Worries about visiting the docs...

Apologies if it reads a bit brash, this is my third attempt at writing and posting this, I kept losing it on auto log out, & I've gotten all turned around! I'll try keep it short!

I'm basically as emotionally okay as I get & I'm heading to the doctors within the next week or two depending on when I can get an appointment, because I have concerns I may be bipolar.

I am however concerned that I'm going to get a blank glare and simply get told to return if I start showing symptoms again... I really don't want to wait for the next one, basically because the last time I got bad was very nearly the end of me, I wont get into the details, but it was a close call. It makes me sad that I can not only get this bad, but also not have enough sense to get help when I need it the most.

I'm also wondering, if I turn up in my current state, emotionally okay give or take some anxiety, can they actually even do anything for me? Or do I really need to be right in the middle of a crisis?

depends on how fast u want treatment

u can got to the hospital now tell them u are having a mental health issues ....tell them how u are feeling they do the standard check in .............take u to a place they have set up for this ask u to strip to boxers and give u the hospital dress ....they log all your items and keep them in a bag/bags in a locked area

the doctor will come see u and talk to u .........this is only a short hi how are yah 15 mins thing u can ask for options of checking yourself into the ward for treatment and the full work up or u can ask for something to allow u to get strait enough to get to outpatient doctor

now if u are manic high and all nutty(not calling u nutty but the actions they deem nutty) to the standard they set up they can hold u until they deem u safe 72 hours at least ...........this makes it easier for them to call it to see the manic ..........other wise they will write u a set of pills to use and release u once the blood work and other test come back to take out a few factors

but do not wait until something happends the results of the actions could be dire .......go get a handle on it

It is always easier to seek the help voluntarily. Hope you get what you need. Don't wait until you feel out of control.

They'll do a history intake. You probably will be refered to a therapist until you see a psychiatrist .

I must be confused or something. Are you looking for the dx? I don't know if I am catching this correct. I know when I went in, I was not the most stable of ppl, but I was not suicidal or out of control. I was having mood changes, a lot of stress and anxiety, and going through a major personal event. If done correct, you should be assessed and a thorough evaluation will be done. I am going to chalk my read up to mix understanding or agitation since I am a lot frauds trade this evening. Hope you are not looking for label. If so you can have mine.

Most competent Pdoc will treat the symptoms and not worry about slapping a label or diagnosis on you quickly ... Its not something you want following you around forever unless you absolutly have it.

Seeing a therapist is very important in figuring our how you feel when your up down of in the middle and baseline.

Best wishes and Welcome to PC

Hi Happy Paws, I was concerned about the same thing, despite being in a year long depression and having a 20 year history of mh treatment at the same clinic. I hadn't been in treatment for 3 years, and I thought I would somehow rally for the eval and not appear to have any symptoms. To hedge against that, I took a friend to verify my symptoms and give support. Even though my fears were baseless--I was fully symptomatic and had no trouble conveying that--I was glad I did that because it was one less thing to worry about.

And I agree with Christina that it's not as important to get the dx as it is to get treatment to help with your current symptoms. It's really hard to undo that sort of thing, and they can get it wrong.

And no, you do not have to be in a crisis to get treatment, although it will depend on your pdoc as to what kind of approach s/he will want to take. Mine is very cautious, and I appreciate that. These meds are no joke.

Hi, Asking for help takes a lot of courage..way to go. If what you said means that you're feeling ok now and worried about how you will be when you see the doctor to ask for help..then I would take write down a few things you wish to talk about..sometimes being nervous make us forget. I agree with what some members have said. One thing at a time, diagnosis takes time and finding the proper medication also. Until then hope you are ok.

A doctor should never give you a diagnosis while you are in crisis but evaluate over time. I was not diagnosed properly until my late 40`s. Sometimes I wish there were no labels so we could focus on thge symptoms that need to be managed. Each person is different despite the diagnosis as should be the treatment. Good luck and take good care of yourself.

I really feel for you. We have all been in the same situation before we were diagnosed.
A good pdoc will assess your history. Be as open and honest as you possibly can. They are not there to judge you.
Just don’t be fooled into thinking that there is some magic pill that will make you all better. You will need more than that. You should also start therapy, which can make a huge difference in how you feel by talking about your life experiences and how they have affected your current mental state.
Even if you were to start meds, some may not work; you will have to start out with small dosages that may not work at first. It’s a lot of experimentation before you can get a good balance. So make sure you are doing ALL that you can to get yourself balanced on a long-term basis. Good luck!