Speaking from experience x2,I can tell you what I went through to finally get help.I was sent to see a psychiatrist for help with this problem you have as well as other issues I had.The "Therapy" was a huge waste of time because the psychiatrist wasn't a private one.Every time I went to see him he had a mountain of other cases on his desk from others who are suffering as well as I was,therefor making it difficult to spend any quality of time with me.The most time I ever spent with him in any session was maybe about 40 minutes.
Much to my chagrin,he just didn't have the time to really delve into my case because of it.I tried getting an appointment with a private one,but all(and I mean "ALL")were not accepting any new patients due to their rosters being cramped as it was.Not to mention how expensive private psychiatrists are.
It's a little embarrassing,but I believe in honesty when I'm trying to help others.After getting no help from any mental health pro,I got frustrated and started turning violent and depressed,which almost landed me in jail.A certain action I chose landed me in the hospital ER with my family doctor present.We made an appointment to see each other in his office a few days from that night.
After some tests and further study into my illness I told him that leaving the house just to go to the store was a little scary.Every time I walked into a grocery store or department store,I suddenly felt like everyone else in the store all staring me down like I was Charles Manson or something.I would start to sweat profusely and had to get out of there pronto just to help get my heart rate back to normal.
Upon visiting him every week or so he finally came up with a wonderful combo of meds which had a tremendous positive effect,I started to recover,but that's was only the beginning.Contrary to popular belief,meds aren't a cure-all,you
MUST work with them,not rely on them to fix everything.
I'm not saying that my combination of meds and cooperative work will work for everyone,they have just proven successful for me.Below is a list of what I do to maintain a healthy and safe existence.They may seem crazy at first glance,but they really help me.My true hope is that they might help you.
1. Take a walk through a local cemetery from time to time.I know it sounds creepy,but it's good exercise and will help you appreciate your life more and the lives of your loved ones as well.
2. Take up martial arts or boxing,or even basketball.The positive effects will manifest themselves at a rapid rate,and will eventually culminate in wicked confidence and the feeling of safety when walking down the street in a rough area at 3 o'clock in the morning.
3. Take one day a week and head down to the local mall and walk around amongst the local mall rats.It's also good exercise as well as gaining,in time,the confidence to leave the house from time to time.
4. Go to the local library as often as possible.Unless you own your own laptop,book an appointment with the library for usage of the internet service they provide.Nobody there will bother you.This is also good for developing a sense of blending in,therefore becoming even more comfy with public dealings.
5. I don't mean to sound like a "Holy Roller",but pray your ass off.It works.Believe me I know.
6. Try joining a gaming forum.They can be very therapeutic.
I've been a member of this forum for a little north of 2 years now,and have noticed that you and the others are smart cats.Use it to your advantage.Once again,I'm not Dr.Phil or anything like that,nor do I claim to be.I just want to help.Everything I've spoken of here comes from my own experience,not some text book or website.
Peace.
Kaz
