If you have been diagnosed with Bipolar... my question is: How did you talk with your doctor about it and what kind of doctor? Can you go to your regular family doctor? What do you say?
I've been told by friends to talk with a doctor because they think I have a mood disorder but I'm nervous about going to a doctor. Even making the call to make an appointment. What do I say? "I have issues with my moods?" It's embarassing (to me anyway).
I don't think my insurance covers mental health and I can't find a psychiatrists... so I thought about going to my primary care doctor.
2006-09-19 13:13:09 · 11 answers · asked by Cranberry 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Start out with your regular doctor. If you are too embarrassed, when you make the appointment just tell them that you have either had trouble sleeping lately, or that you might need something for PMS symptoms. Your insurance would probably cover this if you are bi-polar because it is a disorder that is organic and can be easily modified with the correct medication.
2006-09-19 13:25:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for a check up with your regular doctor. Tell him what going on with you, I promise it won't be the first time he has heard it. If he thinks you have bipolar he will direct you in the right direction. He may decide to treat you will some meds first to see it that helps though. Some insurances may cover for mental health visit if the doctor refers you. Hang in there you will be ok. I will pray for you and hope everything turns out great for you. Keep your chin up. Just remember there is always someone out there that has it worse then you. Good Luck.
2006-09-19 20:29:08 · answer #2 · answered by Sexy-n-Hot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually it is best to start with your primary care giver anyhow, sometimes there can be medical issues for mood swings such as thyroid disorder and blood sugars being off and it is best to rule these things out first:) Your primary care giver is the best one for that. It is also good to be frank and honest with them about what is going on if you have a friend, spouse or parent that can come with you for support if you need it that is great too. A primary care give can deal with some basic things but not all they also can line you up in the right places that your insurance deals with or with local clinics that can help you.
good luck (dx'ed with bi-polar for 5yrs now)
2006-09-19 21:02:35 · answer #3 · answered by no 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you cannot go to a regular doctor. Atleast I know here I can't. I live in Missouri. I have to go to a Psychologist to prescribe my medications.
Mostly it is the Concerta that my regular doctor cannot prescribe.
But, some psychiatrists work for free for patients.
So, you could call around or w.e
2006-09-19 22:50:29 · answer #4 · answered by meganxrenee07 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You go to your regular doctor first and he/she can refer you to the proper person if need be. If it a simple anxiety disorder your regular doctor can handle that, if you are borderline schizophrenic I am sure he will refer you to a mental health professional. Don't worry doctors see this everyday.
2006-09-19 20:16:26 · answer #5 · answered by JENNLUPE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your family doctor can get you started on medication, something to balance out your moods - one pill a day may be all you need. Sometimes counselling makes things worse as you keep rehashing everything over & over again.
Someone very close to me actually got worse seeing a counselor & a psychiatrist - 1/2 a pill a day was all they needed to mellow them out & keep them on that relaxed line.
2006-09-19 22:43:13 · answer #6 · answered by glc2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to check out the Truehope web site. They offer support and help for alternative treatments with mental help illnesses. There are very caring people there who can help you. The message boards at Truehope are also very helpful and supportive. Good Luck!
http://www.truehope.com/
2006-09-19 20:27:50 · answer #7 · answered by logon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talk to your primary doc first , or if you have a mental health clinic in your area you can contact them . their fees are based on your income. either way talk to someone , just tell them what your friends say and what you are feeling , good luck............
2006-09-19 20:25:01 · answer #8 · answered by sindi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you can talk to your family doctor...just tellin them how you are feeling...you know. They can refer you to somebody if they feel it is needed. Don't be embarassed its no big deal to have it....you just learn how to deal with it.
2006-09-19 20:23:39 · answer #9 · answered by yonderdiva 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I WAS ALSO DIAGNOSED BI POLAR. BECAUSE OF MOOD SWINGS AND UNABLE TO SLEEP. I TOOK A SILLY SURVEY. 20 QUESTIONS. I MUST OF ANSWERED YES TO TOO MANY. I THINK THEY DIAGNOSE BI POLAR TO QUICKLY. I DO NOT TAKE MEDS. AND I AM FINE.. ST JOHNS WORT IS HELPFULL
2006-09-19 22:06:40 · answer #10 · answered by marypebsisit69 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋