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
Sleep eludes me as the anniversary of a violent crime looms. Is there anything I can do to keep the nightmares from ruining my entire week?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 9, 2012 -
27 answers
You are not my doctor, but I'm writing in the hope that someone has had a similar experience and might be able to help me see my way through this difficult situation. I've had a month of extremely strange experiences with psychoactive drugs, and I'm wondering if someone might reassure me that this situation is reversible. (Warning: long, messy situation ahead.)
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posted by anonymous
on May 31, 2011 -
12 answers
I was just prescribed Trazadone to help with sleep. I am not worried about the drug as it is widely prescribed, but would like to hear some first hand experiences. Will this knock me for a loop each night and how long will the effect last?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 25, 2011 -
26 answers
I've been having trouble sleeping for the last month. What are some ways I can start getting a decent nights sleep again?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 2, 2010 -
25 answers
Lately alcohol is doing weird things to my body that I simply do not understand. Please help.
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 15, 2010 -
35 answers
YANAD. Chronic insomnia, tried eveything; only marijuana seems to work --- Anyone know of a legal, and hopefully cheaper, cure for my problem? More details inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 8, 2010 -
9 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
Is there any supplement I can add to 5-HTP to help me sleep at night? Or do I need to try something different instead? I'd rather not... Reasons & stuff inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 3, 2008 -
23 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
Why am I waking up exactly one hour after I fall asleep... with a giant urge to urinate... almost every night?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 28, 2007 -
14 answers
