Hi all , Im new to this board.

I am very concerned about my pdoc, I had an panic attack on 4/25 that landed me in the hospital, first time I have ever expirienced a panic attack. The hospital refered me to a clinic. I went and talked to them about some of my issues, mainly stress and depression.

On 5/5 I had my first meeting with the pdoc that lasted 15 min. I walked out with a script for 100mg of lamicatal and 60mg x2 a day of geodon. I am scared to death of the geodon and the extremly high dose. Is this normal?? I have never been on any other drugs related to mental health!

This is my first time being treated for mental health issues can someone guide me thru this process?

I am sorry to hear this and feel for you. I hope I provide a tiny bit of help here. I am in a bad place myself right now, so I will try to put a positive spin on my words.

I would consider finding a psychologist locally to see long-term (a few months at least). I have seen a psychologist for the better part of 45 years; since age 15, and would not be without one. When you have no one else to talk with a GOOD psycholgist can be your own best friend...so to speak.

Talk out the issues you have with a therapist that is NOT a psychiatrist. And remember, don't just settle on the first one you find. As a consumer of the mental health industry, change if you are not comfortable with the first one!! That is your right. I had a serious anxiety attack...earlier this year...and it is a scary thing to experience.

I do find it daunting when I hear of the quick fix methods of psychiatrists. Here, take a few pills. I find it more helpful to see my Internist for anti-depression meds than to see a psychiatrist for ONLY 15 minutes just to get drugs.

I also don't like that anti-depressants may make me "feel" happier, but aren't they also putting frosting on the issues at the same time. So that the issues "hide" under the veil of drugs.

Can you share a bit more about what brought on the anxiety attach??

This is a good board to talk about things. Don't go away. Glad you found this place.

I agree with orchardlady. Psychiatrists are doctors and as doctors they prescribe medications and generally do not do the intensive therapy such as a counselor. I have been on practically every anti-depressant, a mood-stabilizer, and anti-anxiety meds. Right now I am only on Klonopin for my anxiety. I have been in therapy for the past 3 years and I know the therapy along with the meds has helped me overcome the depression. Clinical depression is an illness however there can also be underlying issues that caused the depression to develop. The therapist session is generally 45 to 60 minutes over the course of a period of time necessary to work out these issues. If you have any side effects or concerns about your medications, tell your psychiatrist. If you are still not satisfied, find one that you feel comfortable with as well as a therapist.

I'm new to this board also. I agree with happy days and orchidlady. Finding a good therapist, I feel, is very important. I recently started going to a female therapist and I can relate to her better than the two male therapists I've seen previously-but that was my individual experience. I asked my psychiatrist about a recommendation for a therapist, and that's how I got where I am now. Klonopin and behavioral therapy helped me dig myself out of the constant feeling of panic I felt. The depression is an on-going issue that I have to work on daily. About the meds you were perscribed...I have never been on them, but get all the info you can about them before you take them. If you feel they're not for you, get a second opinion. There is help out there and, over time, you will feel better.

I agree, seek a licensed mental health counselor to work with you. I have been on anti-depressants for years and in order for them to work, one really needs to have counseling, too.