@barbarapolo If I may, I'd like to offer some ideas and suggestions in how to address the anxiety and depression you are experiencing.

You've had a huge shock with the diagnosis of ALS. Your life and your plans for the future are changed. It's a big adjustment and the mental health symptoms you're experiencing are part of that adjustment. It's awful. There are people who can help and sometimes we have to advocate for ourselves to get that help.

Allow me to say something about medication for anxiety and depression. I've been on an antidepressant for many years as have various members of my family. Sometimes it is "trial and error" to find the medication that will work best for you. Also, there are often side effects such as the fatigue you experienced that will go away once your body has adjusted to the medication. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. In the meantime, while you wait for the medication to be effective your provider can prescribe something else temporarily to help you with the symptoms you are still experiencing.

Would you like to ask your doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist (MD)? If you reside in the U.S., there are 8 states that license psychologists (Ph.D. or PsyD) with additional training to prescribe this kind of medication. These states include Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Utah. I believe Vermont just approved this also.

For talk therapy, sometimes referred to as psychotherapy, you can first ask your doctor for a referral. There may be a social worker in your medical center who works with patients. Or your doctor may make referral in your community.

Psychotherapy can take place in the office or in many states can be virtual (called telehealth). Why meet with a therapist virtually? Instead of relying only on the therapists in your local community insurances and regulations allow you to meet with a therapist who is licensed to practice in the state where you reside. For instance, I live in Michigan in a rural area. I'm allowed to see any mental health therapist - in person or virtually - who has a license to practice in Michigan and takes my insurance.

Here is a resource that could help you to find a mental health therapist in your state or area. Psychology Today also has resources to find a support group.

Psychology Today: Find a therapist near you:

-- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists?

When will you see your doctor again so you can ask about a referral?