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I’m so sorry to hear that you went through this! Some doctors really don’t have a good bedside manner.

I want to start out by saying that not all medications just numb you out. The goal of medication is to take the edge off things like the anxiety so you can experience positive emotions.

Are you able to get a second opinion from another doctor or psychiatrist? I know it’s not always possible with insurance and money but it may help to find a new doctor if you can. A doctor or psychiatrist who specializes in mental health may be the best if possible because primary care providers don’t always have all the knowledge necessary. If you do get a second opinion, I’d make a list of your wants and needs before the appointment. For example, lay out what your symptoms are and what medications and therapies you’ve tried in the past. What are some things you’d need from a good provider? What questions do you have for a new provider? Write those down.

Do you have a follow up appointment with your current doctor? If you can’t get a second opinion, I’d talk to this doctor and have a serious conversation about your expectations going forward. I’d again outline what you want to say before you go in so you don’t forget anything. You can start out by saying that you feel like you weren’t listened to at your last appointment because you didn’t get many new suggestions and felt as if he wasn’t willing to try to do more for you. Explain what you’re looking for in medication or other treatments, and ask what his plan of action is if your current medication doesn’t work for you. If you’re willing to go through the trial and error say that. He’s right that sometimes it takes a few tries to get the right combination of meds but it can be worth it.

While you’re on your current medication keep a log of your symptoms, shifts in moods, side effects, and any other events that happen. If you can identify a triggering event write that down too. That way when you go to a doctor, either your current one or a second opinion, you have an ongoing log of what’s going on so you can shift medications as needed.

I hope you are able to get more answers soon.