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2009-02-13 20:27:25
unnamednewbie13
Moderator
+2,053|6987|PNW

Mitch wrote:

Advice? Experiences?
Is it easy? Is it relaxing?
Advice: You're paying them, so cooperate. If you try to turtle up, you're wasting everyone's time. If they try to prescribe you something for a small problem, it's probably unnecessary, and not all of them look at your medical records. Do research on all of your prescriptions before taking them, and ask questions. Also, straighten out your physical health and diet, as that can have an impact on mental well-being.
Experience: A couple of visits for suspected depression after a surgery when I was a teenager. Mostly, you just fill out a quiz (don't lie on it, because it's designed to root those out), and chat about inconsequential matters in between more pointed questions.

Easy? Relaxing? That's on a case-by-case basis.

Last edited by unnamednewbie13 (2009-02-13 20:28:14)

2009-02-13 20:29:31
OrangeHound
Busy doing highfalutin adminy stuff ...
+1,335|6865|Washington DC

Mitch wrote:

Can anyone share their experiences seeing a psychologist/psychiatrist/counselor?

Advice? Experiences?
Is it easy? Is it relaxing?
First.  You don't have a problem that requires paid counseling.  What you have is some mild fear that can be processed with an older adult you trust.

Second.  Counseling is great if you need to process deep hurts that you cannot articulate ... counselors help you articulate those issues, and they help you sort out emotions.  But, it is expensive and you might end up with a great counselor who helps you, or a loser that snores through the meetings.  Is it easy?  Relaxing?  Sure, it is as easy as talking with someone else.  But, most counselors don't invest any time in your problem beyond the 30-50 minutes you spend with them ... they sometimes forget what you said the week prior.   If you are not active with a counselor, they do you no good.

Third.  My diagnosis is that you have newsaphobia.  My prescription is to stop listening/watching/reading the news.  The role of news is to make far-away and statistically rare events seem like they are close and likely ... thus you buy more news to get informed about how to protect yourself.  You look over your shoulder at the mall thinking the next crazed gunman has you in his sites.  But, it won't happen.  Seriously, your sexual behavior is more likely to cause a tragedy in your life than going to the mall or walking outside.
2009-02-13 20:29:48
Kmar
Truth is my Bitch
+5,695|6817|132 and Bush

DesertFox- wrote:

Kmarion wrote:

I'd wipe my mouth and resume. A couple of my friends were like that also.
Is anyone else disturbed by this line?
Moar disturbed that you naturally went there.
Xbone Stormsurgezz
2009-02-13 20:48:06
Mitch
16 more years
+877|6741|South Florida

OrangeHound wrote:

Mitch wrote:

Can anyone share their experiences seeing a psychologist/psychiatrist/counselor?

Advice? Experiences?
Is it easy? Is it relaxing?
First.  You don't have a problem that requires paid counseling.  What you have is some mild fear that can be processed with an older adult you trust.

Second.  Counseling is great if you need to process deep hurts that you cannot articulate ... counselors help you articulate those issues, and they help you sort out emotions.  But, it is expensive and you might end up with a great counselor who helps you, or a loser that snores through the meetings.  Is it easy?  Relaxing?  Sure, it is as easy as talking with someone else.  But, most counselors don't invest any time in your problem beyond the 30-50 minutes you spend with them ... they sometimes forget what you said the week prior.   If you are not active with a counselor, they do you no good.

Third.  My diagnosis is that you have newsaphobia.  My prescription is to stop listening/watching/reading the news.  The role of news is to make far-away and statistically rare events seem like they are close and likely ... thus you buy more news to get informed about how to protect yourself.  You look over your shoulder at the mall thinking the next crazed gunman has you in his sites.  But, it won't happen.  Seriously, your sexual behavior is more likely to cause a tragedy in your life than going to the mall or walking outside.
I appreciate the review but the thing about the gunman is absolutly not true, i dont fear that, i fear getting dizzy and passing out for *insert whatever reason might be going through my mind at that point*. Ambulences, crowds, thousands of eyes on me.
15 more years! 15 more years!
2009-02-13 20:50:50
FatherTed
xD
+3,936|6716|so randum

Mitch wrote:

OrangeHound wrote:

Mitch wrote:

Can anyone share their experiences seeing a psychologist/psychiatrist/counselor?

Advice? Experiences?
Is it easy? Is it relaxing?
First.  You don't have a problem that requires paid counseling.  What you have is some mild fear that can be processed with an older adult you trust.

Second.  Counseling is great if you need to process deep hurts that you cannot articulate ... counselors help you articulate those issues, and they help you sort out emotions.  But, it is expensive and you might end up with a great counselor who helps you, or a loser that snores through the meetings.  Is it easy?  Relaxing?  Sure, it is as easy as talking with someone else.  But, most counselors don't invest any time in your problem beyond the 30-50 minutes you spend with them ... they sometimes forget what you said the week prior.   If you are not active with a counselor, they do you no good.

Third.  My diagnosis is that you have newsaphobia.  My prescription is to stop listening/watching/reading the news.  The role of news is to make far-away and statistically rare events seem like they are close and likely ... thus you buy more news to get informed about how to protect yourself.  You look over your shoulder at the mall thinking the next crazed gunman has you in his sites.  But, it won't happen.  Seriously, your sexual behavior is more likely to cause a tragedy in your life than going to the mall or walking outside.
I appreciate the review but the thing about the gunman is absolutly not true, i dont fear that, i fear getting dizzy and passing out for *insert whatever reason might be going through my mind at that point*. Ambulences, crowds, thousands of eyes on me.
Jesus, that's just bad confidence.

Everyone gets it, and it passes. Hell i had a (albeit very brief) period early this year where i really really didn't want to even leave my room - i'd go out at night to buy food to avoid contact with people etc etc. Then some of my mates practically dragged me out to a bar, and it made me better.

Fall on your mates, it's what they're there for.
Small hourglass island
Always raining and foggy
Use an umbrella
2009-02-13 20:53:06
OrangeHound
Busy doing highfalutin adminy stuff ...
+1,335|6865|Washington DC

Mitch wrote:

I appreciate the review but the thing about the gunman is absolutly not true, i dont fear that, i fear getting dizzy and passing out for *insert whatever reason might be going through my mind at that point*. Ambulences, crowds, thousands of eyes on me.
Have you passed out before in public?

What are some examples of things that put you on the brink of passing out?
2009-02-13 21:06:42
Mitch
16 more years
+877|6741|South Florida

OrangeHound wrote:

Mitch wrote:

I appreciate the review but the thing about the gunman is absolutly not true, i dont fear that, i fear getting dizzy and passing out for *insert whatever reason might be going through my mind at that point*. Ambulences, crowds, thousands of eyes on me.
Have you passed out before in public?

What are some examples of things that put you on the brink of passing out?
Never passed out in public.
Did once when i had a pretty bad cold or sickness of something around march of 2008, got up off the couch and walked toward the back door. My ears started popping and i felt nausious and said 'woah ive got to get some fresh air, i dont feel good...." to my dad in the same room. Can't remember if i even got the door open but i woke up on the floor a few seconds later. My rents didn't know what happened so they called an amby. Turns out nothing was wrong with me i just passed out cause i was sick.

But what scares me is how random and unpredictible it was at the time.

It's horrible..... Never did the thought of passing out cross my mind before that point. Now, ever day, that comes to mind in diff situations. Now, when i say it 'comes to mind' i dont mean anxiety or anything, just the thought. Then i erase it from my head for a few minutes.

But heres the weird part...
The fear of going places didn't start then. No no no no, i was fine after that.
Till the weirdest thing happened. One time i was chillin at my house with my girlfriend, in about.... July? maybe august 2008, and i couldn't take a deep breath for some reason. And it kinda freaked me out. This has happened off and rarely since, and is no biggie, but the first time it happened it like.... wrecked my love for social stuff???

I know it doesn't make sense, but i think it has to do with the realization that in my pathetic mind/body anything can go wrong randomly at any time causing me to not feel ok.

It's aggrivating.

Edit: Also, nothing really puts me on the brink of passing out... mini-anxiety attacks that last for like 20 seconds make me panic but thats all

Last edited by Mitch (2009-02-13 21:09:48)

15 more years! 15 more years!
2009-02-13 21:09:18
ghettoperson
Member
+1,943|6865

Mitch wrote:

Never passed out in public.
Did once when i had a pretty bad cold or sickness of something around march of 2008, got up off the couch and walked toward the back door. My ears started popping and i felt nausious and said 'woah ive got to get some fresh air, i dont feel good...." to my dad in the same room. Can't remember if i even got the door open but i woke up on the floor a few seconds later. My rents didn't know what happened so they called an amby. Turns out nothing was wrong with me i just passed out cause i was sick.

But what scares me is how random and unpredictible it was at the time.
But you said it yourself; it clearly wasn't random and unpredictable, you were sick.
2009-02-13 21:12:43
OrangeHound
Busy doing highfalutin adminy stuff ...
+1,335|6865|Washington DC

High fevers and sickness cause people to pass out ... even happened to me once.


But, the not being able to take a deep breath, or perhaps hyperventilating, does concern me.    I mean, that only typically happens when someone is nervous around a girl.







BTW, there are drugs that help to curb anxiety.  But, frankly, you should be able to curb this on your own.  Seriously, find some adult to confide with that you can trust.
2009-02-13 21:20:52
Mitch
16 more years
+877|6741|South Florida

ghettoperson wrote:

Mitch wrote:

Never passed out in public.
Did once when i had a pretty bad cold or sickness of something around march of 2008, got up off the couch and walked toward the back door. My ears started popping and i felt nausious and said 'woah ive got to get some fresh air, i dont feel good...." to my dad in the same room. Can't remember if i even got the door open but i woke up on the floor a few seconds later. My rents didn't know what happened so they called an amby. Turns out nothing was wrong with me i just passed out cause i was sick.

But what scares me is how random and unpredictible it was at the time.
But you said it yourself; it clearly wasn't random and unpredictable, you were sick.
At the time though it was random..
We know now that i was likely cause i was sick and got up too fast.

But in my mind, who knows when it will happen again for whatever reason.
15 more years! 15 more years!
2009-02-13 21:23:43
Mitch
16 more years
+877|6741|South Florida

OrangeHound wrote:

High fevers and sickness cause people to pass out ... even happened to me once.


But, the not being able to take a deep breath, or perhaps hyperventilating, does concern me.    I mean, that only typically happens when someone is nervous around a girl.







BTW, there are drugs that help to curb anxiety.  But, frankly, you should be able to curb this on your own.  Seriously, find some adult to confide with that you can trust.
I had been dating her for like 2-2.5 months already... it wasnt a nervous thing, it was random. we were like watching a movie or something.

Im just trying to explain everything the best i can to you guys first which will make it easier to tell to someone with a PH.D

I like the advice OH, just cause im correcting your assumptions doesn't mean any disrespect! if anything it makes my thoughts seem even weirder, eh?
15 more years! 15 more years!
2009-02-13 21:25:08
usmarine
Banned
+2,785|6977

how do you even draw conclusions from being sick to a mental disorder?

meh...anyway.  quack medicine fails.  harden the fuck up tbh.
2009-02-14 03:25:08
JahManRed
wank
+646|6844|IRELAND

Id say chuck some booze in ya and go letch at women much younger than you.

If you throw up when you drink, its your body telling you that you are a shandy drinking girl and you should stick to the odd baby sham.
2009-02-14 05:07:22
ghettoperson
Member
+1,943|6865

JahManRed wrote:

Id say chuck some booze in ya and go letch at women much younger than you.

If you throw up when you drink, its your body telling you that you are a shandy drinking girl and you should stick to the odd baby sham.
If he letched at women a year younger than him he'd probably get arrested.
2009-02-14 05:18:00
rdx-fx
...
+955|6807
Best head-shrinker in the world is only going to be able to give you;
1) The words and language to describe what's bothering you,
2) The motivation or inspiration to face those issues,
3) The perspective to deal with those issues
4) Some tricks, tools, and "coping mechanisms"

Personally, I'm not a big fan of psychologists and psychiatrists.  Seems most of them went to college so they could figure and fix their own fucked up selves.  Your mileage may vary.

Too often, people get lost trying to find  the "right path" to cure whatever bothers them, and forget to define a clear idea of what "cured" means.

Where you're at now is point "A".  Where you want to get to is point "B".  Once you figure out point "B" clearly, the steps in between start to become obvious.  Define the problem, define an acceptable solution - and the process to get from problem to solution starts showing itself.

Make the definitions "as simple as possible, but not simpler". 
As in "I'm anxious about going out"= problem
"I want to be able to go out without being anxious" = solved end-state
In-between bits start popping up from there.
Like "find tools to make me less anxious, like close friends, familiar places - and expand from there"
Like "separate this nonsensical physical reaction from myself.  I know it doesn't make sense.  it's not me."
like "confront it.  hiding from it isn't making it any better"

(This is the nice, long-winded over-explained version of "Harden up and just f'ing do it")

Edit:  and please, do NOT let the head-shrinkers turn you into one of those Neurotic bag-o-crazy types that wear their "problems" like a badge of honor.  Wearing your tics and neuroses like they're cool.. only works for Woody Allen.  Sorta.  not really.  Okay, it was funny the first time you saw it, not so much after that.

Last edited by rdx-fx (2009-02-14 05:22:10)

2009-02-14 08:34:09
DeathBecomesYu
Member
+171|6395
Well Mitch, I have been almost exactly where you are but my case was a bit deeper medically. While playing in a basketball game for my high school my senior year, my heart started beating/fluttering on the court, about 230 beats a minute. I thought I was going to die. It lasted a few minutes and then went away. It happened again while spring training for baseball in South Carolina and then I got really worried and started having the exact same feelings you have. Finally, it happened again but this time it didn't go away and in the emergency room my heart was stopped and restarted twice while I was wide awake and aware of my surroundings. It was a traumatic experience.

I was diagnosed, I was prescribed different drugs and eventually had surgery back in 2001. I struggled with this for several years before the surgery worrying about the same things you are now. I was worried if something bad happened in public, then what? Anyhow, you can't live your life worrying about "what if". I did see a psychotherapist too, a person I knew through my basketball coach. Did it help, in some ways it did, I was given good advice in how to deal with those thoughts and to be much more positive about life in general.

Here is what I have learned through many years of dealing with my heart condition and the "fear of public" feelings you and I both have experienced. First, DO NOT TAKE PRESCRIPTION drugs at all. I went through different ones trying to find something that relieved my heart symptoms and they did more harm than good and in fact were probably more dangerous than the condition itself in the long run. Drugs are not the answer and to this day I refuse to take drugs of any kind except for Tylenol for headaches now and then. People depend on drugs way, way too much.

Second, if you seek a psychotherapist, try to find it through friends or families that you know. Maybe even a local church can point you in the direction of someone they might know...and it doesn't necessarily mean that the therapist is religious, many church leaders have experience with young people and family problems and simply know people that are therapist that can help. Will it help you? It did for me and I didn't see the therapist that long and I was never prescribed any type of drug and the therapist never tried to diagnose me, she simply helped me with her knowledge and suggested ways to cope with some of the anxiety I had felt. There is a difference, if someone wants to diagnose then give you drugs to "answer" your problem then go somewhere else.

Lastly, in the end, I just had to take advice and put those worries aside. You just have to realize that worrying about something that may or may not ever happen again in your life is time being wasted on things you could be enjoying. You just have to understand that some things are out of your control and that is okay. I totally understand what you are feeling but there are people in this world going through so much more than you. Be thankful, try to think positive and realize that time wasted worrying is time you could give back to yourself, your friends and people who love you. Life will throw you curve balls and you never know what will come next, just don't waste the time in worrying. I lost a lot of time doing that and I can never get it back. The old phrase, life is too short really applies....don't waste it, especially worrying about things that are really out of your control.
2009-02-14 08:40:44
Spearhead
Gulf coast redneck hippy
+731|6906|Tampa Bay Florida
Mitch, I would try going outside and exercising, run through your neighborhood or whatever, than you'll get used to being around big areas etc and feel comfortable because exercise reduces stress

I know how you feel, I think.  Huge areas with lots of people right?  You're afraid of losing your mind and doing something stupid/passing out?
2009-02-14 08:58:30
Mekstizzle
WALKER
+3,611|6837|London, England
Crazy fools always go to psychiatrists/counsellors at the slightest hint of any trouble, just ride it out and be a man Mitch. Huh, where's your conservative wannabee hard man rhetoric now eh?

Last edited by Mekstizzle (2009-02-14 08:58:39)

2009-02-14 09:17:49
OrangeHound
Busy doing highfalutin adminy stuff ...
+1,335|6865|Washington DC

DeathBecomesYu wrote:

Well Mitch, I have been almost exactly where you are but my case was a bit deeper medically. While playing in a basketball game for my high school my senior year, my heart started beating/fluttering on the court, about 230 beats a minute. I thought I was going to die. It lasted a few minutes and then went away. It happened again while spring training for baseball in South Carolina and then I got really worried and started having the exact same feelings you have. Finally, it happened again but this time it didn't go away and in the emergency room my heart was stopped and restarted twice while I was wide awake and aware of my surroundings. It was a traumatic experience.
That story is certain to help Mitch get past his fears ...

2009-02-14 10:56:36
Macbeth
Banned
+2,444|5801

Don't do it.

Most psychologist will just let you talk about pretend to listen or care while they write stuff down about you. After that they will start giving you different meds. They'll keep playing around with your meds till they find the one that has the least amount of side effects. In the end you will end up taking a bunch of meds that aren't really doing anything but making you unable to function like you used to and actually just be making you a lot angrier and crazy on several different levels. You will not get off of them for awhile and in the end will just wonder why the hell did I go through this. Later on you will realize how much of your life, time, and money you wasted on this bullshit. O and you'll be diagnosed with several different mood disorders.
2009-02-14 11:14:59
DesertFox-
The very model of a modern major general
+796|6900|United States of America
With the word you described ("fear") it as, I wouldn't say you really need to see one, you just have to learn how to overcome the fear. In my AP Psych class we were watching a video with a segment about systematic desensitization, where you learn to overcome your fears by being exposed to them in increasing "doses", if you will. The subject in the video had a fear of driving over a bridge, but with the help of a counselor, she was able to eventually lessen her fear so that it didn't affect her anymore. It sounds like that is more what you need, but I wouldn't even know where to start looking to find one.
2009-02-14 11:52:10
andy12
Banned
+52|6873
I read your thread before you deleted it out of shame regarding your so called "problems". I wouldn't waste yours or your parents money on a psychologist just so you can tell people you are seeing one to make yourself look like you have any real sort of problems and maybe look a bit deeper to chicks. What you think you have in relation to real problems is nothing, harden up and live life. There, re read those 5 words until you get them and I just saved you 500 dollars otherwise wasted, thank me later.
2009-02-14 11:55:08
ATG
Banned
+5,233|6745|Global Command

DesertFox- wrote:

With the word you described ("fear") it as, I wouldn't say you really need to see one, you just have to learn how to overcome the fear. In my AP Psych class we were watching a video with a segment about systematic desensitization, where you learn to overcome your fears by being exposed to them in increasing "doses", if you will. The subject in the video had a fear of driving over a bridge, but with the help of a counselor, she was able to eventually lessen her fear so that it didn't affect her anymore. It sounds like that is more what you need, but I wouldn't even know where to start looking to find one.
very true.

When I was young I considered myself afraid of heights. In 1996 I did this.


You can do anything.
2009-02-14 12:42:00
Lotta_Drool
Spit
+350|6399|Ireland
My councelor always tells me that their is nothing a little strange pussy can't fix, and then he pours me another scotch.
2009-02-14 15:26:11
Lai
Member
+186|6367

Mitch wrote:

Can anyone share their experiences seeing a psychologist/psychiatrist/counselor?

Over the last year i've developed a sort of... fear, of getting out. I never used to be like this. It's a fear that i'll either pass out or get sick somewhere in public and cause a scene and have to go to the hospitol. It stemmed from when i passed out after having the flu one night at my house... even though it never happened since i still get mini-panic attacks every now and then when i think about it to much, which only happens in public.


Advice? Experiences?
Is it easy? Is it relaxing?
In general terms I agree with ATG. Shrinks are often messed up themselves to some extend (got one in the family through mariage). Self reflection and acknowledging when you need help is good, but your issue appears to me to be relatively minor, or at least in a relatively early stage. A shrink might blow it out of proportions and you may go 'into the system' for no good. In any case I do not reccomend you to see one.

DBBrinson1 wrote:

Wha?  Tis' a Stage in puberty.  Harden the fuck up.  It will pass.. .
As harsh as this may sound, it does hold a possible truth. What is it that you're actually afraid of? I'd say its more the 'causing a scene', than passing out. As such it seems to be more shame related than medical related, which (no offense) may indeed be a pubertity associated overselfawareness issue. Also I wouldn't think too much of the mini-panic attacks, considering you yourself refer to them as being 'mini'. Mini-panic attacks to some extend are within the boundaries of human emotional behaviour. If you would have a real non-mini panic attack on the other hand, you would have known,.. you'd probably made a scene out of it.

You should place more trust in your own person not to faint, and accept that when you do its unavoidable and nothing to be ashamed for. You don't need a shrink; you'd be alot better of talking to your girlfriend. Seriously, I once considered visiting a shrink during a rather depressing period (I won't call it a depression, since it was never diagnosed). Eventually I didn't, but a friend pulled me through. What I advise you to do is push yourself to see what happens. Go to the mall, into town or some other place public, but on a sunny afternoon and take your girlfriend with you. Taking a little alcohol or something else slightly intoxicating might actually help as it will 'stimulate drowsiness' and bring you closer to actually passing out (apart from granting you some extra bravery ). Just make it a day out with your girlfriend, but don't avoid crowded areas. Whenever you feel uncomfortable, sit down somewhere and have a drink (tea preferably, or anything other non alcoholic). Try not to think of your phobia, except when you've taken a seat and feel uncomfortable. Ask yourself why you would faint while you have only once in the past 15 years or so when you were ill and ask yourself what would happen if you did. In this case your girlfriend would probably tell any bystanders its 'an experiment', and in any other case a bystander will probably smack you in the face and you'll wake up. If anyone would call 911 for a person passing out without properly checking on them first; well that's most definitely their problem. At the end of the day ask yourself what actually happened. Probably nothing really, you just had a nice day with your girlfriend, which is exactly as it should be. Repeat if necesary; its really just a matter of building confidence.



Edit: Whatever you do: NO MEDS! Don't accept/take them even if your shrink provides them. From what I know, people in the US are easier to prescribe meds for psychological issues, but yours definitely isn't one worth putting chemicals for in your body. In fact they'll probably increase the chance of you actually passing out.

Last edited by Lai (2009-02-14 15:29:52)

 

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