can you write things down, so you can get them to understand and will also help you remember? make a list of questions and also your diagnosis and that should help you also and them. I am sorry that your GP doesn't understand, I believe a psych will be better at this point for you dont want to be overloaded with meds that might make you feel like a zombie...you want to function and at the same time manage your symptoms...hope this helps...

Yeah, I've mentioned here that I went to psychiatrists for years who didn't understand like the PTSD specialized VA doc I found who finally helped me. I can't imagine talking to a doc who is not even a psychiatrist to begin with. It would be to me like talking to a tax man about poetry.

If you have trouble with psychiatrists I'd do what d says above and write everything down. But if you're able to shop for what you really need, I'd suggest from my experience not just a psychiatrist or a psychologist, but a doc who is truly a PTSD specialist.

Ours is not a general disorder, it's very specifically trauma medicine, and not all therapists or psychiatrists are trained for trauma treatment. Those who are trained for trauma treatment get what we're trying to say.

i recently had a doctor who decided that because i have mental issues, that my physical health concerns don't need to be addressed. he tried to have me do breathing exercises so the crazy man me could calm down. then he addressed seversl superficial things, got distracted by a nurse who had in issue to discuss and when i wanted to ask about a health concern i had he patronizingly said, "lets wait til your next visit to discuss that". needless to say, i switched doctors after that. but doctors think they know everything because of their education. i know they know a lot, but they think that no one else coudl possibly know anything and if they do, what they know is either wrong or not important. and i think most experienced doctors have become a bit oh, what's th word? it isn't coming to me. they just have seen so many things that that its all just too routine and don't realize that to the patient it is a life and death issue. i am not really in favor of psych drugs btw. if you are ok with them then i won't say "don't" but what i've tried i hated and won't go back to that kind of treatment. i'm super frustrated right now so i won't say anymore. i hope some of what i've said resonates with you.

i have to second what Muji said. try to find a dr who specialises in PTSD. it is the most important thing you can do to help yourself.

i did a search online for both a counselor/therapist and for a psychiatrist who list PTSD as a specialty. that helped me a lot. i know it is hard until you find the one to help you, gentle hugs

thanks for the feedback everyone i am now looking for a ptsd specialis. im not sure how i will afford it at the moment but i really need treatment so i will figure it out. i amtrying to stay very hopeful today. thanks for the support it helps a lot

Oh, that's good news, K. I know how hard it is to find one, then find a way to afford the one you do find. It's worth it, though. Much support to you as you tackle all of this.

Ask your gp for a referral as anxiety, or stress may be a trigger, or triggered by physical conditions. Most GP's will acknowledge that and then with a referral, your insurance might cover it as co-treatment approach. A GP can be compassionate but they are really diagnostic rather than therapeutic. When therapy is added and both professionals work together, then you may have better outcomes in both areas.

i like it so much when jewells gives information as she knows many great details and how to go about things : )

a counselor/therapist who knows about PTSD shouldn't necessarily cost more, mine did not, but they know about it and it helps so much. the one i found accepted both medicaid and medicare - that was a huge suprise.

the psychiatrist part might cost more? but you won't need to see them as often - maybe once every three months and they work with the counselor. mine charged on a sliding scale to help me be able to afford his help. he was really cool to help me like that, but he understood that i needed help that i couldn't afford. the good drs do understand.

oh! i think i understand what jewells meant - maybe the therapy person can work with your GP =- how great would that be??

My GP, psychiatrist and therapist all keep in regular contact with each other about me and it has helped all of us tremendously. Nothing seems to fall between the cracks. Sometimes it seems like they gang up on me but it has been just and for my own good. They are all a part of my support system. I. Feel well cared for.