[pawn78]

I only see my therapist/psychiatrist once every 60 days because of budget reasons. I am going to make that 90 days, because my budget just got tighter ever since my wife moved out.
I am coping enormously well considering that separation/divorce is a despression trigger even for people with no mood disorder!!! I think part of it is the strong effects of lamictal as a mood stabilizer, and part of it is that I really don't like my wife any more, and she is a horrible trigger for me at this point. So... good riddance.
I was trying to work things out and get her back, (because of the kids), but everyone tells me it is a bad idea to stay in a dysfunctional marriage just for the kids....
Anyway, when I first started seeing him, I was mainly just needing him as a Pdoc to medicate me out of my mixed state. But now, since I am quite stable in the brain chemistry department and just lost my wife, (and have a new mistress that I much prefer), I will be needing his skills as a psychotherapist... I am not sure even what to tell him in the brief hour I will be there, but I hope he gives me some good advice.

[newtothis31]

Hi Pawn-

Completely understand what you're going through. I too, hit that point where it just felt really nice to know that I had the freedom to choose a better life than what my ex could offer me.

That being said- keep in mind there's nothing easy about getting a divorce. I understand the need for budget reasons- but you might want to try to keep things as consistent as you can for a while.

[Victoria'smom]

Can you see just a licensed therapist for now that is cheaper ? Or a family therapist just to work out normal co-parenting issues? How did the appointment go.

[pawn78]

My pdoc is my therapist. I have other therapists (intelligent close friends) I can talk to for free. My wife refuses to go to marriage counseling, and so far we agree on co-parenting issues. Not too stressful.

[Love&Toil]

Pdocs don't always have the psychotherapy skills we are looking for. You may or may not be disappointed in the regard. Yes how did it go?

[newtothis31]

That's awesome that you have a good network to rely on. Continue to nurture those relationships and be kind to yourself!

[pawn78]

Originally Posted by Love&Toil

Pdocs don't always have the psychotherapy skills we are looking for. You may or may not be disappointed in the regard. Yes how did it go?

My pdoc is awesome. Unlike most Pdocs, he has 30 years of psychotherapy experience and education. He just also happens to be an MD specializing in Pyschiatry as well. Really top-notch. I'm very lucky to have a PDOC/therapist combo, it is rare.

(I haven't gone yet, my appointment is in 2 hours)

[Victoria'smom]

Good luck!

[Love&Toil]

That's great news Pawn, you are fortunate.

[lilypup]

Sounds like you are doing really well. You've been through a lot. Best wishes!

[loophole]

Hope it goes well. Good luck!

[pawn78]

It went great. He said I am coping really well, and my coping strategies are quite good. (My close friends, being on the forum, my CBT practice, etc.)
He also prescribed a new med for me... A low dose of Wellbutrin to help with my mild depression and umm... My decreased libido. (Strangely my sex drive has plummeted since I started Lamictal, even when I had that hypomania episode, my performance was poor for my usual standard)
He said it is not common, but some men have decreased sexual ability on Lamictal. The problem started exactly when I started Lamictal, and it has been a few months of this... He was pretty confident that a low dose of Wellbutrin would fix that problem, plus help with the. Crushing blow to my self-esteem from the pending divorce.

Anyway, it went great. I feel better after seeing him.

[pawn78]

Oh and I kept our sessions to the usual 60 days, can't risk to have less frequent appointments considering the marriage separation.