[luvyrself]

My pdoc says he is retiring. Hate that because he is double certified with neurology. Havent even had him for long and he says he is retiring.
I really want someone who is good with bipolar 2. I give them a written rundown on my lifelong bipolar history, which pushes us ahead at the start. He let me mae the decisions because I have had this so long, gave him my written analysis. However, with the isolation of covid the depressive side smacked me hard, losing my usual ways of coping. I want a referral from someone who is bipolar. THANKS!
If you are bipolar and live in the west valley, I would love to compare notes with you. Personal message me. The support group that was meeting up on Thunderbird was good.

[*Beth*]

I'm sorry your pdoc is retiring, especially because he's also a neurologist. Maybe post, too, in General or Other Mental Health so more people see your question?

[Soupe du jour]

luvyrself, I'm not from Arizona, so have no knowledge of doctors there. However, once I was briefly a volunteer for my local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) hotline. One thing we did have was a list gathered of local recommended therapists and psychiatrists. I can't guarantee that your local NAMI does, but maybe. I can say that one of the therapists on the list my NAMI location had was one I actually went to and benefited from, greatly. Truth is, they do know many local doctors. We even had a few local psychiatrists that would come to NAMI events and DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) meetings as special guests. You may even have a local DBSA chapter near you. If you participate in local meetings (in-person or online) at either organization, you may be able to ask other attendees for recommendations. Find your local NAMI chapter at Find Your Local NAMI | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness and local DBSA chapter at Find a Local Support Group - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

I have attended many NAMI events in my past local area. They were great! I was also a very frequent attendee at my past local DBSA meetings. I was quite involved and benefited a lot from them. My local DBSA meetings had many attendees. Sometimes if there was an attendee that triggered me in some way, I would choose to go into the other room from them. Usually the attendees split off into two groups after the initial check-ins.

[luvyrself]

When I lived in Pasadena, CA, I attended a wonderful DBSA chapter with substantial meetings at a hospital.
Here in Phoenix, NAMI and DBSA have minimal services. There are a few locally run support groups. Maricopa County has a list of support groups for all subjects that may have been updated for covid. Each group has its quirks. The bipolar group on W Thunderbird (very large at one time)did not have a contact list. I should check on their status. The founder of the downtown bipolar group was retiring to another area last I heard. They posted an agenda in advance.

[Soupe du jour]

It is a shame that access to support and information is not the same throughout the US. I was comparitively spoiled living where I used to. The NAMI and DBSA chapters where I lived have great funding, including from huge pharma. A couple of which produce psych meds that most here have likely tried, or at least heard of.

I hope you can find a good doctor soon. I'm in the midst of finding a new one where I am, too.

[MickeyCheeky]

So Sorry that you're dealing with this. i don't have bipolar and i don't live in Arizona. i Hope and Pray that you will be able to find the psychiatrist you're looking for. Please do not give up. Hugs. Sending many Safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @luvyrself, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, Ok?!