Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
I'm currently looking for a psychiatrist and I think I finally found one. I have no problem going to see someone for help however, before this doctor - I've had major problems with a previous psychiatrist who I literally saw for 5 minutes that I'm scared to see anyone else.
I went to someone and I currently take 4 or 5 a xanax a day - which I was prescribed - now I know that's not good and that's one of the reasons I want help. I'd like to either lower the xanax or stop taking it all together but in a safe manner. The psychiatrist I had - first, I didn't understand some of the questions on the form so I left it blank and asked the receptionist to explain it to me which I was immediately yelled at saying "WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND IT? WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND IT?' then I met with the psychiatrist - she was very nice and asked me if I was willing to lower my dose and I said yes but I was afraid of getting any withdrawal or problems because I know it can be dangerous which she understood. She left the room, I guess to speak with her boss - not sure (this was at a clinic) and some other lady came in the room which I get is her boss or the director and immediately attacked me. She came in the room yelling at me saying "ARE YOU WILLING TO GET OFF THE XANAX RIGHT NOW?" I was so taken aback that I couldn't even say yes or no... paused for a moment and she said, "I GUESS THAT'S A NO, WELL WE CAN;T HAVE YOU A PATIENT - YOU NEED TO LEAVE. WHO LET YOU COME HERE? WE HAVE A WAIT LIST." and on and on.
Literally I was there for 5 minutes only to be attacked. I never said I wouldn't stop taking xanax - that's was a purpose for being there but I was not going to stop cold turkey. If she was going to give me something to make sure nothing happened, I would have jumped at the opportunity. I just didn't feel like it was safe. Am I crazy? Did I deserve that? I'm seeing a new psychiatrist in a few days - he's actually part of a stress-free group so hopefully he's better but now... I'm terrified because of this experience. I'm scared of being treated like that again. I was never ever scared to see someone to discuss my problems but now... this lady made me scared. Any ideas how to handle this?
I went to someone and I currently take 4 or 5 a xanax a day - which I was prescribed - now I know that's not good and that's one of the reasons I want help. I'd like to either lower the xanax or stop taking it all together but in a safe manner. The psychiatrist I had - first, I didn't understand some of the questions on the form so I left it blank and asked the receptionist to explain it to me which I was immediately yelled at saying "WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND IT? WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND IT?' then I met with the psychiatrist - she was very nice and asked me if I was willing to lower my dose and I said yes but I was afraid of getting any withdrawal or problems because I know it can be dangerous which she understood. She left the room, I guess to speak with her boss - not sure (this was at a clinic) and some other lady came in the room which I get is her boss or the director and immediately attacked me. She came in the room yelling at me saying "ARE YOU WILLING TO GET OFF THE XANAX RIGHT NOW?" I was so taken aback that I couldn't even say yes or no... paused for a moment and she said, "I GUESS THAT'S A NO, WELL WE CAN;T HAVE YOU A PATIENT - YOU NEED TO LEAVE. WHO LET YOU COME HERE? WE HAVE A WAIT LIST." and on and on.
Literally I was there for 5 minutes only to be attacked. I never said I wouldn't stop taking xanax - that's was a purpose for being there but I was not going to stop cold turkey. If she was going to give me something to make sure nothing happened, I would have jumped at the opportunity. I just didn't feel like it was safe. Am I crazy? Did I deserve that? I'm seeing a new psychiatrist in a few days - he's actually part of a stress-free group so hopefully he's better but now... I'm terrified because of this experience. I'm scared of being treated like that again. I was never ever scared to see someone to discuss my problems but now... this lady made me scared. Any ideas how to handle this?
I used to have a few nasty bosses and I'd calmly look at them and tell them to yell at me in private, then tell them the only people who could yell at me were my parents and I'd gladly talk to them when THEY calmed down.
What as nasty experience but just as with any doctor, even friends, sometimes you have to go thru a few to find a good one. don't give up
No-one has the right to yell at you. And you have the right to get up and walk out any time you please. You have the right to speak for yourself. You have the right to say no.
Not all places are bad. Don't let one bad experience be your perception of everywhere else. Think the best and expect it. Have your goal (write it down on a card when you go). Read your card and make your goals and thoughts known.
I wish you well.
This is NOT ok. If you would like to make a complaint, you can google your state's Board of Medical Health Examiners.
A 5 min appt is not ok. How could doc possibly assess you correctly? Another office member aside from doc should not be assessing/asking you medical questions, "are you willing to get off xanax right now?" Office staff needs education on appropriateness and professionalism.
Sometimes it takes a few tries to find a good provider.
Don't give up!
I have learned it may take a few times to find someone that works for you, a good fit for your personality. Don't give up! Just go in with the attitude, "I'm coming to YOU for help. If I don't like you and you can't give me the attention I need, I'll find someone else." It stinks to have to go through a few people before finding a match and even more so after an experience like your's. Hang in there...just know you are doing the right thing for you and the right fit is out there. Big hugs to you!