[miaandme]

I was diagnosed with bipolar 4 years ago, but refused treatment due to breastfeeding/pregnancy. The past 2 years I started to hear people. I used to hear them as a kid too but not frequently, and didnt pay mind to them. Now its getting more frequent, and I can't tell reality from whats in my mind. I am scared to tell my doctor this. I stopped seeing my psychiatrist 4 years ago because I couldn't afford him, so I am just seeing my PD. She doesnt feel comfortable treating my bipolar, so she had put me on Zoloft 150mg for my depression. Since being on it however, I haven't been able to sleep more than 3 hours a night, and the voices are more constant. I don't know what to do. I am a stay at home mom of 2, I am scared of what my doctor would do if I told her. I need to be there for my children

[CANDC]

Originally Posted by miaandme

I was diagnosed with bipolar 4 years ago, but refused treatment due to breastfeeding/pregnancy. The past 2 years I started to hear people. I used to hear them as a kid too but not frequently, and didnt pay mind to them. Now its getting more frequent, and I can't tell reality from whats in my mind. I am scared to tell my doctor this. I stopped seeing my psychiatrist 4 years ago because I couldn't afford him, so I am just seeing my PD. She doesnt feel comfortable treating my bipolar, so she had put me on Zoloft 150mg for my depression. Since being on it however, I haven't been able to sleep more than 3 hours a night, and the voices are more constant. I don't know what to do. I am a stay at home mom of 2, I am scared of what my doctor would do if I told her. I need to be there for my children

Hi from my experience with a friend, you really need to get a psychiatrist to adjust your meds. Bipolar is not just depression but mania too. Mania has symptoms here https://psychcentral.com/disorders/manic-episode/

More on bipolar here https://psychcentral.com/disorders/bipolar/

I had a friend taking anti depressant (AP) and it only increased their manic cycle and eventually they had to be hospitalized because their AP did not treat the mania. See about Mass Health or the health exchange. This sounds critical and the current treatment may need to be revised to deal with your changed situation.

If you cannot manage a psychiatrist, try a psych nurse or even your MD. Show them the article on mania and explain that you are having these symptoms.

Feel free to reply to this post of send me a private message.

[sonjaward809]

Hello,

I have Bipolar w/ psychotic features so I can kind of understand what you're going through. I'm currently experiencing visual hallucinations (seeing shadow people) as well as smelling things randomly, I once thought the house was on fire because I smelled a really strong burning smell. I also hear whispering when nobody is around from time to time. But the shadows are more prevalent. I've also have a few thoughts that the government might tap my phone if I say certain words or phrases and come after me. I've been having these issues for a few months without saying anything to my doctor but now it's time I tell him since things are getting worse.

I'm also terrified to tell my doctor when I see him because I'm scared of hospitalization. But I know it's best that I tell him and get the proper help rather than letting it keep progressing to where I loose my insight. I'm hoping he will simply adjust my medications first then save hospitalization for when I really .. really need it. Cause I'm not a danger to myself or anybody else right now. I'm really just in a depressive episode that was triggered by me loosing my job.

I hope you find the help you need and get better.

[Sometimes psychotic]

It's completely treatable, possibly easily the sooner it's treated....I take one med called Abilify that's it......

[Bbop]

I'm sorry your feeling this way. You should try to be honest with your psychiatrist. So that you can get the relief you need. My PDoc asked me if I noticed an increase in my psychosis after having my children. I'm wondering if hormones don't play a role? Either way, I know you love those babies. You have to take care of yourself so you can be healthy and whole for them. Thinking of you!

People with bipolar shouldn't be treated with an antidepressant on its own. It's possible that the AD could be worsening the voices, so you should speak to your Dr about that. I also agree that a pdoc is better equipped than a GP to deal with mental illness, but you also need to have a Dr that you can trust.

I wish you all the best,

*Willow*

[miaandme]

Originally Posted by CANDC

Hi from my experience with a friend, you really need to get a psychiatrist to adjust your meds. Bipolar is not just depression but mania too. Mania has symptoms here

More on bipolar here

I had a friend taking anti depressant (AP) and it only increased their manic cycle and eventually they had to be hospitalized because their AP did not treat the mania. See about Mass Health or the health exchange. This sounds critical and the current treatment may need to be revised to deal with your changed situation.

If you cannot manage a psychiatrist, try a psych nurse or even your MD. Show them the article on mania and explain that you are having these symptoms.

Feel free to reply to this post of send me a private message.

Thank you. Yes, my doctor told me to watch for manic signs, especially since the insomnia started, but I don't know how to tell. Sometimes I feel like its all in my head, and that there isn't anything wrong with me. But then I have the doctors saying it is real. It gets so confusing. How can I tell?

[Bbop]

Is there someone close to you that you feel comfortable to talk to? I mean tell that person when you here or e something your questioning. Then they can look at the situation and help you identify if what your hearing or seeing is real. For instance, I was out side one night and saw all of these drones surrounding me... Watching me. My husband was shocked but came out and looked at what I was seeing. He was able to show me that they were just stars and began pointing out the constellations. Before I knew it I had calmed down, and we both knew that night I needed a PDoc stat! You may want to try journaling these thoughts and feelings. You can refer to them when you talk to your doctor. (((Hugs)))))

[miaandme]

Originally Posted by Bbop

Is there someone close to you that you feel comfortable to talk to? I mean tell that person when you here or e something your questioning. Then they can look at the situation and help you identify if what your hearing or seeing is real. For instance, I was out side one night and saw all of these drones surrounding me... Watching me. My husband was shocked but came out and looked at what I was seeing. He was able to show me that they were just stars and began pointing out the constellations. Before I knew it I had calmed down, and we both knew that night I needed a PDoc stat! You may want to try journaling these thoughts and feelings. You can refer to them when you talk to your doctor. (((Hugs)))))

My husband usually grounds me when I tell him, but I get embarrassed to talk about it sometimes. I just today realized that the "person breaking into our house at night" might not be real. I have been worrying my husband, absolutely positive someone is breaking in, that he is buying cameras and has set traps nightly. I'm so lost..