I think you would benefit the most from having both psychological and pharmacological therapy together.It sounds like you're in a different country than mine, and your healthcare system may be slightly different, but I hope this largely applies.I think your first step ought to be going back to your primary care doctor and telling them what you've written here.Your primary care doctor should be able to signpost you towards the appropriate psychological service, who can do their own assessment and determine what type of psychological therapy is best suited for your needs.At the same time, I think you would benefit also from pharmacological therapy, but it's not necessary for you to see a psychiatrist immediately. Your primary care doctor is trained to assess and prescribe treatment for common and uncomplicated psychiatric conditions. If it later becomes clear that your illness is more complex than it first appeared, or if you don't respond to the first or second-line treatments, you could explore getting a referral to see a psychiatrist then.You should also look into seeing your employer's occupational health service, who can, I hope, help support you in your work and make any necessary adjustments. I would strongly recommend discussing your health with them especially if your mental state starts interfering with your ability to work.I hope things start getting easier for you soon.
Im not sure if this is the appropriate place to post, Ill delete if not.33F, Current diagnoses: anemia, bulging discs, arthritis. Im on slow release iron and vitamin B12 daily and mobic and skelaxin PRN. I see a PCP regularly. Ive always been an anxious person but lately its been significantly worse. I lost my sister at the end of 2021, she was at home recovering from covid and died unexpectedly. It was a very traumatic experience, I watched the paramedics perform CPR on her. Im also a nurse, worked a covid unit the first 2 years of the pandemic. Ive got a lot of negative feelings from that as well, like most hcw. I find myself crying more often than not. I find myself unable to sleep because Im reliving the night my sister died and the days that followed. Its not just when Im asleep though. Itll hit me when Im driving or at the store, just these intrusive memories replaying and I cant make them stop.I work third shift, I come home and stand next to my husband because Im convinced hes not breathing. I have to watch his chest rise and fall several times before I believe hes ok. I panic if he doesnt respond to a text, I almost left work one night because I was freaking out convinced he was dead, he was home with covid and had just fallen asleep.I now work a unit thats not technically critical care but our patients are very sick. (Post op, pressors, a lines ) I often feel so heavy in my chest by the end of the night sometimes until I get home because Im so anxious that I have forgotten something or done something wrong.When I did my physical I did discuss my grief with my PCP but told her I felt like I was ok. I do this thing were I like to say Im ok even though I know Im not. Its getting to a point though its obviously interfering with my life. Im just not sure who to turn to. Ive never sought care for my mental health so I was going to go through my employers EAP but its so overwhelming. Theres therapists, social workers all kinds of options. But theres no psychiatrists available. I dont really know if theres a reason I should be seeking one or if I should just start with a therapist. I think I just feel overwhelmed by all of it and need help in which direction I should go.If youve read all of my ramblings I greatly appreciate it. Any and all advice is welcomed. Thank you all for your time!