Nothing left to say . . .

I have been in treatment for bipolar disorder for 22 years and always faithful with my medication and therapy. Even considered myself stable, maybe even a success story for the last 10 years.

Now I am suddenly hit with severe emotional distress. I have professionals I can call, even a 24hr support line but I don't know what to say when they answer. I feel like I have told my story so many times over in the past that there just isn't anything left to tell.

All you can really do is tell them how you feel in this moment. Yes you have told your story many times and I know, i HATE retelling the same thing over and over.

You could call them and basically say hey, I have bipolar disorder. I've been stable, I'm taking my meds, but right now things aren't going so well. If there are reasons for the distress that you know of, be sure to let them know. They may be able to help you find ways to cope with what is going on in your life.

I know what you're saying, the answer seems so logical. I think the real thing is that in those times the only thing that could calm me is having a human being sitting beside me. I'm a veteran and the nearest facility open after normal hours is a 3 hr drive one way. I have never married and have no children. My family has never understood why I can't just flip a switch and be happy.

Hi 35of47, welcome to PC!

That's awesome to be stabile for 10 years! Have you been on the same meds all this time? Maybe a little tweaking to set things straight again? With our body and brain chemistry changing as we age, things just might get out of balance and then it's time for a tune up. I hope you get help soon. Please keep us posted!

Yes, I have taken Paxil the whole time but different doses according to how I was doing. It was actually shock therapy that finally leveled me out.

Sometimes you can't beat the human touch that you can't get over the phone.

It's nice that although far, you have that option for a face to face chat. Either way, get in touch with them and see if you can keep hold of that stability.

Good luck and I wish you the best - you know where help is. You've got this.

Sorand0m, I like the UK When I published my books on depression I sold as many in the UK as I did here in the USA.

I can't speak for the US but here depression seems to be a key thing on our health service.

Probably why you sold as many here even though we have a population 5x smaller than the US's.

Calling a professional you could possibly start off by talking about how you got to call them such as what you were thinking or feeling when you called, you don't have to start off with your story every time starting off with your emotion and what has led you to that emotion might be easier for you so you do not feel like you're constantly repeating yourself.

Just talk about your current distress...nothing more. Focus on the here and now. Leave the old stuff behind.

That is a good idea however my current emotional moments I cannot seem to find a cause for. You would think after 22 years I could define my own feelings yet I find myself in the midst of an emotional Crisis without any definition or triggers. It's like being in bed ready to go to sleep and suddenly tears start pouring out your eyes and your chest aches but you can't figure out why. Like being emotionally empty or numb.