Relapse...I want to be on medication without my mom knowing?

Question

I am relapsing from bulimia. I got treatment about half a year ago, but I'm having problems again. I really can't handle life anymore. I'm unmotivated, depressed, and can't focus on school. I'm so sick of bingeing and purging all the time.

I want to make an appointment to be on medication again. If I go on medication, will the insurance company send anything to the house or have any sort of record on what I'll be taking. I'm in college right now, so my mom will get the mail. Will they send her anything that might give her the slightest hint that I'm on medication?

Please do not suggest therapy. It is not an option. Also, please do not suggest that I talk to my mom about the relapse.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Check out your college's health services. You can probably find a doctor there who will prescribe the medication you need. Larger schools usually have clinics that offer these services for free or a minimal cost, similar to your medical insurance co-pay. If your college has a medical school, you may have full access to the hospital services for free or low cost. This should not be reported through your insurance, and the university will keep it confidential (even from your parents), with the exception of you expressing the desire to harm yourself (i.e. suicide). If your school does not offer the services you need, look for a reputable free or public clinic in your area. Again, you will be able to get the help you need for free or low cost. The only stipulation is that any physician that would prescribe you medication for your condition would strongly urge or require you to have therapy as well. I'm not sure why you say it is not an option, but in my personal experience with depression, therapy is extremely beneficial in combination with medication. Medication will treat your symptoms but not the underlying causes of your condition. Stress and depression can be difficult to battle on your own, especially at your age, and it can really help to have a "sounding board" to help you work through your problems. Please seek help soon, as you probably know that bulimia can cause other health problems in addition to the mental ones you are experiencing now.

Answer 2

well my advice may not be the best, since I am many years younger than you (so I have less wisdom), but I will try:... here goes...

maybe you should try taking up a sport or instrument or something to help get you motivated, give you a sense of life purpose, and boost your self-esteem (your own views of what you're worth). It may also help you feel more fulfilled to volunteer-- a lot of people who used to suffer from problems like bulimia, depression, self-mutilation, etc. often say that volunteering brought a purpose to their lives, and that they realised that they actually really can handle the circumstances in their own lives that they have grown to hate when they see the other circumstances others face.

Of course, I am just turned 14 years old. So take my advice with a grain of salt, please. But I have suffered anorexia before, so I sorta know how it feels.

Maybe it would help us find an answer for you if you provided more info. on why you can't do therapy and talk to your mom?

Answer 3

I totally understand that you don't want to worry your mom. If you go to the doctor they can possibly give you a lot of free samples of the meds you need for now. A doctor will also know about all that insurance stuff. Visiting the doctor shouldn't be an issue because the insurance claim would just be a doctor visit. I highly doubt it would say what it's for. Since you're 18, the doctor can't tell anyone what you say during the visit if you don't want him/her to. I’m glad you’re dedicated to recovery. Hang in there girl!

Answer 4

I get letters from the insurance company about doctors' office visits, but not from the pharmacy. Is there anyone, like a sibling at home or a neighbor (of your parents), who you could ask to intercept the mail for you?

You need to be on the medicine. Now think of a way to allow that to happen, including having your mom find out, if necessary.

Answer 5

The insurance will send a copy of the bill from your office visit. However, it will not show the diagnosis. I don't think the insurance sends out statement about the medication. I know, you don't want to talk to your mom, but believe me, she would appreciate it, that you have the trust in her to let her know, what's going on. She is you mom and she loves you very much.

Answer 6

If you need to be on the medication, then you need to be on the medication regardless of your mother knowing. Your long term health and wellness depends on it.

While you are on your mother's insurance, I'm not sure there is any way for her not to get notification of when they payout for a medical service.

That said, you might attempt contacting the doctor who prescribed you the medication the last time you needed it, and ask them what options you might have. They maybe aware of a program available to you that could bypass the insurance.

Answer 7

Visit the student clinic and see if they can give you a script that you can get without going through your moms insurance.
Yes, if you go through hers, she will see the item listed , unless it is like Kaiser , I don't think they document anything for billing because it is flat rate.