Tc4ever

Little did I know quitting was the easy part. The problem is what is going on inside my head and so much anger. I go to a psychiatrist and a counselor and I swear it's getting worse. I been told I have depression and anxiety, I agree with that. The problem is they try 1 medication and they wait 6 weeks before they want to see you again to see how it works. It seems way to long and i'm running out of patience. Does anybody have any advice if there is another option for me?
Thanks
TC

Astro

I went through the same process and agree that you need to give the medications time to work effectively, it took a few tries before I found one that worked and I agree that it can be frustrating and unnerving.

The only thing I did differently was to see a wellness provider as my prescriber, I found their approach a little more caring.

Bekindalways

Congrats on your sobriety time.

I'm a lifelong depressive and have been on an anti depressive for almost 30 years. Unfortunately medicating depression and anxiety is a shot in the dark and it does take weeks for it to work.

It sounds like all those crap emotions that you treated with alcohol are making themselves heard.

You might also try meditation and acupuncture.

Argh, wish I had better suggestions for you.

RDBplus3

What worked for me:

WORK THE 12 STEPS (actually work them thoroughly)

I drank for 40 years then struggled real hard for a long time trying to get FREE, then stay FREE.

I now describe myself (and have for a while now) as...
RDBplus3 ... Happy, Joyous and FREE ... and I KNOW U can B 2.

PS: If you are interested, you can send me a PM and I have some very good material that will help with working the Steps.

Acheleus

At 16 months sober I just began working with a new counselor and I have learned how to use exercise and diet to help ease symptoms of depression. SSRIs and other drugs always made me feel awful. Most psychiatrists tried to help me with those but I ultimately had to change my lifestyle, my perspective, and my willingness to grow. I hope some of the meds help you find some respite from the depression and anxiety. Patience is important. I try to remain patient and hopeful.

Dazee

Unfortunately it does take time for the meds to work and this waiting period can feel unbearable, I remember that feeling.
Accupuncture, particularly auricular accupuncture, worked well for me. It can take the edge off for a little bit.

keep hanging in there

AdelineRose

I have Bipolar type 2, treatment resistant depression, generalized anxiety disorder and OCD.

My psychiatrist sees me once a month, my substance abuse counselor used to see me once a week, then twice a week, and now one a month. As stated above, medications do take time to get in your system- so seeing the doctor any time sooner then in a month would be futile.

What I have found has helped me a lot is:

Keeping a journal of my moods and what was happening when I was feeling that way and the time of day it was.

Changing my diet: No carbs, no refined sugar, no dairy, and no caffeine. (no caffeine is the most important thing when dealing with anxiety.)

Exercising. I walk minimum 4 miles a day but usually more like 6-8.

Changing my diet, exercising, and being diligent with tracking my symptoms and working with a doctor I trust has been the keys to me being me mentally stable

SoberCAH

I would certainly keep up your efforts with the psychiatrist.

Trial and error seem to be the only way of determining what meds will work for you and those which do not.

I would also work the steps of AA very hard.

Those 2 approaches (AA and meds), along with developing and maintaining a close relationship with God, constitute the 3 legged stool of my mental health and happiness.

Keep us posted with your results.

We care.

PhoenixJ

I have been labelled with quite a few m/h labels. I went to my GP (a new one) and asked to be put back on a/d's because I was desperate. They do take time. You know all of that.
What helped? Distraction, minute by... Lots and lots of walking (day). Going to church- any activity that made me be around other people to get out of my own head space. Also watching documentaries (night).

Tc4ever

Thanks everyone for the support. I am on a med that is helping out finally. I talk with god more since my sobriety than ever before. I now go to church on a regular basis again and my faith is stronger than ever.