Do I really need a psychiatrist?

[Anonymous]

Please take the time to read this, I need help. For the past 8 months (one school year) I've had pretty bad anxiety and I never really classified it until now. I had my first panic attack when I was stressed about getting a good grade on a test and all of the sudden I didn't feel good. My heart started pounding really fast, I couldn't sit still and I was extremely shaky. It lasted for maybe 10 minutes and I felt like I was going crazy and having a heart attack or something. I've never had one as bad as that one since but I still have all the same feelings and recently I've been feeling dizzy and lightheaded, I'm terrified of having another. I also can't seem to physically fall asleep at night and so I often pass out on the couch randomly during the day for 2 or 3 hours. I get easily set off for an anixety attack - taking a test, studying for a test, losing a paper, misplacing my phone, simple things that I shouldn't be in tears about. I recently told my parents after keeping it a secret for months and shared that I wanted to see a psyciatrist. They basically told me it's my own fault, that I need to exercise more and get to bed early and it will fix itself. I'm willing to try those things but if I do have an anxiety disorder those things won't help. It's been months and I want to know and get help right away but to them this is just a new problem from school stress. I've also been battling depression too I think and when I told them a few months back they said the same thing. The fact that my own parents won't help me out tears me apart. So do you think that I should be seeing psyciatrist and if so how do I convince them? Or should I just deal with it like I have been?

[JustinCaseUDontKnow]

I been battling Bipolar, Panic Attacks for many years
and it's not easy just to turn something off and anxiety
will cause you not to sleep right and depression the
same thing. I think your parents need to realize your
offering them to take you to see a Psychiatrist and
they should not be closing the door in your face like
they are doing but if you need the help and willing to
try medications than make the appointment and
contact a social worker once they come to your house
to take you to the appointment your parents will have
a change of heart and attitude towards people with
mental health disorders ,

[Asker]

I think that I need to go just to have a professional tell me that something is wrong with me and that it's not in my head. I don't want to turn to medication right away but I want to know the opinion of a psychiatrist, I just don't know if that's enough to convince my parents.

[JustinCaseUDontKnow]

Yes i agree with you that might be best choice
i know from past experiences that panic attacks
can be bad and i had one of the worst cases of
anxiety so i hope you can get the help you need.

[JustinCaseUDontKnow]

Thank You for MHO:)

[Asker]

Thank you so much for the help. And you're welcome for MHO

[JustinCaseUDontKnow]

Yeah anytime and best wishes :D

[dogbert777]

I certainly don't think a psychiatrist is needed. It does always help to talk to trained people, though. Someone who can just listen and advise. Problems like this can be seen as a bottle. It takes a lot to fill it to the neck, but then very little to make it overflow. This is where I think you are. Verging on overflow. It probably won't take much to get that level down.
Is there anyone you can talk to at school? Someone in a pastoral sense or a nurse? I always find that being outside and walking does help me. I don't like enclosed spaces, which is why I spend much time outside our flat.

[Asker]

I've tried to talk to counselors and friends and it helps for the short term but it does nothing for the long term.

[dogbert777]

Problems are like an onion. Lots of layers. You have to peel each layer and put them to one side until you get to the central core. With all the layers out of the way, you can work on resolving this central issue. When that's sorted out, you can replace the layers one by one making sure that each one is trouble free, until you have the onion back together.
Somewhere inside you, there is this central issue. Try writing down all the things that worry you, each on a separate piece of paper. Slowly look at each one and decide if you can fix it now, or if it needs time to resolve. I'm sure you will find some little issues that just niggle you that can be fixed quickly. They will be little things!! But it's a start!!

[Asker]

Thank you, I will try that. Maybe just get it confirmed for peace of mind and hen talk it out with a therapist?

[DessieDoo]

I would consult in your school counselor. If your parents won't help you than the school will! I have the same problems you have listed above and it still hasn't cleared up. My panic and anxiety attacks started in 4th grade and I'm now 22. Get help when you can! I didn't and I regret it now.

[Anonymous]

don't go to a psychiatrist they only put you on a shitload of meds. go see a therapist instead

[Asker]

But will a therapist be able to diagnose? That's all I really want to know as of know before going to meds.

[muspelhem_5]

I was in psychiatric treatment for almost a decade and it did fuck all for me. It actually worsened my problems. They gave a friend of mine so much medication that he stepped in front of a train in desperation. I have known so many people who are stuck in that crappy system.

I would think long and hard before surrendering the most valuable organ you have, your brain, to people who are directly linked to drug companies that profit from labeling people as chronically ill.

At least read this first:
robertwhitaker.org/.../...0of%20an%20Epidemic.html

This is not to belittle your problems at all. I just want to save you from the trap I unwittingly walked into.

Hugs and take care :)

[Klaatu51]

psychiatrists' r a big "no" in my opinion. i've used therapists/psychiatrists as a teen, but guess wot? they didn't do a shit. only wasted money

[Asker]

I've heard that too but I've also heard it only works for some people so maybe you just were one of the unlucky ones?

[Klaatu51]

i dunno bout others... but in my case it didn't work :|

[Asker]

Well thank you for your advice and I'm sorry it didn't work for you

[Anonymous]

Even if you have an anxiety disorder those things can significantly improve it but I would still try to get a professionals opinion and help