[Homeira]

Do you have a system lined up of people to contact if things start to go really badly? And do they know who to contact to give wider information to your friends? I tend to not think much about these things, but realize how important it is. A lot of us live alone, and maybe have a limited network. Any thoughts?

[cashart10]

I just set up one today with my t. It gave me butterflies because it made my suicidal ideation real. I think it will be very helpful for me in the future and also reassuring for my family. I highly recommend doing this, even if you don't have a t. And sign it!

[HALLIEBETH87]

I don't, actually. The last time I had bad urges, I did walk-in at my T office like he told me to do when I called him upset. We did a safety plan there about what Id do during that rough patch and until I could see my T in a couple days from then. He asked me after if I like how they handled it rather than suggesting I could straight to hospital. I did a lot. They didn't freak out really (but I also gave up the pills I wanted to take to them that day too.)

I am in a DBT class and had to sign a contract for that with rules I have to follow. And in that, I can do phone coaching with one of the Ts leading class. But a rule is...if I call for help from that T or even mine, I must be willing to accept that help. Scary, huh?

[Victoria'smom]

I have a crisis plan and so does my husband.

[BipolaRNurse]

I don't have any formal emergency plan, but since I was hospitalized I've told my husband that he is to call my doctor if I'm in crisis and refuse to do it myself. My insight is poor to nonexistent in both mania and depression. Even if I beg him not to call or get mad at him for it, he needs to make that call. I hope I never need that kind of help, but of course there's no guarantee where bipolar is concerned.

Which is a good reason to make a safety plan and give both my family and my pdoc copies.

[raspberrytorte]

No...but I should.

When I get really bad I alway refuse to call anyone. Last time my husband called for me, but they told him they couldn't do anything unless I called. I don't have a therapist, will be in doctor limbo land end of may, so then I really don't know who I would call anyway in a crisis situation if I had one.

Yes I have had one for years. And used it many a time.

First off is the coping stategies, if none of them work its time for PRN meds and call a crisis line until they knock me out. If the distress is too high I then call someone to sit with me and take more prn, if its still to high I go to hospital. I have a good doctor who will admit me when we think it is time.