I am not very familiar with psychological disorders, and I feel like I am a normal person, but I also feel like I know a lot of people who go to psychiatrists that seem to be normal as well. I am now 25 years old, 3 years out of school and I am living my dream job and being very successful at it. The problem is it makes me very anxious and stressed, when it really should not and I know this. Also I am a very insecure and a loner. I am very unhappy with my social life and I have had a hard time getting over a year long relationship for a year now. I go in and out of a depressed state almost weekly, it makes me feel like I am bipolar or have tremendous mood swings. All the stress and anxiety causes me to be very uncomfortable with a stiff neck and back and it also makes me sleep less. Am I a candidate for psychiatry or am I normal? How do I go about seeing one if so? Does health insurance usually cover seeing a psychiatrist? Thanks, I really appreciate the help, and I feel like I could have a better life if I could just fix my anxiety and depression.

I'll share something personal with you. When I was out of college, I worked as a caseworker. I loved the job, but in hindsight, it was above my emotional ability to withstand successfully, and being sapped, my job was all I had. I saw a psychiatrist, but I woudn't admit my job was disabling me.

I think you have to examine what's happening in your life with a professional, look at all possibilities, don't be like me. . Don't let this situation go on any longer.

Best wishes in 2008,

How to I go about seeing a psychiatrist? Do I need to schedule an appointment with my general doctor to get a referral?

If you think you need a psychiatrist then maybe you should see one.
It's your body and they're your emotions if you are the only one who can say how you're feeling.
I psychiatrist will let you talk about yourself and find out if your speculations are true. Maybe your just stressed out, or anxious, but a psychiatrist can help you with that stuff too.
Getting to one depends on your insurance. Most places require going to your primary care physician and ask them for a refferal, but sometimes (like if your paying out of pocket or awesome insurance) you can just make an appointment.
Hope your not bipolar :-)

That is up to what type of health insurance you have, most times you don't need a referral for this, Normally you merely call their office and make an appointment, but you should refer to your health insurance rules to be sure.

Depends on your health plan. They charge around $ 125 for less than an hour.
You may have to go to a pre-approved Dr.

First YOU need to decide that YOU are going to be happy... we get something out of being miserable and lonely. Visualize where you want to be socially and feel the feeling that would go along with that visualization. Your thought are a preview of what's ahead. When you are sad... quickly think of something that makes you happy... eventually with disipline this thought process will be a habit.. and we are creatures of habit! To explain this principle further read "The Secret" For $5 bucks you can watch the movie online... search for it I did

As far as being normal, ask yourself if it would be normal to not try seeking relief from the symptoms you described.

It does not make you any less of a person. In fact, it can lead you to a happier life. That seems very normal to desire.

A counseling center should have a psychiatrist available to see you, and make an evaluation, and then you could work with a counselor.

I have suffered greatly from anxiety and depression at various stages of my life for various reasons.

In addition to the answers that have already been given, I would suggest first seeing your personal physician and seeing what he or she recommends for you as far as treatment is concerned. It may be that you just might need to be on some kind of med that your personal physician could prescribe to you. Doing that is something that worked for me.

If you feel the need to see a counselor or psychiatrist and money might be an issue, it may be that there is some place where you could go where there is a sliding fee scale whereas you might be pay very little or nothing at all for the treatment.

I agree with Fun2tamjam
You could be lacking some nutritions like B vitamins and magnesium and manganese.
Try eating healthier and make your life more interesting. Read things on coping and stress.
coping and stress - Google Search

If all that doesn't work ask around about a good psych.
I have taken my kids and myself to the psychiatrist, psychologist and counselors many many times and all they did was say uhhum, okay and I see. Two were extremely narcissistic and one was a pure quack. You have to find one that works for you.

You have two choices. Make use of the medical profession who has studied these problems for a couple of centuries or develop your own plan. In other words, you have no choice. Schedule an appointment with your doctor and get started on a plan to get better. Time will most likely not heal this wound on its own.

I have dealt with depression and anxiety on and off for years. It may help to see a psychiatrist to release some of your pent up feelings and stressors and to have your perceptions and thinking challenged. However, a psychiatrist will often prescribe meds that while re-balancing your brain chemically, mask the underlying root causes of depression and anxiety. Do yourself a favor and read Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine. Oftentimes, not always of course, the symptoms you're describing can be traced back to unresolved trauma. Good luck with your search!