats effective, and in that sense, if drugs work better than analyzing one's self, then is it fair to put that treatment down?

[No Excuses]

This is not a joke, this is reality!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ILADVOCATE]

Paxiled, you make a good point but we can all advocate for safer and more effective treatment and for long term side effects that are not identified to be researched. As for anxiety disorder I was on Klonopin which I now continue to take for dystonic spasms. Its been 10 years and I haven't become addicted to it and I tolerate it well. Everyone reacts differently. If people want to know the truth about any medication go to the medication website. Every adverse side effect must be reported. But don't scare yourself either. Some are statistical. As for health care reform I see nothing anti-psychiatry about that. Where I provided testimony the psychiatrists did want a national health care plan and every provider agency I wrote agreed research should be focused on new treatment priorities. Let's remember medication is there to help us and let's approach it that way. An informed consumer gets the best response.

[Paxiled]

Jake, almost everything is a theory.  As a veteran of the alternative care industry (though not now, you know how I am now), those are all just theories, too.  But you've raised a very good thread here.  This site seems to be divided between true believers in meds and haters of meds.  The truth is somewhere in between.  In my case, I tried therapy for seven years after I started getting panic attacks before I let them put me on medication, but it didn't work.  I tried hypnosis, talk, CBT, but none of it took.  At the time I recall being told that all therapies were about 90% successful.  But I recently had to research the NIMH website to see if anyone knows what the hell happened to me when my quack psychiatrist took me off Paxil and then didn't recognize my intense withdrawal because the emotional part of it was delayed.  What I learned dismayed me -- I found the only double blind studies I've ever seen on CBT and it worked 30% of the time, and it's the supposed gold standard of therapy for anxiety disorders.  I also learned that medication works about 30% of the time for depression, although it can be bumped up to 50% by combining several medications, but of course they didn't talk about the accumulation of side effects or quality of life.  What I've also learned is that most of the good shrinks don't take health insurance because they're not paid enough and can't spend enough time with a patient to actually help them.  Most psychiatrists are just middlemen between pharmaceutical companies and patients, and don't bother learning anything more than what these companies tell them.  By the time I paid for a shrink out my own pocket with money I don't really have, it was too late for her to know what to do with me.  I also couldn't get a psychopharmacologist to see me -- they're not covered by most insurance plans -- because I didn't have sufficient income for their needs.  And as for the FDA, very few people understand what the FDA actually does.  Most Americans believe the FDA researches drugs, but they don't, they just read over the research given to them by the pharmaceutical companies.  If the proper hoops have been jumped through, the drug is approved, even if it only works 3% better than placebo.  And it usually takes ten years before the bad side effects of drugs come out to the public, since drug companies only perform short term trials and withhold from FDA negative information or get the FDA to promise not to reveal it, as recently came out with Seroquel.  It's usually lawsuits that finally force FDA warnings and drug companies reporting accurate information. The problem here is obviously the problem with human beings -- we tend to be seduced by profit and the desire to keep our jobs and security and so bad things that don't have to happen keep happening despite centuries of experience.  Look what a conspiracy of liars just did to our economy, and they'll suffer no consequences for it.

But does this mean that all therapy and medication is bad?  Well, no.  What it means is that there's a ton humans don't know yet.  We have a ton of information, but there's a big difference between information and knowledge.  There's a ton of difference between belief and knowledge.  Right now we're in the barbaric stage of allopathic medication, but hopefully some day we'll get it right.  For now, being uninformed is almost guaranteed, and yet an uninformed patient is one waiting to be creamed.  I didn't know ssris caused withdrawal, and so when I went crazy after quitting Paxil, I didn't know what was happening because my shrink was a quack and I had no way of knowing that, either.  I finally found my answers on the net, but too late to help me.  There was an established protocol for my situation, but once it wasn't followed, nobody knows what to do with the exceptional case like me because there's no money in exceptional cases.  And still, the only positive results I ever got was from medication.  It's a curse for some of us.  But you can't deny that many people are also helped greatly by psychology and psychiatry, you can read their tales on this site.  Yet you're also right that a lot of these diseases are inventions of pharmaceutical companies, like bipolar 2 and restless leg syndrome, that are largely the result of other medications.  It's largely corrupt and also the only thing we have.  

I have no answers to our conundrum.  Until people quit working for money and work instead because they enjoy what they're doing, we're going to be in this situation, and until professions police their dirty laundry we're going to be in this situation.  

[kristine9190]

I hate that Conspiracy Theory mentality.........are you kidding, that you think there is a cure for Aid and Hep C, but the FDA won't approve it because of the money the drug companies would lose??? The reality is that meds DO help some people, often times people don't give these meds enough time to work before they make judgments on their Dr's.

There are many people within this Anxiety community that thank their lucky star everyday that they are being treated with meds, otherwise, life would become hopeless. I for one, appreciate all of the efforts that my Dr. makes to be sure that I am treated with the proper doses, and I am monitored closely with follow up visits. It is insane to think that anyone in the medical industry is purposely leading you astray so that the Pharmaceutical companies make money.

What a joke!

[kristine9190]

I hate that Conspiracy Theory mentality.........are you kidding, that you think there is a cure for Aid and Hep C, but the FDA won't approve it because of the money the drug companies would lose??? The reality is that meds DO help some people, often times people don't give these meds enough time to work before they make judgments on their Dr's.

There are many people within this Anxiety community that thank their lucky star everyday that they are being treated with meds, otherwise, life would become hopeless. I for one, appreciate all of the efforts that my Dr. makes to be sure that I am treated with the proper doses, and I am monitored closely with follow up visits. It is insane to think that anyone in the medical industry is purposely leading you astray so that the Pharmaceutical companies make money.

[ILADVOCATE]

Look I well understand your concerns. I used to feel that way myself. I'd say as a person with advanced tardive dyskinesia (as well as three variants of it under clinical study in me, so people prefer I confine them to my journal entries) I would of course be upset. But I have also made a full recovery from schizoaffective disorder with an experimental antipsychotic in study (for more information google "Dr. Javitt, glycine", my case study will be published in a psychiatric journal) that promotes a fuller recovery and has been proven not to cause tardive dyskinesia or diabetes or many side effects of current antipsychotics. This class of antipsychotics, glutamate antagonists is also being studied for anxiety (for more information on all new medications in development google "psychmeds123"). I approach psychiatrists (and all providers) as an equal partner in recovery. I have far more success with obtaining medications that they might not have considered otherwise and being treated with respect. I can't post links to clinical studies or who I have been in touch with but pm me if you want more information or feel free to read through my journal entries which my provider approves and the study information will clinically verified.
  As for some standard advice, anxiety and depression are part of life's issues also and everyday stressors can make clinical depression and anxiety worse. That's what a talk therapist (or for some people a cognitive behavioral therapist as well) is for. Medication is treatment but its not there to solve life's problems. Speak to your psychiatrist if you feel your medication isn't working out but if they are real issues explain why they are and talk them over.

[jakegorzen]

Exactly No excuses
Nurse, THERE IS A CURE FOR THE COMMON COLD, also, there is a cure for aids, Hep a, c etc... theres so many cures out there that the FDA  doesnt aprove because half of there money comes from Big Pharms, and if the cure was let out...then there funding would stop........think about it.
Dont get me wrong, Im not in terrible condition..anymore, I just keep reading sad stories, of how these people keep getting screwed and made into a addict.
No, I have no faith in the Health care system, You should try reading a few books, like "cures they dont want you to know about" or "cures for everything"
Or better yet, on Physc meds..go to CCHR.ORG
LOTS OF INFORMATION THERE!
I whole heartly believe the healthcare system is HIGHLY FLAWED!

"O, you got a stomach ache? Take this pill, O, and by the way Side effects include Blurred vision, bleeding of the eyes, cancer, lymphoma, Constipation, tremors, loss of breath, loss of vision..and probably death..but not a good one...a miserable one"
And they LOVE THE SIDE EFFECTS because then it tricks people into "needing" another DRUG to take care of the side effects....THEN ANOTHER for the DRUG your taking to take care of the side effects from the previous one"

Making a LIFE LONG CUSTOMER, theres no cures with the health system, just band aids that need stitches from the side effects.

Its funny how many DEATHS these DRUGS CAUSE, but yet there still here?
Id rather see some people on HERION then some of these DANGEROUS PHARM DRUGS!
O, Im fighting my fight, with a parasite cleanse, and what would ya know......FEELING BETTER, but tell that to the FDA and they'll call it placebo.
After reading the facts, I DONT BELIEVE IN MENTAL DISORDERS, its ALL CAUSED BY A DIFFERENT FACTOR.

O, could you tell me where they've proven that Seratonin, And Norepinephrine are the cause of mental Disorders?
Cause Ive yet to find any FACTS, nothing but a bunch of theroys.
And out of all the theroys, I tend to lead to a promising theroy of CURE not BAND AID
My beliefs is that its all some sort of parasite, and the FDA Hides the FACTS to keep there FRONT MAN with FAT POCKETS.

I dont go to a drug pusher, they can keep there ****, because thats what there full of.

[No Excuses]

I agree in 100%%%%%%%%%%%%. I was a victim of the doctor from main Chicago  University hospital who after 7 years of my anxiety and depression, misdiagnosed me with Bipolar II!!!!!!!! I was o 6 meds for 3 years I don't remember those years since my side effects were so bad. I finally fired him and now I take .5mg of klonopin and 2.5 of Lex a day. I still did not recover from all of this meds. My anxiety is still nut under control but I am getting there!!!. I DO NOT BELIEVE IN PSYCH DOCS, 99% of them either dont know what are they doing or wants a client for life. I know there is a cure for our suffering but they don't want to tell us.....because pharma companies would loose bilions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nursegirl6572]

I'm sorry to hear you've lost a lot of faith in the health care system, it isn't uncommon, especially when dealing with chronic problems like anxiety and depression.

I wanted to make a few comments...and this is from my LIFETIME of experiences with anxiety, panic disorder and depression, but also my experience as a nurse in the medical field.

"BUT THEY CANT FIND A SIMPLE CURE FOR MENTAL HEALTH? "

First, this statement alone...do you realize how many ailments there are out there for which there is no CURE?  Heck, the common cold has no cure.  But a "cure" isn't the same thing as a "treatment"...and like any illness, there are a lot of "treatments" available...for the common cold...AND for mental illnesses.

The problem most times is about finding the right one for each individual person.  What works for Jane Doe won't work for John Doe.  This is why it is SO important to keep searching, and keep trying.  Doctors only know as much as YOU can tell them, especially when it comes to an emotional illness.  Then, they use a set of criteria to come up with a "diagnosis" and go from there.  It isn't something they can look at and touch...which of course poses more challenges.

MY advice is always for people with chronic depression, anxiety, etc...to seek care from a psychiatrist, not a PCP, who will be better equipped to treat you.  They are MUCH more versed on the meds.....the combination of meds....and they have a lot more first hand knowledge in treating these disorders.  This is not to say that a lot of PCP's do not do a fine job of treating mental illness...but my money is still on the "pro".  If my car needs major transmission work...I'm not going to take it to Pep Boys...I'm going to take it to a transmission joint, like Aamco.  Right?

Once you find a p-doc who you mesh with and you feel that he/she understands you...and is willing to spend time with you...then give it your all.  You may try some meds, or combo of meds that don't do anything...that isn't uncommon...but FIRST, give it a fair shake.  Don't "give up" after a week.  These meds need a good 6+ weeks to TRULY see if they are going to be effective.  Then, insist on concurrent "talk" therapy.  Meds are great...but if you don't get to the deep rooted issues that so many of us have...or in the least, have someone to officially "vent" to...and someone to help you with coping mechanisms, and learning how to deal with LIFE, then popping a pill every day truly may be pointless for a lot of people.  It is like putting a bandaid on a gaping wound.

Lastly...remember that these problems don't get better overnight.  When we are feeling anxious, or depressed, there is nothing we would want more than for that to be the case, but it isn't.  It takes TIME, and it takes WORK.  Work on OUR part.  A doctor can prescribe a pill for hypertension, and it may HELP, but until that patient drops that extra 50 lbs, stops smoking, and starts getting active....that pill's effectiveness will always be limited.

Therefore....don't give up the good fight.  If you HATE your doc or your therapist, get a new one.  Some people have to go thru several before they find the "right" one.  It is frustrating to have to deal with this day in and day out...trust me, I know...but my main point here is we cannot put everything into the lap of the medical doctor, or the therapist who we go to to "fix" us, when a lot of times, if we are honest with ourselves....how much work did WE do to help ourselves?

When you find that right medical professional...keep the lines of communication OPEN.  They don't know of a problem if you don't tell them.  And, telling them 2 months after the problem starts isn't going to be very helpful for you.

Hang in there and again...keep fighting the good fight.  It's WELL worth it.  There are TONS of people living with this every day...you're far from alone.  But, there are also a lot of people out there who have overcome.  Do you RID yourself of these issues forever?  Usually not.  But, if you are well equipped and educated on how to cope, and how to handle it...you can certainly get through daily life with a lot more ease!

Best of luck, and hang in there!

[velvetvenus]

i feel your pain, trust me. i'm going thru the same knowing more than the doctor right now. i think they sometimes just let us think we know more than them but why aren't they sharing any really helpful info?! like you said, to keep us as customers. i have uncontrolable anxiety, bipolar, and adhd along with joint and back pain and i think we just have to find the right doctors. not all are the same, some are quacks and some are very helpful. i'm in the quack stage i think and am hunting for other options but it's hard when your insurance only gives you a short list. choose the lesser of the evils but look around. there has to be someone to help us. self help books are an option plus educate us more on our disorders giving us ammunition to throw at any doc we see, at least we've done our homework! i suggest you read up on your disorder then find another doc. you can talk to them a little sometimes before you schedule an appointment to kinda interview them. but change doctors to one more educated in your line of disorders. good luck velvetvenus