For the first time in a while, my anxiety is more than I can manage on my own without medication. On top of that, I've had chronic insomnia for over 15 years, not sleeping is a probably my biggest anxiety trigger, and I'm tired of begging my primary care doctor for ambien prescriptions. Twice before I've waited until everything fell apart and I was in a major crisis and dropping out of my life to seek help; I don't want to do that again.
I've had quite successful therapy (talk and CBT) before and been prescribed various meds by primary care doctors in the past, but I want to start managing my brain chemistry in a more proactive way. I've never seen a psychiatrist and don't know where to start. Yelp reviews? Standing on the sidewalk with a sign?
I'm in San Francisco, I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO insurance, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and real desire not to have another nervous breakdown. What's my next step?
posted by anonymous
on Mar 19, 2013 -
13 answers
Lately I've been having this horrible anxiety/insomnia the night before important presentations or other work events. How can I fix this?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 25, 2013 -
21 answers
My doctor's office is closed today but I am in desperate need of a good night's sleep tonight. Weird adrenal "fight or flight" response kicks in every time I'm about to hit REM.
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posted by andariel
on Feb 3, 2013 -
14 answers
Insomnia-filter: Help this stressed-out couch-sleeper re-learn how to sleep in the bedroom (with television).
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posted by headnsouth
on Sep 26, 2011 -
18 answers
Doctor-Filter: I have an appointment scheduled to see a doctor this afternoon about some... sensitive issues. I'm wondering how free I should be with the information I give them, and whether or not certain factors might discourage them from giving me the treatment I feel like I need.
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 12, 2009 -
20 answers
Every night when I get in bed I have an existential crisis that makes falling asleep difficult. What can I do?
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posted by anonymous
on May 13, 2008 -
46 answers
Just as I'm falling asleep, I'm startled awake. Either it's a rush of that nervous "butterflies" in my stomach or it's a twitch in a muscle. Then I'm wide awake again. Every time I try to fall asleep it happens, waking me up. It's been getting worse over the past week or two, and last night I got no sleep at all. What is this and what can I do about it?
posted by Abraxas5
on Jan 21, 2007 -
13 answers
