Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

5,536 Members
124,411 Posts
0 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

I confession only you would understand!

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi guys I have not been on in a while but I need to get some things off my chest and vent. So here it goies. As you all know when we get into manic stages we feel invinceipal. Years ago 2003 to be exact I got a dui in ohio and never took care of it! I know stupid right but at the time in my manic state I said hey my consulting job is sending me to pa they will never get me and have been driving on a suspended drivers licesnce ever since. Needless to say after reading and talking to my therapist allot (I finally found one I like and is doing wonders for me!) More than medication! I decided to take a 30 day medical leave of absense turn myself in and go to jail for 6 days. Needless to say it was HELL! I had panic attacks the second I walked in suicidel thoughts. The would not help me. Would not let me see a doctor or a therapist and would not give me my medication! My dr. even call the jail him self and demanded them to give them to me. They never did. Either way I am out now and when I went to go to the dmv to get my license they said I had a block from pa for a ticket. Again in my manic state in 2004 I got a second dui again because of my consulting job they sent me to ky. I was working 12-14 hour days and never even thought about it. I now have to figure out what to do? Turn my self in and face prison time? or just never drive again. As long as I stay out of pa they can't arest me but I can't drive. But the thought of spending even just one hour in prison makes me want to kill myself. No dr, no medication the worst possible place for a bipolar person. I literally was punching myself in the face and having panic attacks so bad I passed out and they would not help me. I am so scared I don't know what to do. Sorry for such a long vent. Thank you all for listening please let me know what you all think. Oh and by the way in 2003 and 2004 I was on no medication not seeing a therapist and totaly denied I had this disease
deleted_user
deleted_user
don't ever be sorry for venting and talking about your feelings. i'm not sure what to advise you to do. i think this is one only you can decide, but if you ever want to chat, just let me know
CarlaBent
CarlaBent
I would see a lawyer. Maybe even a couple of them, and see what they have to say. The first consult is almost always free and you might feel better about things, once you have an idea exactly what you are facing and what your options are.
And until this is cleared up, don't set foot into PA. Or get behind the wheel.
Good luck!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
yeah, what Carla said.
Bluefly
Bluefly
I have to agree with Carla as well.
I'm sorry jail was hell, but you made it through and stood up and paid for your mistake. That takes alot of strength and guts. Good luck with everything.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think Carla is right... a lawyer is your best bet. I was not caught with a DUI but with an attempted theft.. 30 day suspended sentence and a HUGE fine. I now have a misdemeanor on my record... and not sure I will ever be able to get a job that is "professional".

You might be able to get a lawyer that can plead you out to a lesser charge... celebs do it all the time...

Take care...
deleted_user
deleted_user
lawyer. absolutely. if they are any good at all they can get you a lesser charge AND meds in prison.

and you will feel much better if you clear this all the way up. you have the rest of your life to live.

good luck whatever you decide to do!! you've already come a loooooong way!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
oooops. IF you even NEED to go again. sorry about that. speaking before thinking. not good. esp on such a sensitive post!!

but while i'm sticking my foot down my throat, i haven't heard you mention that you went for any voluntary alcohol abuse counseling...what any state requires is usually pretty lame stuff...trying to make you feel bad about yourself and all that nonsense...

but i hear real counseling on the subject...or even just aanon can be a very cathartic experience...

unless you think this is only related to your bp...?
deleted_user
deleted_user
They are called lawyers. It is their job to make sure you are taken care of. Your civil rights were violated when they denied you medication and a dr. DO NOT turn yourself in unless you have a lawyer paid and present.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had an attorney the first time cost me $1,000 a he did not help out at all. I am concidering going after the jail for what they did by not providing my meds to me. especially with my dr. calling them himself.

but as far as pa goes again I can get an attorney but whose to say what will happen to me once they have me in there. I would do anything community service, house arrest anything but that cell!!!!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree that the lawyer thing is a great idea. You cant be denied your meds. You are very brave for coming clean.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Getting a lawyer for your problems and second DUI is a waste of money. I've had a few and everyone I know now also has had a few, one of my friends has had 7. The lawyer rarely can do anything except take your money.

The jail time, fine, drunk driving classes and AA meetings are required whether you have an attorney or not. Most of the time dumb luck, overcrowding in jails, and a sympathetic judge can usually get you more plus you save the $1000 fee a pointless lawyer charges you.

I know that sounds weird but it is true. You might want to go to some AA meetings prior to this because it will help the judge in sentencing.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Ok, if you failed to appear in court for your second DUI it doesn't matter if you're in PA or some other state, you will be arrested if the police find you. From my understanding the cops put out warrants for arrest on people who don't show up to court, so if you get caught pissing behind a trash can by a cop and he runs your name through the computer you will definitely be going to jail for failing to appear in '04. The last thing you wanna do is put this off any longer than you have to. Talk to a lawyer ASAP and explain your situation. They have a better understanding of the law and can get you the help you need. Like Carla said, they won't charge you for a simple question and answer talk.
deleted_user
deleted_user
So sorry to hear what you've been through. I agree with what others are saying, get a lawyer/ legal opinion before you make a decision about what you should do. Don't know about the jail system over there cos I am in Australia but am sure that there must be some way that if you have to do more jail time you can be looked after properly. Good on you for stepping up and taking responsibility for past mistakes. I wish you all the best.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't have any advice except what everybody else is saying, lawyer,lawyer,lawyer. And, wow, that sucks for you!!! I'm sorry.
TKVanGogh
TKVanGogh
wow...that sucks, Im sorry to hear it.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • kisses2016

    I have blood!!

    Posted by: kisses2016
    Last Reply: kisses2016
    6
    and got stung by a bee. The blood giving hurt worst. But despite being on meds, I was able to give blood :) yay!!
  • survivethis

    Medication suggestions

    Posted by: survivethis
    Last Reply: CarlaBent
    11
    Hello, I am new to DS and am trying to start chipping away at the issues I'd like feedback on from others.I would like to hear what medications you are on that you feel are helping you.I'm on Lamotrigine for my bipolar, Seroquel & Lorazepam for my severe insomnia. I am going to my Psychiatrist next week and want to be put on something else. I've been on these meds for a decade!I keep telling him...