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.
So, I am going to be leaving Canada soon and traveling to the States where I am beginning as a graduate student at a university there. I'm very nervous for the new experience. I'm sure lots of other people with bp have experienced similar anxiousness.
I think I'll do well there, but I'll be without an immediate support network like the one I have built up over the past three years in university. I know I can make new friends and create a new support network but I'm nervous to do so. I ended up having a really unhealthy friendship with my best friend as a result of making her into my counselor and I feel guilty every time I think about it. Even though we're friends again I know it's never going to be the same and we just don't have that same closeness that we once did. I'm nervous about this same thing happening to another good friend I might make in the future. Although hopefully I've learned a thing or two from my past mistake.
I'm also nervous because unlike my university, this school does not give free counseling. In fact there are no counselors on site. The school does have referrals to outside agencies which I've done some research into, but the problem is I don't have a car and there is no public transit in this town. Also, I literally have no money since all the money I do have has to be used to pay for school. I won't have money to afford a counselor (I know in Canada some go on a sliding scale and I would imagine it's the same in the states, maybe I can find one for a very low cost).
My dad has a great medical plan which allows me to get meds for only $2. In the States I will not have this medical plan and I know that the cost of meds will go through the roof if I have to pay. I'm thinking of doing homeopathy since I have to pay anyways, but have heard mixed reviews on this. Currently, my doctor has allowed me to be off of meds and I'm not doing too badly (I've been off about a month). I'm just worried if something does happen.
When I first went to university my doctor and I decided together that I was well and could do without meds. For the most part I was healthy until 6 months in when I started feeling suicidal. I went back on meds and did much better but then the following year I was hospitalized (I was on meds when I was hospitalized). I am worried about this happening again in the states. For one, it will run me dry to be in an American hospital and secondly, it's a lot further from my parents. I need some advice. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
I think I'll do well there, but I'll be without an immediate support network like the one I have built up over the past three years in university. I know I can make new friends and create a new support network but I'm nervous to do so. I ended up having a really unhealthy friendship with my best friend as a result of making her into my counselor and I feel guilty every time I think about it. Even though we're friends again I know it's never going to be the same and we just don't have that same closeness that we once did. I'm nervous about this same thing happening to another good friend I might make in the future. Although hopefully I've learned a thing or two from my past mistake.
I'm also nervous because unlike my university, this school does not give free counseling. In fact there are no counselors on site. The school does have referrals to outside agencies which I've done some research into, but the problem is I don't have a car and there is no public transit in this town. Also, I literally have no money since all the money I do have has to be used to pay for school. I won't have money to afford a counselor (I know in Canada some go on a sliding scale and I would imagine it's the same in the states, maybe I can find one for a very low cost).
My dad has a great medical plan which allows me to get meds for only $2. In the States I will not have this medical plan and I know that the cost of meds will go through the roof if I have to pay. I'm thinking of doing homeopathy since I have to pay anyways, but have heard mixed reviews on this. Currently, my doctor has allowed me to be off of meds and I'm not doing too badly (I've been off about a month). I'm just worried if something does happen.
When I first went to university my doctor and I decided together that I was well and could do without meds. For the most part I was healthy until 6 months in when I started feeling suicidal. I went back on meds and did much better but then the following year I was hospitalized (I was on meds when I was hospitalized). I am worried about this happening again in the states. For one, it will run me dry to be in an American hospital and secondly, it's a lot further from my parents. I need some advice. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Some times herbal supplements can be effective but often there is little or no scientific research to back up treatments using them. I wouldn't put my faith into it. You will be on your own, and you will be your own doctor.
I hope you get insurance soon.
There are just some things that we have to try, do our very best, see how things go and take it day by day. There is nothing set in stone saying you HAVE to stay if things start getting too difficult for you.
Only you have the answers, you know yourself best and you know what you are capable of......trust yourself and try not to let the fears and the "what if's" rule over your decision making.
Best of luck to you in whatever you do decide!!! :-)
I know you are off now but is it possible to have an arrangement with your pdoc in Canada that he/she will be available for phone consultations in case you need your meds and so on?
Does your insurance not cover you here in the States? I know my coverage is no matter where I am. I am not familiar with how it works up where you are.
I wish you luck with school and I do hope you will be ok without meds and care.