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Avatar universal

need a therapist

I have unsucessfully to get a therapist in my area.  The state doesnot provided them anymore and my budget can't
much.  I'm disabled with w/ bi-polar.  Are the any organizationation that could help.

THANK YOU
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Avatar universal
Well it's 5:30AM and I'm on my regular sleep cycle, lol.  I got a therapist appointment next week thank goodness.  I bumped up my doctor's appointment due to lack of sleep over the last couple of weeks and my violent mood swings I experienced last week.  I"ve had these before and had been able to control them by isolating myself from  others but that's not possible now.  Is there really such a thing as blind rage?  On this last episode I blacked out. I told my doctor what happened, he said that I had a hallucination and and everything was fine wasn't going to change anything.   Nothings fine. I take Geodon Proazac, Abilify, Klonopin, and Topomax and it's not working...I'm scared I'm not in control.  I'm glad you guys are here.  thanks A  .
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Avatar universal
Please don't give up.  
Psychiatrists are mainly to handle the medication part of your therapy.
Psychologists, therapists, social workers, all deal with your daily life events and talk therapy.

If your Psychiatrist doesn't know where to sent you for therapy, I am shocked.  Those of us who must deal with Bipolar Disorder need the talk therapy as much as the medication.  

For now, just remember that to help you maintain a reasonable mood range, make sure that you keep your stress levels way down.  That may mean seperating yourself from irritating people and problems for the moment.  I can say to deep breathe, but when my stress level goes to the beserk level, I need more than deep breathing.  I need to get away from the stress entirely.  If somebody starts talking to you about something upsetting to you, demand that they stop talking or change to a calmer subject.  If you need to be alone for a week to destress, then do it.  Take care of yourself.
Trying to locate a therapist while you are dealing with this disorder is anything but pleasant.  You may need to keep calling around, even calling hospitals everywhere.  BUT.  Pace youself so you don't find yourself in a tizzy suddenly.  Irritable, angry, striking out at others.  Yes it is frustrating, but you may need to stop a while and rest, de-stress.  
Another thing.  Stay on a regular sleep-wake cycle.  This is a must.  It will prevent you from going into a manic state, and if you become depressed, a little less sleep may pull you out of the depression.  But manage your sleep well.  Be aware of what your body is telling you.  If you are suddenly starting to spin your wheels and going nowhere, and needing less sleep or can't sleep, feeling irritated easily, or feeling more wonderful than usual, you need to recognize that you may be headed into a manic range.  Then talk to your doc. by phone at least if you can't get in to see him.  He may tweek your meds a little.  Become aware of what triggers your stress levels, and either avoid them, or learn how to take the triggers down to little bits and deal with them in baby steps.  Keep your mind as calm as possible.
While you are still looking for a therapist, stay in touch with this forum.  We understand BPD. as we've experienced it all differently to some degree.  We can share ideas to help each other.
Also, there is a book written for Bipolar people.  It is "Surviving Bipolar Disorder".  Sold in many bookstores, I would think.
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Avatar universal
Great advice.  Even I am learning new things all the time, from you.  Thanks.    K
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585414 tn?1288941302
Find out about the Medicaid Buy in for Working People with Disabilities. The eligibility limits are enough that a person with an average job can be eligible. You can find out more about insurance options at your local independent living center:
http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your insight K. I see a pdoc every 30 days or so for meds but he doesnot have the time for long discussions, not his fault its due to the "reorganization" lol of our mental health system in N.C. I hope I'll be able to find somone to fit that bill as my health insurance will at best pay 50% of the cost.
Everything mental health wise is privitized, farmed out to corporations.  As in most states
our legislators control the budget and mental health sadly is pretty far down on the list.

thank you again
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Avatar universal
Hi andy,
Try looking around for a Bipolar Support Group in your area.  If there are non, do you feel up to starting one?
You are not alone with this disorder.  There are a lot of people struggling with it who are also looking for help in some way.  Contact the hospitals to see if they provide a support group.  Also hospitals that have a mental health unit may also provide support groups that are free of charge.  Eventually you may learn where you can get therapy on a one to one basis, and disability will cover 80% of the fee.  If you have other insurance, see if they will cover the 20% remainder.  Just remember you are far from alone with this illness.  Every day I am learning about more and more people with Bipolar.  Good luck.  And until you find the help you need, stay in contact with this forum.  We all have BP. The ups and down that go with it so we do understand what you are dealing with.  Share your questions and thoughts and problems with us.  I am sure there is somebody who may have a good answer to help you along your path.  Look up the Dept. of Health and Human Services.  See if they can offer you any help.  K
Helpful - 0
952564 tn?1268368647
Well, that would depend on the state and town where you live. Have you tried contacting some local churches? Even if you are not a member of the churches they can probably help you or at least point you in the right direction. That's really all I can think of trying.
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