[kitkat92]

My name is Kat. This is the first time in posting. I've been diagnosed bipolar since 2008-2009. Been on two different medications. One was Zoloft when we first diagnosed with my pcp. I weined myself off because I didn't want to be a zombie anymore. And now I'll be 25 in June and I'm on Prozac(fluxetine) for almost a year or two I'm not sure anymore. I'm starting to feel like it's not working again. I have not been to a therapist since I moved around 2001 it was a very bad experience. My fiance says I should see one to talk to and get the right help instead of my Pcp but sometimes I feel like even if I do get that help it won't help. For the past couple weeks it's been bad. I would just cry for no reason. Idk where to go or what to do.

Kat

[Cocosurviving]

Welcome to PC,

I would suggest you see a psychiatrist regarding meds. I was misdiagnosed and given the wrong med by a DO provider. Once I went to someone that specialized in mental health things turned around. TBH there are people with mental illness that have a hard time finding the right med(s). I have been one of the lucky ones. I have to take a mood stabilizer, antipsychotic and antidepressant. I'm not able to take just a antidepressant it sends me into mania. This forum is filled with info. You can also consider a IRL support group. I do not go to therapy it's not in my budget. My insurance isn't the greatest high copays. I hope you feel better soon

[Naynay99]

Hey. Welcome.
I hope you find some help here.
I agree it's probbly a good idea to find a therapist and a psychiatrist.
You say you are apprehensive to get outside help besides your pcp because of a bad e perisncen and bc you are afraid it wont help anyway. I get that. And to be quite honest- you could be right- it may not help. There are as many good as there are crAppy psychiatrists and therapists out there. And Medications don't always work and/or take a while to kick in and find the right combination..

But If the last few weeks have been really bad- why not at least see if maybe a mental health practitioner can help make things better. You say u are on Prozac. Often when someone w/ bipolar is put on just an antidepressant it can actually make things worse. It may work for a while and then seem to poop out, or make you hypo/manic, or make you cycle more. Or so I have read. If you decide to go the med route that's something to keep in mind.

Anyhow, At the very least come on here and post stuff- it cAn help.
Take care. Stay safe.

[Sunflower123]

Hi kitkat92 - welcome. I agree and encourage you to see a pdoc and a therapist with the emphasis on pdoc so you can find some relief. I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. Know you're not alone. I hope you find a professional to help you and find relief soon.

[Alokin]

Your story is exactly like mine. Primary care doctors only had me on antidepressants throughout my 20's. Then I got into some trouble and I had an honest provider (he admitted he was not an expert in mental health, he was a gyn) that sent me to a psychiatrist. Things really turned around for me at that point. It only makes sense. How much sense did it make to send me to a family practice doc when I had suspected stress fractures. That same primary care doctor sent me to ortho after 3 years of suffering with broken feet. Or going to a neurologist if you are pregnant. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and go to an expert.

[kitkat92]

I don't like taking meds to begin with. Before when I was diagnosed I used to pop pills. I don't even take ibuprofen. I feel like I'm stuck.

[Wild Coyote]

Welcome to PC.

It can be an adjustment to get used to taking meds; most of us would also prefer not to take them. There's a trade-off and hopefully it's worthwhile.

As for finding the right med, you could ask for a referral to a psychiatrist for a med evaluation.

I hope you are feeling better soon.


WC

[19J82]

Like yourself, I didn't really take pills before my diagnosis, and in my experience GP's tend to know less about the illness than me.
This place is a wealth of knowledge and there are people on here who have taken every combination of meds you can imagine, and it's a great arena to discuss your experiences and take on new advice.

[kitkat92]

Idk I guess it feels like I'm failing if I have to do that. My family is judgemental and when I had issues with popping pills and cutting in middle school through high school my mom & stepdad found out and she told my dad and he was like you have til end of week to tell me the reason blah blah blah. I never told him nor did I ever bring it up to him again.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by kitkat92

Idk I guess it feels like I'm failing if I have to do that. My family is judgemental and when I had issues with popping pills and cutting in middle school through high school my mom & stepdad found out and she told my dad and he was like you have til end of week to tell me the reason blah blah blah. I never told him nor did I ever bring it up to him again.

Many families don't understand and fail to support what we need. The good news is: this sometimes changes over time.

The bottom line is we have to do what's in our best interest, with or without our families' understandings.

Do you cut now?

I hope you will see a pdoc for further help.
I think you can feel better with the right guidance.

WC

[kitkat92]

I haven't in 4 or 5ish years. That I was able to stop on my own.

[Wild Coyote]

Great! congrats!
It can be tough to stop cutting.

WC

[~Christina]

Most GP's just dont have the knowledge to treat Bipolar.. Run of the mill mild depression, yeah I think so.

Many Bipolar people can not take a AD as it often make matters worse,

Congrads on stop the cutting I have 4 years. Im proud as hell about myself

[kitkat92]

Right. It was tough. Sometimes the urge still comes. But I just try to find something to do.