T visit turns intofirst time partial hospitalization

I went to my T thinking it would be just another session. While talking about everything I've been going through lately, combined with how I feel about myself and the inability to cope/define bipolar within my life, she recommended I get more intense treatment right now. I cannot get my meds straight due to everything going on as well. She's also concerned about my alcohol intake. While I'm not a daily drinker, I usually have more than one drink, and she's concerned that it's holding me back from finding a healthy spot in my life.
This is my first time being in any treatment program other than the usual T visits. I'm scared, but am hoping it will help me get on the right path. I honestly feel like a loser. I can't believe I can't cope on my own. Again, I just want a normal brain!!! (

Please don't blame yourself. You're not a loser. It would be nice if we could all cope with bipolar on our own, but I don't think anyone really can. I hope this treatment program is very beneficial for you. May it get you to the point where you can get your meds straightened out and find an effective combo.

Partial has always been very helpful for me when I'm in a bad spot. I hope it will be helpful for you!

Bi polar is a chemical imbalance you did nothing to deserve it, nothing to bring it on and no control over it. All you can do is try to get the chemicals right and therapy to deal with the mental issues.

Thanks all for your support!! I know it won't hurt me to accept this help. I do hope I can get the help I need and can feel more confident about myself while living with this disease. Admitting I need the help is one of the hardest things I've ever done.

I did PHP a couple of months ago and it helped a great deal. You get therapy regularly and see a pdoc regularly while you're there. I recommend it if you are having trouble functioning in daily life. Either way, I'm sorry you're struggling. I empathize with you and hope you feel better. Please take care

I stopped drinking again because I think it does interfere with my meds. Most pills say don't drink or eat grapefruit.

I've never been "partially hospitalized" , only "fully hospitalized." What is the difference? Is it an outpatient therapy/regular pdoc visits sort of deal or something? What are the differences, just curious.

@suezq927 I am so glad you did the right thing and listened to your therapist. "I'm not a daily drinker" can mean a lot of different things and if she thinks that it's really that big of an issue then... it probably is. I'm not saying that to be mean or judging (see my thread on me being a recovering alcoholic from last night) I'm just really glad that you actually listened to your therapist because I was situations in the past where I given the opportunity to LISTEN and instead ended up getting "TOLD."

@keegan2015....yes, PHP is an outpatient program of intense therapy for a couple of weeks. Visits with a pdoc and lots of group therapy, etc. you get to go home in the evening and weekends, so it's a "job" for a short spurt. It's still considered a hospitalization though my insurance, and I'm still able to go on short term disability in order to go through this level of treatment. I understand what you're saying about the excessive alcohol intake even if it's not consistent.
@hims re-thank you for the comfort...I begin tomorrow....I am hopeful that I will benefit me immensely.

You pretty much are hospitalized without having to sleep in the hospital. You're still doing intensive group therapy daily and meeting a pdoc for med management. Just as suezq927 says. Good luck! It really helped me. Please take care.

PHP is cool. No shame - go with an open mind and try some solid routine w treatment compliance, and it could make a world of positive difference for you.

Good luck,

moogs

I also came out of PHP with four new friends. We are able to support each other when we need to. And it helps that each of us "get it"

Thanks again all!! I'm nervous yet excited to begin tomorrow. It's a new journey in my life and hopefully a new beginning. I will continue to update with my thoughts and experiences. If I came out of it with even one person I kept in touch with, I'd be ecstatic. I recently found out one of my friends I've had for years was also diagnosed well before me. We were just afraid to tell anyone...so we ended up hiding it from each other as well. Lesson learned to keep an open mind and to be nonjudgmental.

You are brave. I have never had hospitalization.

(Last mania, My p-doc had me stay home on Anti-psychotics)

Thank you @valentinaVVV! I have to thank my T for suggesting this course of action. My pdoc was just trying to adjust my meds as usual....luckily I had this second touch point to help me face reality.