kind of a rant... when to get help? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

hko8467 · 10-23-2007, 07:15 PM

How close to suicide do i have to come before it's an "emergency"? My pdoc says if i become suicidal i can come in without an appointment but i don't know what is really considered suicidal.

On a related note, I feel like I have a hard time communicating with my doc about how my moods have been. By nature I'm friendly and personable with most people, including my doc, so I find myself being a little too polite and casual when answering his questions. So when I do try and describe feeling especially down or having fits of anger etc I almost feel like he doesn't believe me because that's not how I appear at the time... does that make sense? If i say I think constantly about suicide but I'm not screaming or sobbing it seems untrue. I just don't want to be a problem, I don't want to seem dramatic or like i'm exaggerating so I'm quiet and polite and I don't get the help I'm afraid I need...

Lizabelle · 10-23-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hko8467

How close to suicide do i have to come before it's an "emergency"? My pdoc says if i become suicidal i can come in without an appointment but i don't know what is really considered suicidal.

On a related note, I feel like I have a hard time communicating with my doc about how my moods have been. By nature I'm friendly and personable with most people, including my doc, so I find myself being a little too polite and casual when answering his questions. So when I do try and describe feeling especially down or having fits of anger etc I almost feel like he doesn't believe me because that's not how I appear at the time... does that make sense? If i say I think constantly about suicide but I'm not screaming or sobbing it seems untrue. I just don't want to be a problem, I don't want to seem dramatic or like i'm exaggerating so I'm quiet and polite and I don't get the help I'm afraid I need...

IMHO, I think you should be more revealing to your doc about how you feel. I understand exactly what you mean as I have had the exact same thoughts. I have always maintained my composure however, when I have to answer some of those questions they ask I most often can not hold back a tear or two.
I'd say it's okay to act how you feel. No worries! Just let out what you feel is relevant and let them sort the rest of it out!! You are paying the doc the big bucks, right. There is always tissue near by

Once you get everything managed how it needs to be managed then you will feel much better.
If my suggestions do not work to your satisfaction then please try another doc. I have gone through more then a handful to find the right one. Hang in there!

seaturtle · 10-23-2007, 11:22 PM

Hi,

I tend to be the same way - reserved. polite, not showing how I really feel.
I've gotten better about it recently, though; if I'm not honest, they can't help me.

I don't think you should wait until you're sure you're suicidal to get help right away. If you find yourself feeling you can't stand things anymore and are thinking about self-harm, then go right away. Remember the doctor is there to help you - and wants you to feel better. Would he rather have you be a "problem" - or a suicide statistic?

And I'm sure he doesn't see you as a problem, either. Just someone who needs help. If he does indicate you're a problem, then get to another doc.

Please don't push it too far, okay?

Seaturtle

Sunka · 10-24-2007, 12:37 AM

I was the same way too...it was hard to express what was going on inside me because I was so used to keeping my feelings to myself so as to not burden other people - even the doctors! At your next appointment - or even sooner, if you're feeling pressured, take a deep breath and be honest and tell the doctor that you're having these thoughts and feelings and that it's hard to talk about. Just because you're not sobbing doesn't mean you're not sad, it means you're just very good at covering your feelings. Come back to these message boards a lot - they sure have helped me. I'll be looking for ya! Good luck!

jon12 · 10-24-2007, 08:37 AM

My BP ex had expressed that she "thought" about suicide at times. I got concerned and immediately drove her to a mental health clinic. They told me that their was nothing they could do because she didn't have a "plan" to take her life.
Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that mental health pros do not equate the "thoughts" of suicide as a significant danger.