Am I just sweating the small stuff?? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

TrueEssence · 04-25-2007, 07:37 PM

Hello everyone... I have started to write many times and then deleted them... afraid me (never)

anyways I find that I need some advice and had no one to ask that would know..(That is from my Fam..Friends) I don't really like talking about my probs.. Don’t really like to admit to myself that I have bipolar..
My doc wants me to see a psychiatrist he thinks that I need someone who knows more about bipolar.. I really, really don’t want to see one. I have a hard enough time speaking to him about things, let alone feel like I’m under a microscope by another person.
I was diagnosed with bipolar with a couple tag along features a year ago. I got right on meds. They worked for the most part made me feel as if I could stand being me. But it didn’t completely knock everything out, but as long as the big bad's were kept at bay I was peachy keen. A month or so ago I went off my meds, it was dandy at first.. Felt better then I had in a long, long time.. So my question is about seeing the dreaded psychiatrist…. And yes I have made an appointment… its just going there that is the hard part. Anyone willing to tell me what will happen on the first appointment? Will I feel like an ant under a magnifying glass? Am I just sweating the small stuff??

goody2shuz · 04-25-2007, 08:08 PM

Hi, Shorey

I think it is GREAT that you came here and that you are not ignoring your having Bipolar. Do you think that you are Bipolar or fit into the diagnosis??? The reason I ask is that from what you say you have been diagnosed by your family physician and not a psychiatrist. I think that your doctor is a very caring and concerned doctor who knows that treating you is out of his realm and that a psychiatrist is so much more qualified to diagnose and treat you.

Think about it....would you go to an eye doctor to treat a heart problem??? Or an orthopedist to treat a digestive problem??? Your doctor only wants you to get the proper care from somebody who specializes in what your problem is.

I think that it is best to go into this psychiatrist and just tell him the truth and nothing but the truth. Go through what happened to have your family doctor diagnose you with Bipolar. What meds you were on and how they helped or didn't help. Why you stopped them and how you are feeling now. It is sooo very important to tell the psychiatrist all that you can so he can first properly diagnose you and second pick the right meds to try and treat you. Unfortunately, Bipolar is not like pneumonia where one med works for all. Everybody responds to the meds differently with Bipolar and it takes some time and alot of patience to find the right combination.

I commend you for being honest enough to come here and asking for help.

As far as the first appointment you will probably fill out some forms and then the psychiatrist will ask you a series of questions. It is very important that you be totally honest...what you say is totally confidential so don't worry about telling him anything. He may want you to come back a few times to further evaluate you or if he is certain of a diagnosis will probably discuss his plan of treatment with you.

I hope this helps....please do not be afraid, being evaluated by the right doctor is the first step to getting better. Psychiatrists know far more how the meds work and what combos work best for given symptoms. So know that your doctor was wise to refer you to a psychiatrist.

Please let us know how things go and feel free to ask anymore questions you may have. I am sure that others will chime in.

~ Goody

MTB2 · 04-25-2007, 08:13 PM

If you don't like to talk about feelings it may feel like you are under a microscope but it's so important you go. It will be so worth it to tell someone how you are feeling and have them know what to try as far as meds go. You can do it!! Good luck.

TrueEssence · 04-25-2007, 08:24 PM

thank you for replying! and your advice!

tsohl · 04-25-2007, 09:51 PM

The definition of bipolar disorder has really expanded in the last ten years, or so. The definition used to include what we now think of as a "classic" mania, which is euphoria and grandiose thoughts. Now hypomania is included which can present as agitation, anger, irritability as well as the racing thoughts, sleep problems, etc. It is now thought of as a continuum of symptoms, not as two distinctive poles of mania and depression.

It is very common to be in denial. It is estimated that most individuals take 10 years before they go in to be evaluated. Oddly enough, the part of the brain that is affected is the very part of the brain that would normally let you know you were "ill." Because of this, many people who have BP never believe a single thing is wrong with them.

You are very wise to take your doctor's advice to seek further evaluation and treatment, if need be. It is a BIG step, and the most important step to getting on the road to recovery. BP is the most treatable of all the mental disorders. With proper medications and therapy you will be able to manage your BP rather than allowing it to manage you.

I want to reenforce what everyone else said. Be open and honest. Don't waste your time by being anything other than completely open and truthful. I would suggest you write some notes to yourself before you go in so you will have a chronology of your symptoms, episodes, whether there are changes Spring and Fall or seasonal, medications taken and whether they helped, etc. If nothing else, it will give you something to hang on to while talking to the pdoc.

Welcome to the board. Please keep posting with your comments and questions. Feel free to read through other posts if something interests you. I learn something every time I come on this board, and I hope you will, too.

Tsohl