[1278]

Hi everyone, just here to rant. I'm so tired of damn psychiatrists pretending to know what they are doing, I'm bipolar, rapid cycling with mixed episodes so I know I'm a difficult case to treat but I mean I had to put my life on hold for a year because they just kept giving me antidepressants over and over again making me so suicidal and trying to kill myself and had to take a leave of absence from medical school. As someone who was/is studying in the medical field you would think these doctors would show some empathy and admit their mistakes but no, they just carry on making the same mistakes with a smile on their face because at the end of the day they will get paid

[mattjstead]

Sadly, it is true.
Worst of all, if you have been diagnosed "Bi-Polar" (any form), you should never be on an anti-depressant. I was told this by multiple psychiatrists and two from ones in the field of research and development.

As for "it's the money." Welcome to the United States. Insurance and Big Pharma is money. They are on the stock market, have CEO's making bonuses I won't earn in my lifetime, and live on the sick. It is the most complicated thing you can think of, and yet we the citizens have let it happen. It has to end.

Now, to be productive.
I would look for alternative sources. You as the patient have the right to look for a different Psychiatrist. And if you go to one and present information showing you are informed and know that Bi-Polar and Anti-Depressants do not mix, if you find a good one they will have respect for you. Will it be easy? No. But in the end, when the doctors get a big head and think they know all, it is your body and your health. You hold all rights, even though they play a good game to try and make you think otherwise.

Don't give up, and know I know all to well this rant. And trust me, mine was a hell of a lot longer than yours.

Keep your chin up and keep fighting,
All the best,
Matt.

[1278]

Thank you problem is I'm in South Africa so I'm limited with my choices of psychiatrists especially competent ones and on top of everything my previous two psychiatrists just dumped me in the 2 years. Thank you for the supportive words, its just hard because I think I might drop out of medical school because of this illness and I can't rely on my parents forever

[mattjstead]

I apologize for not seeing your location.

I had a professor last semester who he and his wife traveled to South Africa for a good length of time for her (she is an RN) to help. Indeed, it is not a good situation in the medical area. Very sad.

I am not sure what the culture is in South Africa (sadly, although I've always wanted to visit). Is it possible for you to travel for a time to a neighboring country that would have better healthcare (France, UK, Norway)? I realize I can not imagine the cost of traveling, none the less the red tape to get the care needed.

*sigh*
What should be a "Human right" is disregarded so much it just makes me angry.

[1278]

Not a problem There is such a stigma placed on mental illness, right now a small part of my dad still believes my uncles and aunts have 'bewitched' me, and let me tell you, he majored in economics at university, he's not uneducated. No one in my family or community knows I'm bipolar because of the stigma and it could also affect my job prospects later in life if an employer comes to find out. I would love to go to a neighboring country but honestly I'm just not in the financial position to do so

[Ocean Swimmer]

What about picking a med plan and then asking your GP Dr to prescribe it for you?

[1278]

I hadn't actually thought about it, its risky but could work, but my medical aid might not cover it