Hi Bretd

My doctor (pain specialist) referred me to a psychiatrist also and it was under good pretenses. He wasn't trying to tell me I was 'crazy' or anything. Realizing that chronic pain and depression/anxiety and other mental issues goes hand in hand, it was a good call and I'm glad to be seeing the psychiatrist. It has helped me to put into better perspective as to why my depression comes on so strong at times.
Also, now I have tools I can use to get a grip on the depression and I feel more in control now. Psychiatrists tend to center around the medications that can possibly help, moreso than listening to our 'problems'. Psychologists are the ones who 'listen' and get us to come to terms with how we are feeling about things. Lucklily, my psychiatrist listens to a degree about my stressors and offers suggestions that might help.
There are other tools that can be used besides strictly medications. Things such as Guided Imagery and BioFeedback are techniques that can be of help.

In my case, the medications I've been prescribed help alot and they coincide with the meds that my pain Dr supplies. I'm getting better sleep now, my moods seem evened out, I don't tend to get irritable and I can handle stress much better than I used to. All this helps to keep the pain spikes at a minimum.

I hope your visit with the psychiatrist proves to be helpful to you. Go into it with an open mind. They really are there to help.
Let us know how your visit goes, k.

Rae