Shrinky Dink #3

Meds take several weeks to make their way into your body chemistry. It’s like trying to fit in, in middle school--super weird and scary.

Call 'em shrinks, crazy doctors, whatever. I have never, nor will I ever, regret seeing a mental health professional. In my opinion, it could benefit everyone to talk to someone about your life, someone who doesn't already have a biased opinion of you. They are neutral. They don't pick sides. They listen and simply help you navigate difficult times in your life.

After saying sayonara to the dazed and confused psychotherapist, I needed more help. My depression and anxiety were only getting worse. I needed to find someone else that could provide more than just a question-asking type of counseling. Enter mental health professional #3. (Since 2009 that is.)

That packet from my first ER visit actually came in handy. Sarah helped me research and together we found this dude who has turned out to be a very good match for me. He’s a psychiatrist. He has a degree from Harvard and he is really great at his job. His beliefs in health align with mine and he doesn't push anything on me. He doesn't just prescribe meds. He does a lot more. We work through breathing techniques, meditation (it's not all weird), and other ways to manage panic attacks. Seeing him has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Marrying Sarah is up there too. ;-)

Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can order or perform a full range of medical laboratory and psychological tests which, combined with discussions with patients, help provide a picture of a patient's physical and mental state. Their education and clinical training equip them to understand the complex relationship between emotional and other medical illnesses and the relationships with genetics and family history, to evaluate medical and psychological data, to make a diagnosis, and to work with patients to develop treatment plans. These treatment plans sometimes include trying certain medications to see if they can help in managing mental disorders.

Yes, I decided to try meds after many discussions with my psychiatrist. At this point in my life I had exhausted every other means. For me, my medication has been a saving grace, in addition to the ongoing support I receive from friends and family.

Meds of these kind take several weeks to make their way into your body chemistry. It’s like fitting in in middle school--super weird and scary. Deciding to see a mental health professional can be scary too. People are judged. That's the truth. I could tell you I hired a personal trainer and you'd probably be like, "Awesome, good for you. Can't wait to see your progress." But I'm willing to bet that not many people react the same way when you tell them you are seeing a psychiatrist. You simply have to do what's best for YOU and let go of any negative opinions people may have. It's not worth your time and energy and certainly doesn't help with anxiety. Toss it aside! Focus on you.

When you find your match, you'll know. It doesn't always happen on the first go. You have to be willing to be open with your psychiatrist. If it's not working, no hard feelings. You move onto another one. Not the most enjoyable thing, but it's VERY important to find someone you feel comfortable with. In my experience, they understand this and will likely help you to find someone else.

​I got a two-fer. We spend half the time discussing meds and how I'm feeling and reacting to them, and the other half we talk about life. I started seeing Doc Harvard 1-2 times a week at first. It's a year later and I see him ONCE EVERY THREE MONTHS. This is good. It means that I've learned to manage my depression and anxiety better AND that my medication is working. It means a lot more than that, but you get the point. OH, and I save a lot of money by going less frequently. Ha. I'm not held to once every three months. My psychiatrist gives his personal number, email, and I'm allowed to reach out to him at any time. My wife also has his contact info and is free to use it for emergencies.

She does end up calling him for an emergency...