So my craziest is experience is with the ER. I've never been hospitalized. When I was younger no one cared enogh to take me. Now that im older I can't afford to go.

But last year at the end of August things were bad. I got home from work and flew into a rage. I threw my husband's headset across the room (not at anyone, just tantrum style,) and broke the TV and his headset. So, mother-in-law took me to the ER.

When I was there the social worker or therapist or whatever comes in. I get my meds from my GP because we can't afford a pdoc, but had been off them for a while due to fear of kidney damage.) She tells me they can't admit me for treatment because I don't have a pdoc. She tells me I'm probably not bipolar and only have depression. She also tells me to be careful about breaking things or I'll go to jail. They send me home with paperwork on how to get into the county system.

The next day I take off work. I still feel totally off balance. I call every single place on the list. I don't qualify for county services because I make too much money and I have private insurance. ($8,000 deductible before they pay anything.) I end up talking to a peer counselor on the phone. I make an appointment with my GP who refills my lithium and adds kolonopin.

That's a true story from the US healthcare system right there.