[mzunderstood79]

My moods have been very unstable lately. My mind never shuts up and I am paranoid and jumpy quite often. I am just so tired and I really need to get this under control but I am scared to make an appointment with my family doctor because last time I ended up at a mental health place that was full of scary people and I felt that I wasn't being treated as I should. All they did was medicate every symptom but it only made things worse. Still haven't been definitely diagnosed with anything other than depression and ptsd. But I know it's more. This is not normal.......I just want peace...

[AnxietyGirl916]

Can you self-refer to a therapist or a psychiatrist? That's what I did.

[gayleggg]

When your mind never shuts up, it is exhausting. My brain doesn't shut up without meds. Then the meds make exhausted. It's really hard to win with mental health. It's like you can't win. But I choose the meds because it keeps me a little more stable. I wouldn't worry too much about getting a diagnosis becase doesn't make that much difference anyway. It's just another label that makes us sound crazier. My bipolar diagnosis has kept me from getting private health insurance.

I hope you start to feel better soon..

[ultramar]

I personally don't put much stock in family doctors diagnosing or treating psychiatric disorders. Have you seen a psychiatrist? Can you get referred to get an evaluation?

Regardless of meds vs no meds, I think therapy can usually be very helpful, if you don't already have a therapist, you could also get referred by your family doctor (or psychiatrist)? Bipolar Disorder is very difficult to diagnose and takes time. I would get evaluated to start on a path towards recovery from what you're experiencing. Best of luck.

[Lillyleaf]

Get a referral. It's like going to a family dr. about cancer or diabetes... While you can it's not going to go over very well in the end

Weather it is med or no meds talking to a dr. in that field is a must My mind won't stop speaking to me eather sometimes, I know what it's like. I wish you luck!
Best,

Lilly

[mzunderstood79]

Originally Posted by ultramar

I personally don't put much stock in family doctors diagnosing or treating psychiatric disorders. Have you seen a psychiatrist? Can you get referred to get an evaluation?

Regardless of meds vs no meds, I think therapy can usually be very helpful, if you don't already have a therapist, you could also get referred by your family doctor (or psychiatrist)? Bipolar Disorder is very difficult to diagnose and takes time. I would get evaluated to start on a path towards recovery from what you're experiencing. Best of luck.

I went to a therapist for 2 years and no luck. Someone with my income doesn't get top rate care. I am making an appointment today though with my nurse practitioner and I will go from there. I am 34 and taking my mother because she is about the only one in my family that has seen me struggle my whole life. My husband of 17 years is very understanding but he just really doesn't understand. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts!