depression, anxiety, bi polar, borderline personality disorder ???me???

dear dr.,  i am a 34 year old female, married 18 years with 3 chidren. there is a history of mental disorders in my family but i have only been treated for depression forabout 9 months. i was diagnosed with dysthymia from a mental hospital and he told me i should see a psychiatrist. i totaly agree but insurance don't pay so he told me to go to my dr. and tell him my circomstances. i did and he perscribed prozac. but i don't think it's helping.  i have mood swings that i feel i can not stop, i still cry over stuff that is rediculous, and i feel depressed for days without stop, sometimes i wished i could crall in a hole. my husband is very supportive and he told me i needed help. my chidren don't understand why i get so upset over small stuff and i feel so guilty i just want to give up. i find it hard to think rational and i always feer i am doing the wrong thing. i want help but i feel so stupid telling my dr. some of the things i have such trouble with that i wonder if he knows how to diagnose all that i think i have wrong with me......i also have hoshimoto hypothyroidism.....i constantly feel like crapp but my dr. says i am taking enough medicine???????

[HFHS M.D.-SW]

Dear Michelle,

You are obviously going through a lot of problems and stress.

A diagnosis can not be given without a proper history and physical.

It is important to note that Hypothyroidism may cause depression.
Your physician should be able to treat you for medical conditions.

For mental health issues you should be properly evaluated by a psychiatrist. I recommend you contact your local community mental health department either through your doctor, local hospital or government office. They may direct you to free mental health service.

You may also review the information in this forum to help you understand your symptoms.

Best Wishes,


HFHS M.D.-SW

[becky holt]

Hang in there!  I have been diagnosed w/ major depression, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.  I can relate to everything u said.  I also have children (2 boys) who do not understand why mom "goes off" about little things.

I have experienced 2 suicide attempts as a result of not getting proper care.  The system does not make it easy and insurance is no help at all.

I have had times when I could afford a private psychiatrist, but much more often could not.  There are mental health service on a county level that are based upon income level.  They may or may not be called _______ County Mental Health Services.  Look in the phone book & if not, call the county or state psychiatrist's association & they should be able to point u in the right direction.

Many psychiatrist's don't understand us even, but getting help from a psychiatrist is essential.  A regular family doc is out of his league with this.

Please feel free to e-mail me.  I am also a pharmacist, so I can tell you that it often takes several tries at getting your medication or combos of meds right.

Good luck.  You can e-mail me at ***@****

Becky

[CURTIS HANCOCK]

IN SEARCH OF HELP FOR MY NEICE. SHE SUFFERS FROM BI-POLAR MANIC DEPRESSION ALONG WITH ANXIETY PROBLEMS. SHE'S BEEN IN AT LEAST A DOZEN MENTAL FACILITIS AND DOES OKAY UPON RELEASE; BUT THE CYCLE COMES AROUND FULL CIRCLE. IT'S MY BELIEF THAT SHE NEEDS TO BE IN A RESEARCH HOSPITAL ie: johns hopkins.SHE IS GOING INTO ANOTHER STAGE OF THIS ILLNESS AS WE SPEAK, ANY INPUT WOULD BE APPRECIATED       THANKS,CURTIS

[kathryne]

I think I may be suffering from a personality or mood disorder. it is getting very out of hand and I would really like to seek help. I was wondering if there was a place that I could go that would be private and inexpensive. I am leaving for college soon, so I can not afford high bills and I would rather not have to ask my parents for money. I would really appreciate any advice. Thank you.

[Michelle]

To Curtis:

It sounds like you niece may be going off her meds when she is out of the hospital (does she live alone, because otherwise her parents, spouse, roommate may be able to monitor her).  I read about a program called PACT (Program for Assertive Community Treatment) which helps people stay on their meds (I found reference to this at www.psychlaws.org/General%20Resources/Fact6.htm).  Also, your local NAMI group probably can help with advice and recommendations on doctors (maybe your niece's is not agressive enough).  Good luck. My sister is bipolar and although under treatment has been having lots of problems lately, and so I have been searching for advice.

[Barbara]

I have been mentally ill since I was 19 and am now 50. I'v raised two boys by my self and continued working for 24yrs.Now im having trouble with manic depression again this year.  I am drained and just can't take any more. I have a good physcriatist and still have my job but will soon use up all my vacation and have to make a decsion to go back to work or go on disability[which I can't afford} I'm drained and no one seems to understand.

[Stephanie Mares]

It feels so good to know that I'm not the only one who is experiencing all these emotional feelings.  It is so hard to be bipolar.  I cry all the time and I feel so lonely.  I have 2 boys with the same or ADHD.  I worry all the time and I just can't stop being so down about myself.  God bless you all. Thank you.