Those Damn Anxiety Attacks

August 2, 2007 6:31 PM

I'm having crippling anxiety attacks and may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder...I have been recommended to consult a psychiatrist in the Indianapolis, Indiana area. Any MeFites have suggestions for a good anxiety specialist? I have decent insurance...not great but decent. Thanks for your time.
posted by snap_dragon to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

I don't have a recommendation for your area, but don't take the opportunity to be seen by a psychiatrist as an opportunity to start a prescription drug treatment, just get your insurance hurdle cleared and get into counseling. I think of several months of my life as "lost" to Celexa, because my psychiatrist, who I didn't see but a couple times, made it sound pretty good. It made me sleepy, weepy and blah. Counseling, especially CBT and just some good life-management, health-management stuff, helped me through where you are now.

In the meantime, the best thing you can do for yourself in a panic attack is to tell yourself "This is a physical experience my body produces by accident, and it is scary and it will pass."
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 10:05 PM on August 2, 2007

While you wait for advice specific to Indy be sure to search through the AskMeFi archives for other questions related to panic attacks and GAD. You'll find that you're in good company.

I've been through more than a few crippling panic attacks. Fortunately, medication helped me enormously (though I have had some issues with it). The upshot is that what you're experiencing is emminently treatable in a number of ways.

Good luck!
posted by aladfar at 12:49 AM on August 3, 2007

I can't answer your question, however

I strongly recommend this.

It worked very well for me, and in my case I feel it could have even been a substitute for counseling. However having both wouldn't hurt I'm sure.

And in the meantime, Ambrosia Voyeur is on the right track. The program I linked to points out that accepting anxiety is a key step toward getting rid of panic attacks (which will lead the way towards a more anxiety free life down the road.)

Instead of getting scared of your anxiety try saying to yourself "It's ok to be nervous, this is a natural reaction, it's not gonna kill me and it will pass." I haven't had a panic attack for almost a year now and although I can still be anxious at times (genetics can be a bitch) I am not as consumed by it as I was before.

Good luck! You'll be ok I promise!
posted by Defenestrator at 2:38 AM on August 3, 2007

(INAD) But let me introduce you to my friend, " Dr. Lorazepam" - he works like a charm.

Also, if you are able, be sure you're getting enough sleep and exercise. A solid '40 winks' and consistent workouts can do wonders for depression / anxiety.
posted by LakesideOrion at 5:24 AM on August 3, 2007

NAMI Indiana can help you find an appropriate doctor in Indianapolis.
posted by headspace at 6:27 AM on August 3, 2007