Mental health sitatuion...what to do???

Question

I am a bipolar patient, and have been doing very well until this week. I've been so depressed for the past few days that I can barely do anything at all. Typing this question is taking every bit of energy I have. It's for no good reason--nothing bad has happened in my life, and the rational part of my mind knows that I probably just need some sort of adjustment to my medication plan. But here's the problem: My psychiatrist is out of town this week, and I have no way of contacting her until Monday. I've emailed her and called her office...and they keep telling me she'll call me back later. They won't give me any contact info for her, and they referred me to the local ER. I called, and was told that they can't do anything for me unless I'm "in crisis"...meaning that unless I say I'm a danger to myself, they won't help me. I'm not suicidal, but still too depressed to function. I can't handle this for another week until my Dr. gets back. Is there ANYTHING I can do at this point?

Thanks for the answers so far. I normally love to exercise...but I don't think I can make myself right now. I can't even move out of my bed, and just typing on my laptop drains me. What bothers me the most is that no one I've talked to at any health care facility will even speak to me for longer than five minutes unless I'm on the verge of suicide. It's as though they're telling me,"We can't help you now because you aren't in crisis. Call back when you're ready to put a gun to your head." Whatever happened to the concept of crisis prevention?

- Again, thanks. I'm going to keep trying to find someone who can help me.
- I realize that even if my meds were adjusted today, I wouldn't feel the effects for some time...but still, it's going to be even longer than that if I can't get be seen for another entire week.
- In the past, only medication has helped. I've not been able to pull myself out of a depressive episode any other way. It's not that there are any issues I need to talk about, because nothing in particular is depressing me. It's just a generally horrible, useless, worthless, existential feeling for no good reason at all.
- Part of the reason I'm at such a loss for what to do is that I live by myself in a city that I only moved to a year ago. So I basically have no one who could come to me in the case of an emergency, because the few people I know are gone for the summer.

Thank you all so much for your help. I got in touch with my doctor today, and she assisted me in getting the help I needed...and was very surprised and upset that the person covering for her didn't take care of me in the first place. My meds have been adjusted, and hopefully I'll see some improvement over the next few weeks.

Answer 1

I would definitely call your docs office back and ask if you can see the doctor that's on call , taking over for her while she's away. Let them know again that you are calling for help and have no where to turn., and you don't want to be told to wait till next week. If they refer you again to the ER...then rather than call, get someone to drive you there and let them know in person that you're needing Help Right Now* , you're not feeling suicidal but you're needing Help, can they Help You*~
You can also look in the front of your phone book for a Crisis Line and let them know how you're feeling, you're very depressed and can't seem to function at the moment..., you've been turned down by your docs office and the hospital and you Really Need Help*
Never Give up*
I know it took everything you had in you to write this question and I'm glad that you did*
It will be a bit more work unfortunately for you, to Get The Help You Need, but Persevere... Best Wishes* May The Angels Always Be With You*~

Answer 2

Ethically, and perhaps even legally, your doctor should have someone cover for her when she is away, or else be on call. Otherwise, it can be construed as abandonment, if no one has gotten back to you in a reasonable period of time (meaning a couple of days, since you are not in crisis). How long have you been trying to reach her? Is there a walk-in clinic where you can be seen?

It is unfortunate but true that the ER won't help you unless you are a danger to yourself. Hotlines are better, and you don't have to be suicidal to call one, but you won't get to talk to a professional. However, they are trained and sometimes you get a good one who can offer real advice.

It may not help much, but remember that even if she changed your medication today, you may not feel the effects for some time. When you got depressed previously, how long did it last? Or did it only diminish with medication?

Answer 3

OMG, you took the words right out of my mouth. I am in the exact same situation as you.

I too am bi-polar and for some unknown reason have been in an extreme low the past few days. Nothing has happened, I just can't function properly.

I don't know about you, but what I do is force myself to work-out to hopefully release some endorphines. Then I prefer to sleep. I'm happiest when I'm sleeping, can't think, worry or care. Perhaps make this a lazy week?

I'm sorry to hear you're also down, but please know that there is someone else in this world who is feeling exactly the way you do.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Ask your primary care Doctor if he or she can refer you to another psychiatrist because you are having these problems. Take care of yourself the best you can. I am so sorry you are in this situation.

Answer 6

just be around someone. having ppl there will give you energy and maybe you will get in an up mood.. if u need a quick fix i would suggest geting high, but it's not for everyone.

Answer 7

When your doctor gets back in town tell him you need to be prescribed provigil, the miracle drug for Bi-Polar. The only antidepresent that works for me is NARDIL, an maoi. (48/male/FL) I had it bad to say the least. ([e-mail]) HANG ON & GOOD LUCK!!