[HALLIEBETH87]

I have been in therapy for two years now, for depression, anxiety and cutting. My insurance changed recently, but my last therapist decided to keep seeing me anyhow, because I am about to leave for school. My last session with her was a couple of days ago. I am going to be about 4 hours from home. I take Wellbutrin XL-450 mg. What I am wondering is, how should I handle this now? its a Christian school so I don't think I should let anyone at Student Health Services know I'm a cutter. But, I gotta find a way to get prescriptions and I think I should stay in counseling. I am goin to The University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky. Any help or resources would be great as I am kind of freaking out right now.

[(JD)]

(((Hallie)))) good to see you posting...and glad you are going to University!! While I understand your being leery about a Christian counselor... please know that many Christians self harm and seek help for it. The rules of privacy should be the same..and you can verify them with inquiry.

Yes, it's important to stay on your meds...and in therapy... I'm not familiar with what Cumberlands' policy is... but I think you're antsy as much about a new place as your personal issues. Yes, they are strangers, but are ppl just like where you live.

Four hours from home ... can you have your regular doctor fax you your scripts? Or even have a parent pick it up and mail it to you? That really isn't that far (I know, unless you're a student without wheels )

You're going to be ok, I think... I went to several colleges etc and though the change was always anxiety ridden, I found wonderful ppl there to help, always!

TC! (and yes it's good to hear from you!!! Have you been reading here all this time???)

[HALLIEBETH87]

no, i havent had too much goin on w/my cuttin issues so ive stayed away from reading about it. (no offense to n e one)

i keep all this stuff very secret so my family knows NOTHIN...i dont want em to. plus, i cant get that doc to send a script b/c shes at the same office as my former T-i cant see her anymore. so, i have 3 months of prescription left to figure it out. i guess i gotta find a new T and see a primary doc about meds...problem is: i dunno where to find a T or which doc around here to choose.

[(JD)]

Hmmm yeah, in that sense, 4 hours is pretty far, and your T probably doesn't know anyone there to refer you to

Seeing a new doc feels so difficult! But you could get suggestions (referrals) from University, I think. Of course, if you wish to use a psychologist, you can search one ..even a specialist? from the APA site.

If you are going to see a new MD, make sure they are comfortable writing for psychotropic meds...some won't BUT if she/he does...then they might also have someone you can talk to, as a resource for you?

Good wishes!

[Quay]

Hi, I have two daughters who also went to college out of the area, but continued with their same physicians anyway. My older daughter went to college 4hrs away also. We timed her MD visits for her breaks. She has graduated and moved to Texas last fall temporarily, a 26 hour drive, but her physicians have still been able to prescribe. They call it in to a local pharmacy, like CVS or RiteAid, then she informs the branch of that pharmacy in her area that they need to call and transfer her script. I'm doing the same with my younger dtr who is in college only 3hrs away, as far as timing visits for her breaks. You may have already looked into this and for some reason your physician is unwilling, but it can be done. Just a thought.
Regarding counseling, my younger dtr is also at a Christian college. Her problems are actually very similar to yours. I called the counseling office there. All the therapists are conventionally educated LCSW's. They do try to stay with the Christian philosophy of the school, but are first and foremost therapists. Anything said in the office is completely private. My daughter gave permission for me to talk with them, or they wouldn't even have admitted that they saw her there. They would only contact your physician with your permission. She actually liked her t there more than the t she'd been seeing at home. Even if you only interview with them, they may be able to direct you to other therapists in the area.
See what you can learn on your own about this stuff if you don't feel comfortable having your family investigate for you. You are the consumer, so you have the right to ask questions and work to get your needs met.
Good luck with this, and with your studies. Please know it CAN be done.
Sincerely, Quay

[HALLIEBETH87]

thanks a bunch. but you see, distance isn't my problem. as i have said, i HAVE to see new people, because my insurance doesn't allow me to see those i have seen in the past-new insurance. i guess i am just afraid, but in some regards, cutting is "wrong" i am afraid of how people react...you know? like after the whole jason johnson thing (hes gay, they made him leave) i dunno how i should do all this. another issue though, is, i can't really afford to pay...so i have to find somewhere for the community, somewhere where money won't really be a problem. after all, i am a poor college student. lol i am soooooo stressed! im to the point where i just wanna give up on it. its too much for me. im not used to having to do it myself, but i dont wanna rely on my mom either. gah!

[ErinBear]

Hi HallieBeth,

I went to a Christian college, and I might be able to answer some of your questions. Granted, it wasn't the college you went to, but I bet some of the thigns will be similar.

In terms of finding a doctor and even a PDoc, the campus should have health referral services. Our campus did. They are very good about having a variety of doctors to recommend. If you don't like the first doctor you visit, or it's not a good match, just try again. You can also try asking your advisor for recommendations for your physician, if you feel comfortable with that. I did, and my advisor was really, really helpful.

There may also be a counseling center on campus. Ours had one. That may be another good resource to check, either for counseling support on campus, or for further referrals.

And in terms of talking about self-harm, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of discussing it just because you're on a Christian campus. The last counselor I saw was a Christian, and we were able to talk about self-harm very freely. In fact, I got the most help for it I've ever received in that relationship, and I'm doing so much better now. I think it depends more on the the working relationship and the counselor's training and comfort level. So see how it goes, okay?

Thinking of you and wishing you all the best, HallieBeth.....

Take care,
ErinBear

[HALLIEBETH87]

thanks

[(JD)]

Plus.... self harm is a symptom of distress.... if you focus on the distress and working through those issues, the self harm will subside.

[HALLIEBETH87]

i s'pose. i guess i'm just being stupid. guess i'll settle in and then figure it out.

[(JD)]

nah not stupid it was just an idea that you don't have to talk about the self harm right up front..not till you trust the T.

[HALLIEBETH87]

yes. i have a problem trusting Ts.

[Sarah116]

Who prescribes it? I thought a doctor had to keep a close eye on your status.

no one has to know about your cutting unless you want them too and physicians are able to prescribe medications including psychotropic meds. When I had a DHS caseworker that did not agree with my family physician prescribing the medication dosage level that he started me on she tried to have the court mandate me to see a psychiatrist for medication needs. The court denied her request because here in the USA the medical training that physicians and psychiatrists recieve is the same in regards to pharmocology (medication groups and what they do, dosage levels and so on) . The only difference in a family physician and a psychiatrist is that after medical school a psychiatrist decided to work in mental health field and a family physician decided to work in physicial health field. So t he judge denied her request and I was told to contine consulting my family physician if that was what I wanted to do.

as for therapy most colleges are located in fairly good sized cities that have a variety of free services outside the college staff. When I was living in college communities and didn't want those at school to know things I went to rape crisis centers, domestic violence centers and planned parenthood for my therapy needs. They all deal with cutting and so many more things you would not believe - PTSD, being sexually abused, depression, nightmares, flashbacks, cutting, you name it.