I need to see someone and I can't. Help.

koukai · 14-12-2009, 02:16 AM

I need to see a therapist and a psychiatrist, but I don't have insurance so I can't afford private practice. I tried going to a county health place on a recommendation from my private practice lady (before I lost the insurance) but apparently, they're unwilling or unable to help unless I'm actively trying to kill myself. I have applied for state insurance (medicaid) but it could be a month or more before I see anything from that. My private practice lady wants $100 per visit without insurance, and that's low because I am an "existing patient." I can't afford that. Between my boyfriend and I we have $15. That has to buy food.

So, here is my situation. I was on Effexor as well as a few other drugs that we were "sampling" to find the right combo. I was up to 300mg of Effexor and 25mg of Vistaril when I got kicked off the insurance. I got so upset and frustrated that I stopped taking my meds. I stopped taking 300mg of Effexor cold turkey. If anyone is on Effexor, you know how much hell I went through.

It's been a month or two now, and I am rapidly falling back into my old ways. My old thinking patterns are returning - "Life sucks. I hate myself. I want to die." etc. You all know how it is.

Where in the heck am I supposed to go without insurance? I need to get back on some pills and every time I try to see someone, something happens and I have to go without. Please give me some suggestions. I am getting desperate. Today I worked 8 hours without a smile or any ambition whatsoever. The "numbness" is coming back.

lozza · 14-12-2009, 06:09 AM

I really dont have much advice, sorrry about that...
but I am thinking of you and can totally relate to coming off effexor, it is terrible... but the weird thing for me was that I got no side effects what so ever... until I came off it... and slowly at that cuz it was so bad:(

*cuddles more* am not good with words right now but am here if you wana chat

roiben · 14-12-2009, 01:57 PM

If you have been previously prescribed it by a psych and should technically still be taking it, you can speak to your GP and see if they can write a script for the medication.

koukai · 15-12-2009, 02:13 AM

The problem with that is that we were in the middle of trying to switch my medications. I didn't like the way Effexor was making me feel. I wasn't sad anymore but I wasn't much of anything anymore. I was very blank. It wouldn't have been a big deal except much of my coursework is creative writing and I can't write creatively when my mind is a blank page.

So now I'm torn between "do I go to a GP (which would cost me $60 anyway) and ask them to start me on Effexor again, even though I didn't like it, or do I suffer through until I can save enough money for a psych who will give me something else?"

koukai · 16-12-2009, 05:54 AM

I've already been off it for months. I've already gone through the hell and gotten past it. No more withdrawal now, just regular depression symptoms.

I guess I'll just have to live with it until I can save up enough money for another session.