Acute anxiety/psychiatrist?

[yellowrattle]

Would very much appreciate some advice. I’ve got acute anxiety can’t really function properly. It’s been creeping up on me for about a year. I’ve got to go back to work on Monday and I’m realising how seriously difficult that is going to be. I’m on HRT as I and the doctor thought it was perimenopause related. But the anxiety isn't improving. I’m doing cbt. I tried sertraline but didn’t do it for long enough as side effects were terrible via GP. In total desperation I’m thinking of paying for a one off consultation with a private psychiatrist. Does anyone have any experience of this? Is it worth it? Any issues I haven’t thought of. Thanks so much if you are able to help.

If I were you, I see a peri/menopause specialist before I saw a psychiatrist. It may very well be that the HRT you've been prescribed isn't what you need, and AD's are not recommended for anxiety that is due to peri/menopause. They can often make the anxiety worse.

The anxiety caused by peri-menopause can be absolutely horrific, and I know because I went through it also.

Thank you so much for replying @Aquamarine1029. I’ve got an appointment with the menopause specialist in October to review. I’m just feeling desperate and so anxious and thought maybe I should try another avenue as oestrogel + utrogestran aren’t helping the anxiety. Did you find anything that worked? Do you feel better now?

My anxiety was completely gone with a day when I started HRT, which was nearly 8 years ago. My peri started when I was 40, and the anxiety hit me like a lightening bolt, and I had never has anxiety issues before. All these years later and I still feel great. Before I went on HRT, right before I was 41, I read a book which helped me immensely. It's Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks by Barry McDonagh. No matter what the cause of your anxiety, it's nothing to be afraid of.

Yes,.l would also recommend the book Dare.

Thanks yes I’ve heard anxiety stops almost instantly for some people with hrt. I’m glad to hear you got better. I’ll try the book. Thanks for the recommendation Maybe mine isn’t caused by perimenopause? That’s why I was considering a psychiatrist. Just wish I felt normal again!

Thanks @Moonface123

@yellowrattle I have recently seen a private psychiatrist for health anxiety/ OCD in the last week she was VERY expensive but there are probably cheaper ones. I went out of sheer desperation as I feel awful at the moment but part of my health anxiety is I have spent an awful lot of money seeing specialists and asking for other opinions so that was probably another part of the reason why I went

The session was about 40 mins she asked me everything down to childhood, parents, school every relationship I’d ever been in and how it effected me. And then diagnosed me with what I knew I already had and offered me a prescription of fluoxetine which I don’t know if I want to take.

Psychs are more meds focused and tbh I think the GP could have told me what she did

Thanks @Loo234. Sorry you are feeling desperate too! That’s really useful information. The only thing is maybe they are more expert at prescribing the right drugs? I’m nervous to take ADs too. What puts you off?

@yellowrattle I have heard that they are more expert at providing the right drugs aswell.

I think cos I have really bad health anxiety/ OCD around health anything medication wise is a put off for me due to side effects. Also I don’t want to be reliant on anti ds for life and I’m scared of the it gets worse before it gets better stage.

Plus I’ve never felt the need for them till now.. I’ve always had anxiety mainly health related which has flared up from time to time and I went through an depressed stage about 9 years ago but never went on meds and had therapy.

But nearly a month ago now I’ve had a huge flare up and I’ve been signed off work and I feel like I’ve totally lost myself tbh

A friend of mine has suffered for years with anxiety and depression. Finally went to see a psychiatrist a couple of years ago and he said it was fantastic, the guy really delved into what the issues were, and put him on a different drug.

He's now a million times better, he will probably be on the meds for life but he is so much more relaxed and managing life very well. He paid £250 for the initial consult and sees him 6 monthly for I presume about the same amount.

@Loo234 I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s so miserable. Mine has come out of nowhere so I too am wary of meds. Difficult to know what’s best.

Thanks @Mumblechum0

It’s really interesting to hear about your friend’s positive experience too.

@yellowrattle sorry to hear you are struggling to it’s awful isn’t it. A month ago I was not like this ! And now I am a anxious wreck who can barely even function. I have my first CBT session today have you considered therapy ?

@Loo234 yes I am doing cbt. It is working a bit for me. We are trying to work out how to make more progress. My therapist told me it can be very good for health anxiety so fingers crossed it will help you. I am wfh today and need to get lots done but everything is like wading through treacle. Also the feeling of dread and stiff muscles so horrible! All the best for your first session!

Sorry to hear you're feeling like this. I've had anxiety since the birth of DD 4 years ago - it was acute post natal anxiety initially and I was prescribed sertraline which was compatible with breast feeding but also didnt help me. I've since started taking Venlafaxine which has definitely taken the edge off - one to ask your GP about?
I've had a course of counselling but no psychiatry. The counselling didnt help and I'm not sure the therapist got to the bottom of things - she suggested in the last session that I might want to see a psychiatrist but I'm yet to organise this.

Thanks @Powersoutthat’s also useful to hear. Glad you are feeling a bit better. Must have been so hard to feel acutely anxious with a new born. You must be such a strong person to have got through it!