Don't Stop Taking Your Meds

Just because of a conversation you have had with someone on this forum. Nobody here is a psychiatrist. Even if they were, they shouldn't be giving medical advice online. And I have to say that a few posters here have been telling others that maybe they aren't bipolar, but perhaps have a borderline personality disorder instead. Nobody should be making serious comments like that, especially based on a post or two. It is irresponsible and could be harmful.

If you think you've been diagnosed incorrectly, continue taking your meds until you have a chance to talk with your psychiatrist. It's safer that way.

I agree with this post 100%. It's okay to think and ask questions. It's not okay to base your whole outlook on words from a forum. Even if they say they're a doctor. If you feel concerned, seek help with those you know possess the right knowledge.

If they aren't sufficient, remember there are many doctor's out there. Jumping to conclusions based on internet findings isn't the right way to go about it.

Discuss, vent, give and get opinions. Just remember that while we've all got Web MD, it doesn't mean we're doctors.

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I agree and if they are asking I make sure to say "only in MY experience" or "I can't diagnose you but..." And often i find false hope or unnecessary dread from others experience as well. I guess I'm quick to find an answer, ANY answers at times especially when I'm unsure of something. But in all honesty, after today I'm convinced my pdoc knows as much as some of us at times lol.

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Thanks y'all. I didn't see this post until now. I just wish I knew what was wrong with me so I could get the right help. I don't care if I'm bp or bpd or both or none, I just want to get better and get the right treatment bc so far nothing has worked. I will just have to wait for a pdoc appt. I just don't have much faith in this guy. It's a free clinic bc I don't have health ins. and well I get what I pay for. Thanks for saying this though, maybe I won't come off the meds cold turkey, just slowly

That's true I have written that we can't diagnose for a few people when they ask for one. I self diagnosed myself a few years ago to seek treatments for it but I am diagnosed now.

I am also a licenced health professional and have helped some with their symptoms online. But it is different I don't diagnose since I'm not a Psych or doctor. We don't know anybodys life long enough or their detailed situations to diagnose. We should never change our dosage ourselves / Completely stop meds without notifying the doctor

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I think we ourselves have to be wise enough to know that. I don't blame the forum or the internet, I am personally responsible for me.

I agree with RxQueen and Jacky.

I think it's a two-way street. It's good for people like us to remind others that there is no replacement for a psychiatrist/therapist. At the same time, if you're asking for advice, you should understand that you're reading an opinion of someone who isn't a medical professional.

If I ask for advice, it's because I want to learn about other people's experiences. For example, if my pdoc wants to put me on a certain med, he is not likely to tell me about withdrawal symptoms beforehand. So, it might be useful to see what withdrawal symptoms other people experience. I would never take anyone's opinion as a professional medical opinion, but it can give me some insight.

I agree with the principle, but disagree with the concept.

I think it's also quite/very obvious that we can't or won't give a formal diagnosis just by reading someone's story.

That said, many psychiatrists are bad, maybe even worse, with diagnosing. It shouldn't take 10 years to figure out someone has BP, which is about the average.

Anyone who talks about some possibly dysfunctional personality traits (using either a category name and/or a description), isn't saying that there is no BP (or other psychotic disorder) or that someone should stop taking meds.

Personally, I don't like "..., but ..." sentences. Bit too assertive and manipulative. If you think something is likely, just say it, as well as the extent. So, yes, personally I use ifs and probablys/possiblys. Sometimes I might forget somewhere, but it is quite obvious I can't be sure.

As far as meds are concerned I think it depends.

The ones that one is likely to not take again when not on them I'd never advice anyone to stop taking. Such as antipsychotics.

It's a counterbalancing thing.

Psychiatrists aren't gods or saints.

I understand your frustration. I lived like that for many years questioning everything and why I had to live this way. But a good pdoc will be able to help you and is better qualified to do so. You're on the right track. Good luck!

Thanks Gina, for the empathy

Hate to say it, but a lot of pdocs are lousy at diagnosing people.

Nobody on here claims to be a psychiatrist. It's a forum where you offer opinions. If for example someone says maybe check out BPD as a possibility it means bring it up with your psychiatrist If you want to. Nobody here is telling anyone to stop or start meds. I have done this and have neverf claimed to be a doctor. I see there's a problem with suggesting to someone their problems sound borderline and this is with personal experience but there are people here who go on telling people they're Bipolar or manic or my personal favorites "mixed" "ultra rapid cycling" but to suggest just out of wanting to help that someone check out BPD because I deal with some symptoms myself is considered diagnosing them and telling them to stop their meds? Ok.

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And talking about it like it's some kind of taboo is very stigmatising.

I am proud of my personality. I love it. Absolutely love it and others that have similar personalities (also because they can always stand (up to) me). I think it has helped me tremendously.

I am not proud of people I hurt (also physically) and relationships I sabotaged and destroyed, damage I done to myself, but treating my problems as a taboo, not daring to name it, will not help me to work on it. And it won't for anyone.

I think the horse is officially dead now. lol

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Not just that. They make you feel the stigma by rather not wanting to diagnose SZA, SZ or BPD (or APD and NPD, if warranted).

My psychiatrist rather doesn't want to focus on the schizo or borderline part, seeing me as normal with an illness or (more and more just) wanting to see me like that. That hurts: the why is completely ignored.

I suspect most therapists are no better, but I could be wrong. The one I spoke to (and pretty much declared war to) once insisted that SZA/BP was just BP with psychotic problems due to exhaustion until I showed here my psychological evaluation, which clearly shows the ways I have been dealing with chronic psychotic problems and how it shaped me.

Let's burn it and pee on it. Seriously.