Is it safe to admit to a new psychiatrist that I have tried some anti-anxiety drugs given to me by friends who were trying to help me out? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Feb 4, 2013 - 19 answers

Looking for a relatable, compassionate, pill-free mental/emotional/marital health specialist in Seattle, for a spouse who hates doctors. Any recommendations (or advice in general)? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 25, 2012 - 9 answers

I need to bludgeon my anxiety to death in the most peaceful way possible. Many people recommend meditation. For me, attempting to meditate has been a miserable experience... a sad exercise in white-knuckled denial. Just thinking about it fills me with dread. I know this isn't the way it's supposed to go. I need something more than "sit quietly and allow your thoughts to pass by like clouds". I need the step-by-step, couch-to-5k edition of mental calmness and focus. Help me out, mefi. Give it to me straight, detailed, specific, and with absolute minimum of woo... the mental focus fitness program for someone who can't even lift a metaphorical 1lb weight. Book/media recommendations welcome too. (I'm in therapy already, btw. It's been helpful, but we're not specifically focused on my anxiety at the moment.)
posted by specialfriend on Jan 7, 2012 - 28 answers

How can I battle depression and insomnia (I think they're related, actually) without meds or doctors? [more inside]
posted by bryanthecook on Jan 6, 2012 - 36 answers

If I have an address in one city in the UK (in Wales), can I check myself into the psych ward of a hospital in another city (in England), or will I be transferred back to the first city? This is a situation I need to be sure on before I put myself in the way of possibly being sectioned.
posted by anonymous on Sep 20, 2011 - 7 answers

I need to get help with my mental illness, but I don't know who to see or where to start. [more inside]
posted by your mom's a sock puppet on Aug 4, 2010 - 11 answers

I think I might have Asperger's. In my case, should I even bother being tested? What would a confirmation/disconfirmaton mean? [more inside]
posted by edguardo on Nov 22, 2009 - 20 answers

Australian (and U.S.) Mental Health/Legal Filter. Can you just go and talk your GP into having someone put through a psychiatric evaluation? [more inside]
posted by metalheart on Feb 1, 2009 - 14 answers

What are the potential (career, financial) ramfications of receiving a diagnosis for a psychiatric disorder? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 1, 2005 - 15 answers