One Possible Chance That A Psychiatrist Will Help Me...

[[Li...]]

There is an old friend of mine who was in a similar situation many years ago with medications causing her to feel miserable.  She made it through horrible withdrawals but managed to make it into medical school.  Now I find out that she has become a psychiatrist.  She no longer lives close by to me but her practice is still within driving distance.  Unfortunately I have not spoken to her in many years.  However, I think that perhaps I should contact her and try to get her to be my new psychiatrist.

 

I just don't want to blow what I perceive to be a once in a lifetime opportunity.  It's been so long since I've talked to her.  I'm concerned that since she's become a psychiatrist she might have switched over to the "psych meds are wonderful, helpful and yummy" way of thinking that most psychiatrists have even though she suffered for years on medications herself and became clean.  What would you do in my situation?

[[ch...]]

Do you want to become her patient? That might be too difficult considering that you already had a personal relationship. It's been a long time since you've seen each other but there is a history there.

[[be...]]

I know I'd rather die and see my good friend who became a psych. It would be just too embarrassing for me. But if you are at your wit's end trying to find one, than she may be your best solution. You can at least see her once. Before you go, color your hair, change your name, grow a beard, wear sunglass and pretend that English is your 2nd language. 

[Guest [Ma...]]

I m coming from another perspective here. If this person has been through a withdrawal herself and is an old friend then what do you have to loose?

[[Ba...]]

I think it is a good idea. She's an old friend, been through this( maybe that's why she became a psychiatrist ), and she'll want to build her practice.

[Guest [Mi...]]

Hey, Life.

 

If you live in the states, you can look her up on this site to see if she's getting kickbacks from the pharma companies. That's an indication of a psychiatrist that loves drugs.

 

http://projects.propublica.org/docdollars/

 

Also, check on the web for reviews and get some background information about how other patients view her.

 

 

[[sn...]]

Go for it you have nothing to lose.  Get help where you can to get free of these poisons. 

[[Li...]]

I want to contact her for sure.  She was my friend and I can vividly remember the two of us going to the mall many years ago and while walking around and eating at dinner pouring our hearts out to each other about what we've been through with psychiatry.  I know she always wanted to be a doctor but that day is when she told me she wanted to be a psychiatrist because she thought that even though they messed up our meds that maybe she could help other people some day.

 

So I have no problem talking to her about my problems again but the timing is weird.  She literally just passed her psychiatry board exams like a week ago while she was pregnant.  Now she just gave birth the other day.  It's also the holidays.  Somehow I feel like contacting her is going to bring her down because who wants to deal with a nutcase like me after all that good stuff happened to her? 

 

Then again, I'd probably be her first official patient and she'd be making money and she'd actually fix me if she agreed to slow taper everything.  So I'm not sure whether to contact her tomorrow or wait until the new year starts.

 

One other thing I thought about is that this would be her first "real job" and it took 32 years to get there.  Psychiatrists don't make money until their in their 30s!  Wow, just wow.

[[...]]

Hey there Life!

 

I understand the awkwardness you may be feeling at the thought of seeing a friend from the past who has now "made it".

 

But two things to remember: she has gone through it therefore she knows what other psychiatrists have only seen from a distance or read about, and furthermore, she is now fully qualified - so ethics and professionalism on her side should be clear.

Indeed, as she used to be your friend, lines blur, but she should know how to cope with such a situation.

 

Talk to her! The shame you feel is only that, a feeling... I know it's easy to say, but this could be a life-saving opportunity. Just talk to her and see how she reacts, what she suggests... Tell her how you feel, be open... what is the worst that could happen? Her referring you to someone else if she doesn't feel confident taking a friend as a patient?

...a psychiatrist who knows what benzo-hell is... waw... what an invaluable asset for you!!!

 

As for timing, well... she's the professional... I'm sure an email or phone call won't hurt!

Plus you can send her warm seasonal wishes and congratulate her with her new-born... a Friend would be happy to get back in touch with you. True Friendship is strong!!!

 

I sincerely wish this works out for you and that your friend can also become your psychiatrist! What a wonderful Christmas wish come true... 

 

Good luck!!! 

[[SK...]]

Opposites attract?

 

[[be...]]

I want to contact her for sure.  She was my friend and I can vividly remember the two of us going to the mall many years ago and while walking around and eating at dinner pouring our hearts out to each other about what we've been through with psychiatry.  I know she always wanted to be a doctor but that day is when she told me she wanted to be a psychiatrist because she thought that even though they messed up our meds that maybe she could help other people some day.

 

So I have no problem talking to her about my problems again but the timing is weird.  She literally just passed her psychiatry board exams like a week ago while she was pregnant.  Now she just gave birth the other day.  It's also the holidays.  Somehow I feel like contacting her is going to bring her down because who wants to deal with a nutcase like me after all that good stuff happened to her?  If you're a nut case, then so am I. 

Then again, I'd probably be her first official patient and she'd be making money and she'd actually fix me if she agreed to slow taper everything.  So I'm not sure whether to contact her tomorrow or wait until the new year starts.

 

One other thing I thought about is that this would be her first "real job" and it took 32 years to get there.  Psychiatrists don't make money until their in their 30s!  Wow, just wow.

[Guest [Ma...]]

Good luck with this!! Please keep

Us posted!!!