For those with anxiety...

[yellowbrkrd]

I was able to go to my general practitioner and get a prescription right away. I was on two different meds and if I remember correctly they were free because they were part of the low/free generic stuff at my larger chain store.

[Deleted]

I get meds from my PCP and am seeing a psychologist for therapy.

[bunch]

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[Deleted]

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[kzoomaggie]

I have had some situational anxiety over the past year or so and I was able to have my PCP perscribe me meds. She has really kept up with how they have been working and we have made a few adjustments over the past year. I would certainly talk to your PCP first and see what they recommend. They can also help to refer you to someone to talk to, if that is an option that they think is reasonable. They should be able to find someone in your network that would be a good option for you. Hopefully you can find someone that you feel comfortable with!

I'm sorry you're going through this! It sucks! I hope you feel better soon!

[acr]

My husband sometimes has his anti-anxiety stuff managed by primary care dr, sometimes by psych. But I believe all the initial stuff was done by his primary care. They should totally be able to handle that.

Hope you're able to find a solution that makes life much better!

[Deleted]

Exercise is good for anxiety. But nothing really got mine under control until I found a medication regimen that worked for me. Like PPs said, most PCPs will prescribe you meds in a pinch, but it's probably better to see a psychiatrist as they will be intimately familiar with the nuances of anxiety disorders and various meds--there are a lot out there!

Therapy is definitely good too, if you can fit it in.

[carfar]

Working out helps me so much. I'd try to see a psychiatrist/psychologist, even out of net work first because I would want meds right away and they may have other coping devices to try before medications.

[Mrs.Beagle]

You can go to a PCP, they may start you off on meds and recommend you follow up with a psychiatrist. If your in-network options are limited, you might be better off going out of network.

NY Presbyterian is an excellent hospital for Psychiatry. That's my go-to recommendation for people in the NY area. They may have outpatient services.

Eating well and exercising are great for anxiety. Also deep breathing and relaxation exercises may help as well.

Try not to wait too long though, your mental health is important.

You know how to reach me if you need anything.

[raangoli]

I went to my PCP to get a prescription after my psychotherapist recommended that it might be helpful. I was on them for a while, but I found that they really effected my metabolism and I gained a significant amount of weight, which made me more anxious and depressed.

I eventually went off of them and find that exercise (running, yoga) helps the most. My therapist also recommends meditation techniques (belly breathing or imagining myself away from the situation, etc.) for when I find myself in situations that make me feel particularly anxious.

[Kore]

I went to my primary doc with a list of my symptoms, in case I got into the office & choked or tried to downplay my problems. No worries there; I ended up bursting into tears. lol. He prescribed me Lexapro during that appt. It's truly been a lifesaver for me. I feel a million times better.

[mrssavy42112]

- Do I have to go to a psychiatrist for this, or just a primary care type (though I don't have one of those right now)? I went to my PCP first, who then referred me to a local psychologist (who don't prescribe Rx). After a few weeks of therapy, she suggested medication and called my PCP for him to write the Rx.
- If I can go to a primary care type, would I be able to talk about this/get meds during a first visit? You can ask, but it's highly unlikely. Most will want you to be evaluated first so that they can ensure you're getting the right treatment.
- If I need to go to a psychiatrist, do you have any tips on finding someone good to take care of this? Ask for a referral. If you know anyone who goes to one, ask. Your PCP is also a great resource.
- If the options in my insurance are bad, should I go out of network? I'm kind of getting the impression that the good doctors here don't take insurance. That will be your decision, but I didn't find that necessary. If you really can't find one, then do it. The extra money is worth it for your health.

I actually just recently stopped therapy after well over 6 years. I took meds for about 1.5y in there, but not anymore. I know it's hard with work, but my best advice is to stop yourself when you feel that you're getting too anxious and worried. You know when you feel that it's going to overwhelm you, just think about it. You know it's happening, so you have the power to control it. You'll learn how to do so better, but for now, recognize that it's happening and take the moment to pause. That can help to bring your level down a notch so you can continue your day.

I really hope that you're able to find someone to help you out!

[GailGoldie]

primary docs will certainly Rx meds for it - but you'll need to become an established patient somewhere... that can take some time to get a first appt since most docs only have so many openings a week for new patients- so i'd call someone today to get an appt on the books.

Lots of docs are not taking insurance anymore- i'm a drug rep - and it's VERY common... b/c the system is getting so screwed up they wno't deal with it anymore and make people deal with their own out of pocket insurance, etc.

I was put on meds for anxiety last summer - from my gastroenterologist - b/c i was having IBS issues, caused by anxiety - it helped me a LOT. I just went off of them... trying to see how I can do- so far so good... less patience right now but i'm just a month off the meds and it can take a few months to get back to "norma", which for me wasn't that bad- but my stomach just didn't agree.... and so far my tummy is OK.

I hope you can get the help you need fast --- know that it can be hard to find the right meds for you --- and meds often won't work for a few weeks to months... so give it a chance --- in the mean time- exercise is the best method do deal with issues like that.... meditation... journaling, etc.

[Mashara]

I got my prescription from my PCP, but it was based on suggestions from my therapist. My PCP followed up on the results and any side effects, as well as increased my dose based on my therapist's recommendation.

[liveintheville]

I see a psychiatrist for both therapy and meds.

[bronxgirl]

I had an initial evaluation with a private psychiatrist and she prescribed Prozac, but ever since then I've gotten prescriptions fom my PCP, and now from my OB. As Mrs. B mentioned, NY Presbyterian has an excellent psych department and a large outpatient program, as does Beth Israel which is a little closer to you.

[njohnson1972]

I was able to go to my PCP. I have dealt with depression on and off throughout my adult life. Since having the baby though, I have had more postpartum anxiety - a first for me. I went to my PCP and I went back on my old regimen that I took prior to TTC. It is low dose and easy to wean should I want to conceive again, things that are important to me. I still have anxious moments, but things are definitely more manageable.

I think because of my history and previous response to meds, my PCP felt comfortable prescribing them again to me.

[beachdweller]

I am a long-time lurker and I recall you are a big firm lawyer, right? I had a ton of anxiety creep up when I was a 4th or 5th year associate. I started with a PCP and ultimately ended up with a psychiatrist. In your situation, I would just start with the psychiatrist. In my experience, they are much better with the meds (what works, side effects, etc.) because they deal with them all day long. I have a great insurance plan and I found that even with that finding a GOOD psychiatrist required me to go out-of-network. I think it is well worth the cash. Most of the psychs in my area that accept insurance are not that great. I'd also recommend at least a few therapy sessions as well. Like with the psych, I pay out of pocket for that ($175 per session!), but it is so worth it. I do my therapist visits via skype/conference call so that saves the trip. I highly recommend that if you are pressed for time. Sorry you are going through this and know that you CAN improve your situation. Good luck!

[beachdweller]

Also wanted to add that the out-of-network psychs seems to be ok with giving you their cell (other folks have told me they have similar experiences), etc. in case of "emergency" (e.g., you are having sudden crazy anxiety and need some xanax or ativan stat) -- good to have that available when you are going through a rough time.

[ijack]

I would start with a PCP to get the ball rolling and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist or try and find one on your own. Anxiety can be a tricky bitch and since you're making steps towards help I would go the easiest route that is going to get you help the quickest.
After you have that piece in place I would work toward long term management (exercise, therapy), but those parts are hard to manage if you try right off the bat.

[ijack]

And hugs, because anxiety sucks a big one