Second Call with Dr. Walker

Updates:

• I have seen improvement on Prozac. Within a week or two, I had some strings of really good days. I knew it worked for me last time.
• But as recently as last night, I have still had anxiety attacks.
  • I couldn't decide whether to stay at my friends' house or go back to my house.
  • I started to rock back and forth, and self-touch.
• My girlfriend of 10 years on Monday told me that she had feelings for someone else.
• She also has had a lot of trouble dealing with me in this anxious state. She feels like she's tapped out.
  • She said she wants an open relationship to help her get through this.
  • She doesn't know how much longer she can last before she just has to break up with me.
  • I really don't want an open relationship and this has all added a lot to my anxiety.

Symptoms:

• Still getting cases where throughout the day I have my hair stick up on my arms.
• I feel very tired in the morning, getting out of bed is still difficult.
• I still don't get much enjoyment out of the things I usually enjoy.
• Still have a lot of trouble in the idle times:
  • Mind starts to wander, intrusive thoughts/worries.
• Sometimes, especially at night, I can really feel my heart beating.

Questions:

• Do you still do therapy in a personal practice? I talked to you about it when I first met you, and know you didn't take insurance, but I'm open to that now because I really trust you.
  • If not, do you have someone you could refer me to?
• Is there any other advice I should give my girlfriend?
  • Couple's therapy?
  • Do you have someone you could refer us to?
• Is it possible that it just takes longer this time for the medication to have full effect?
• Do you think medicine changes are necessary?
  • Last time, I felt back to normal in 4-6 weeks. But I had been on 10mg for 3 weeks prior.
  • Thursday is the 6 week mark.