plz sumone answer i just want to know aht you all think ?

Because you are going to sign yourself onto the psych unit in two weeks, I presume you are not having a psychiatric emergency. I don't think you can get admitted unless you are having one. Coping skills can be taught with an out-patient counsellor or am I missing something here?

I think it's a good plan, and I think it's good that you made a plan since lots of us just let things drag on to whatever conclusion comes along.

You say you want to "get sum coping skills and not live on pills forever."
That's a good goal, but for me taking pills is part of my coping plan. For me the pills help handle the worst of it so I can use my skills in taking care of the rest. I appreciate your attitude towards
pills but I don't think it's healthy or realistic. Maybe you can work on that, too! I think your plan will work and I know you can do it!

Meme, if you have a clinical diagnosis of bp, you will always need medication. It is a chemical imbalance that you did not cause. It is an illness that needs treatment. Coping skills are taught to you in addition to your medication. All the education in the world will not stop mania or depression in the bp person. I wish you the best of luck.

I agree I agree if you not complely out of it and manic you will not be seen. We BP's MUST HAVE our meds or we will spend our lives in a psych ward. If you need help with coping skills an out patient program is a definate plus or you can go to a support group. Right guys?

glory, glory hallaleujah....ms that one I only attend church occasionally.

I think you haven't been in a psych ward before or you wouldn't want to go back or at least I never want to. I agree coping skills can be learned via outpatient. I admire your willingness to do something healthy but don't take up a bed that someone in a real crisis might need. Good Luck.

well, learning coping skills is great, but having tried going off meds several times, I don't advise it. You maybe could lower the dose once you get stable, or supplement with vitamins & exercise (totally recommend this) but in the long run meds really are worth it. Otherwise, you'll just end up spending all your energy fighting the illness and won't have time for anything else

PS I agree on the psych ward consensus-- it's NOT a fun place to be. I've been twice and it can be extremely bleak. If anything, it might make you want to stay on your meds! You will see some f'd up cases and it's sad. Plus you might want to save your $$$ for a time when you're in crisis and you really need it.

are you wanting to go off all your meds? forever?
and is this what the Doc. thinks will be good for you?

sorry about all the questions...

Coping skills are probably Not taught in a phyic ward. My doctor has wanted me to ck in several times. Just to get away from external pressures in my life.
He's explained that a stay is usually about a week to ten days,mostly spent in a ward with other patients...some group therapy is offered..but mostly it's a defusing time ...a rest from the outside world.
But at 2000.$ a day...I'll wait untill I NEED to be there ,not just to rest up.
But if you feel you can benifit from this,and cost isn't a factor...give it a try. And everyone here is correct,we don't ck into a phyic ward to GET OFF MEDS,maybe to "retweek" the dosages ,but as BP's ..we're on the meds bandwagon,for the rest of our lives.(That always depresses me ,thinking of that!)