[Anonymous August 13, 1998 at 5:59 pm Post count: 93172]

#1148169

Hi Kristy,
I was diagnosed about three and a half months ago and prior to diagnosis and subsequently have been experiencing psychiatric problems such as high anxiety, panic, and depression. I have been seeing someone. I don’t know what his official title is but he is a nurse specialist that works under a psychiatrist. We have been doing cognitive therapy to try to decrease my anxiety and panic as well as talk about general things in my life, what I don’t like about it and how Graves has affected it. It has been wonderfully helpful. I would highly recommend it. If nothing else, he reminds me that what I am going through is a result of a hormonal imbalance and that I am not going crazy which is nice to hear. I have also received some anti-anxiety medication (Xanax; considering switching to Zoloft) which has helped also.
Good Luck,
George

[Anonymous August 13, 1998 at 6:04 pm Post count: 93172]

#1148170

Hi Kristy:

I see a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Initially, I fought it
hard. I was afraid that I would become what I considered to be
a cliche. Or so I thought. I had many friends and
family who went to their “shrinks” on a regular
basis and did not seem to get ANY better. It seemed to me that
these people went because they had time to kill and money to waste.
I can not speak for them, I can only speak for myself.

I am very happy that I went to the therapist who in turn recommended a
psychiatrist. Working with these doctors has helped me in ways I
never thought possible.

Unfortunatley, for many people, Graves disease and depression go
hand in hand. In my opinion, partly because of the fluctuations of
hormone, e.g. hypo to hyper to hypo. Parlty dealing with the un-
fairness of having a rare disease which can only be managed, not
cured.

My psychiatrist prescribed medication, antidepressants, to help
with the depression and for my insomnia. I do not think that I
would be alive today without them. My therapist has helped me
work with my disorder.

I say, go for it. If your husband won’t go, go without him. My
only advice concerning choice is that not all therapists can work
with all patients. So, if your first experience does not work.
Change therapists. If it still doesn’t work, at least you tried.

This is a tough decision. Email me if you have any more questions.

regards….Carolyn

[Anonymous August 13, 1998 at 7:24 pm Post count: 93172]

#1049954

Are any of you seeing a psychologist or have seen one in order to help you
cope with Graves disease and its negative effects on you, your work, your
marriage and family, etc.? If so, please share whether it helped or not.
I am considering seeing one and TRYING to get my husband to go with me for
marriage couseling as well. Most of our marriage problems have been due
to my Graves disease.

I am sorry I have not posted very much. I am a bit overwhelmed at work
right now, just got back from a much needed vacation, and will try to keep
up with the board more.

Thanks in advance.

Kristy

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