Psychiatrist

Codependent2 · Member

Psychiatrist

Doll · MIP Old Timer

The BB clearly tells us if we need outside help, get it.

Hope it helps you.

(((hugs)))

StPeteDean · MIP Old Timer

I saw a psychiatrist for the first 6 months of my sobriety, as I was dealing with a divorce, and had thoughts of shooting my x-wife and her brand new boy friend

. We had just separated and agreed to go to a marriage counselor and she moved herself and our 2 year old son into a house with a guy who was a brother of one of her girlfriends, and started an immediate relationship. Needless to say, I wasn't taking it very well. furious

It's very possible, that after being sober awhile, the anxiety will go away. My mother had an extensive mental history that includes 2 major nervous breakdowns that required hospitalization, a couple stays in psych wards, and maintanence meds for a decade and a half. Then she got sober (in '75) and a year and half later she got of meds, and at 2 years no longer required therapy. I think this is pretty common, however those with chemical imbalances, such as bi-polar, may continue to need to stay on meds.

In my opinion, those with depression cause it or exacerbate it by reliving the past in their head and recalling resentments. The steps teach us how to deal with that and as we accept ourselves and our past, change our character through working the steps, most of our depression (all of mine) goes away.

-- Edited by StPeteDean at 07:16, 2009-01-30

Mike B. · MIP Old Timer

I'm not a medical professional but will share my experience and learning. We (Alcoholics) per the BB do seek outside help when necessary. A small percentage of us will continue to need medical attention for some period of time. Amount of time can be at the discretion of a licensed professional. I've also learned from a great speaker (alcoholic/physician) that it's beneficial to have a physician that's one of us making decisions on medicines. I've enclosed the web link if anyone is interested.
http://xa-speakers.org
Search for Burns B, then diseaseofalcoholism CD 1 & 2.

From personal experience; I've sought the assistance of a psychiatrist and after a few questions he got out a RX pad and started writing. The medicines increased my anxiety and others put me in a fog. I've seen drastic improvement by working a solid program of AA: Seek god, sponsor, meetings, steps and fellowship.

StPeteDean · MIP Old Timer

Thanks for that solid post Mike, and welcome to the board.

Dean

Jane05 · MIP Old Timer

The Big Book answers all my questions about everything. But I must run what I'm thinking it's telling me by a couple other recoverying people, because my interuption is my thinking and you know how that can be.

I too was under a doctor's, close, care for the first year and he too prescribe things that make my panic disorder worse. He wasn't one of us, but treated lots of us. I can tell you today, I don't even think about having panic attacks until I have one and I can't remember when the last one was. I truly believe this is do to staying sober, going to meetings, getting a sponsor, and taking the Step!!

pinkchip · MIP Old Timer

I take klonopin. It is a tricky drug. I too have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and I also have a history of panic attacks. When mixed together with alcohol, the combo of Klonopin and Alcohol is very dangerous. It seemed to increase the potential for blackouts and fits of crazy screaming, going off, and saying I wanted to kill myself. Without alcohol, it can work for a period of time in which you develop coping skills to work through your anxiety while needing less and less of it. That has been my path. I am slowly weaning off of it and just learning to deal more with my anxieties and fears with the help of AA and my sponsor. I clung to the label of mentally ill for a long time and thought it was completely separate from drinking and alcoholism. Truth be told, I think it is all wrapped up in one big lump of the same disease. You can call it alcoholism, depression, GAD, but those are all just labels. When I came into AA 4 months ago, I did not see these things as connected. I thought I was one of the people who had a "grave emotional disorder" and had little potential to stay sober. I do think, one day at a time, if I am fearless (or continue to walk through the tremendous fears I have) and keep on this path, I will recover more in every way. So...just be careful on the Klonopin. I almost killed myself with the combo of that drug and alcohol together. Follow the perscription to a tee and don't take beyond no matter what. If you do happen to drink, don't take it at all for that night.