Anxiety issues

LegacyUser

I suffer really badly from anxiety. I thought I was depressed for a long time, but having gone to a fair few sessions with my college counsellor we figured out that it was not the case. Should have realised, really. When I finished up with her in July, I felt a bit better about myself. Partially because I was actively trying to be more positive, but I think mostly because my stresses (exams etc) were over.

I have two repeat exams in a week, and I've been so stressed out over them that I haven't actually been able to study. It makes no sense, I can't explain it, but every time I try I get more stressed out until I have a panic attack. I am unable to go back to the college counsellor as you're only entitled to 6 free sessions (I had 10 because she was lovely), so I dunno what really to do now. To be honest I would rather a different counsellor now anyway.

I have an appointment with the doctor today to talk about it but I'm not really sure what to say. The last time I spoke to her about anything like this, I told her I think I have depression and she dismissed it as routine stress. I don't want to be dismissed again. If she refers me, will I have to pay for sessions? I can't afford it. And lastly, is there any type of medication for anxiety? I'm so sick of feeling like this, I get bouts of suicidal feelings every 2-3 weeks.

December2012

Contact her and see if you can pay her for one session.

blatantrereg

Yes there is medication for anxiety. There are also mental disorders where people experience crippling levels of anxiety without reasonable cause. If you think you might need to former or suffer from the latter you should talk to a GP who might refer you to a psychiatrist. If you are unable to afford medical expenses you might look at whether you can get a medical card. Panic attacks would suggest to me that it is worth pursuing medical advice on the matter. If your doctor dismissed you before and you disagree with that assessment you can seek a second opinion and visit a different doctor.

People can't give medical advice here, but can offer advice about dealing with anxiety in general. One thing a lot of people experience with things like this is an inability or unwillingness to turn off. It is important to be able to put things like exams out of your mind for periods of time and engage in recreational activity. Physical exercise and spending time outside especially in sunshine often help people too.

Often with things like exams people feel anxious about starting a task (studying) and are ok once they manage to get down to it properly too.

LegacyUser

blatantrereg wrote: »

Yes there is medication for anxiety. There are also mental disorders where people experience crippling levels of anxiety without reasonable cause. If you think you might need to former or suffer from the latter you should talk to a GP who might refer you to a psychiatrist. If you are unable to afford medical expenses you might look at whether you can get a medical card. Panic attacks would suggest to me that it is worth pursuing medical advice on the matter. If your doctor dismissed you before and you disagree with that assessment you can seek a second opinion and visit a different doctor.

People can't give medical advice here, but can offer advice about dealing with anxiety in general. One thing a lot of people experience with things like this is an inability or unwillingness to turn off. It is important to be able to put things like exams out of your mind for periods of time and engage in recreational activity. Physical exercise and spending time outside especially in sunshine often help people too.

Often with things like exams people feel anxious about starting a task (studying) and are ok once they manage to get down to it properly too.

Sorry I should have said, I have a medical card. Would that cover a psychiatrist? What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a counsellor?

The last time I talked to the doctor about it was over 3 years ago, when I was studying for my leaving. As she is my medical card doctor, I have to go to her. I tried to get it changed the last time my card was up for review, mostly because I was living in Dublin and that doc was in my hometown which I barely visit any more. But you know what the HSE are like.

I had the appointment for yesterday but I was double-booked and she had a meeting, so I'm not gonna be able to see her until the 6th now because I can't get back into town until then. My exams are on the 3rd and 4th.

Thank you for your advice blatantrereg, I am going to try to manage my lifestyle a bit better this year. My problem is I do nothing but play video games etc until maybe 3 weeks before a deadline, then I start panicking and feel like I can't waste time doing anything else but trying to study/do an assignment. It's 6 days before these exams now and I can't help but think what the **** is wrong with me that I keep making this same mistake.

Honey-ec

usernamegoeshere wrote: »

What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a counsellor?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the treatment of mental disorders. Like counsellor who's also a qualified doctor, to over-simplify it.

JuliusCaesar

usernamegoeshere wrote: »

Sorry I should have said, I have a medical card. Would that cover a psychiatrist? What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a counsellor?

Yes, the HSE provides Mental Health Services free of charge. You can see a Psychiatrist who may refer you to the other mental health professionals in the team (psychiatric nurse, psychiatric social worker, OT, etc etc - many of whom will have counselling qualifications) and might prescribe medication for you too.

Ask the psychiatrist about the kind of treatment you'd like to recieve. There are community services where you can be seen individually or in a group - day hospitals, day centres etc, as well as the usual in-patient wards or have a community nurse call to your home if necessary.