Does it sound like bipolar?

I am afraid it is bipolar because many pdoc would try to force meds if it is the case. I know the theory: if you are not harming yourself or others, they cannot force you to take meds. But there are so many bad pdocs that would force you anyway... Once I was IP I was told if I didnt take abilify, they wouldn't release me
I told that pdoc I had taken it in the past and It made me feel awful but he didn't care and forced me to take it. Thats why I do not want them to think I am bipolar/psychotic.... (Them=pdocs). I am going to try to tell everything to my therapist (a clinical psychologist) so he can understand it and help me (I have had a good experience with him)

Crazy, inside and aside

"Outwardly: dumbly, I shamble about, a thing that could never have been known as human, a
thing whose shape is so alien a travesty that humanity becomes more obscene for the vague resemblance."
I have no mouth and I must scream -Harlan Ellison-

Just to be clear, if you live in the United States, it is very likely that your refusal at inpatient to take meds could only be overriden by a court hearing. Med Court. And once there, patients do win those cases. I know two who did. The judge didn't agree with the state and the patients went on about their merry way off meds. So, if you want to refuse, just be up front about it with everyone and say you refuse. Then, you can see where it goes.

I do want to point out that being IP is not the same as just being the patient of a pdoc. No outpatient pdoc can actually force a patient to take meds. They can suggest a medication(s), but they cannot make you take it against your will.

I think it depends on the country you're in, though, and the country's laws. I have a friend on here (U.S.) who was forced to take meds even when they were not in IP. It was a court order -- I think called an involuntary commitment. They do it if you have a history of being involuntarily committed to IP and refuse to take the meds after being discharged. So basically, it's their way of keeping you out of IP because they know you will just end up in IP again and again and again as long as you continue to refuse meds. That's typically when you're forced into getting injections or forced into having someone watch you take your meds. (Yes, they literally do have people come to your house to watch you take your meds. I'm not lying. That's what happened to my friend.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluebicycle I think it depends on the country you're in, though, and the country's laws. I have a friend on here (U.S.) who was forced to take meds even when they were not in IP. It was a court order -- I think called an involuntary commitment. They do it if you have a history of being involuntarily committed to IP and refuse to take the meds after being discharged. So basically, it's their way of keeping you out of IP because they know you will just end up in IP again and again and again as long as you continue to refuse meds. That's typically when you're forced into getting injections or forced into having someone watch you take your meds. (Yes, they literally do have people come to your house to watch you take your meds. I'm not lying. That's what happened to my friend.)

Yes, you are correct, blue. I had forgotten.

Yeah, it's sucky all around.

For patients who genuinely need medication, I think providers need to work with them and compromise to find a solution that works for everybody involved. It's pretty sh_tty to force someone to take meds that give them bad side effects. I mean, most of the time people don't take their meds because of the side effects, yet here they are being forced into taking something that gives them akathisia, TD, etc.. It's messed up. It really is. I know these docs want their patients to be safe, but that still doesn't mean it isn't messed up.

Sometimes I think mental health providers have TOO MUCH power in these regards.

Yes IP pdocs can be a bit pushy about getting people on a Med, they can put a hold on you if you flat refuse.

I’ll tell what I have told people before ... if you truly don’t want meds even tho you sound up IP , just take them and stop when your discharged.

Meds are a choice , unless as Blue mentioned getting in trouble legally

I have been Med free since last March.. it was a well planned taper off each Med separately, Psych and many meds for physical problems.

Has it been easy ?? No , I have had to deal with a lot of stressful situational things pop up.. but I have a huge tool box of coping skills and a good support system. I just had to take a break from ingesting so many chemicals daily

Will I need meds again?? Absolutely Yes.. why ? Because I don’t want to suffer if my coping skills lose effect. I also owe it to my husband to be the mentally healthiest person possible for him and for other family and friends.

I feel in general... if anyone is solo and doesn’t have anyone depending on them .... if you don’t want meds then don’t take them, but if your unable to stay functional and hold down a job etc and stay out of legal trouble.. then meds full time needs to taken seriously

Remember that Every action and decision has a reaction and consequences.

Good luck !

Yes this ^

I have talked to numerous people over the years this happened.

I live in an European country, here it is really hard to legally force someone to take meds.... But you know, one of my IP pdoc just told me if I didnt take meds he wouldn't allow me to go outside during evenings (It wasnt a closed unit, almost everyone was allowed to go out for 3-4h from 4:00pm to 8:00pm), I explained him I was taking care of a ferret that would starve if I wasnt allowed to go home (I want to point out I lived in front of the hospital... Literally in front of....).

His answer was "Let it starve, then".

Crazy, inside and aside

"Outwardly: dumbly, I shamble about, a thing that could never have been known as human, a
thing whose shape is so alien a travesty that humanity becomes more obscene for the vague resemblance."
I have no mouth and I must scream -Harlan Ellison-

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluebicycle Yeah, it's sucky all around. For patients who genuinely need medication, I think providers need to work with them and compromise to find a solution that works for everybody involved. It's pretty sh_tty to force someone to take meds that give them bad side effects. I mean, most of the time people don't take their meds because of the side effects, yet here they are being forced into taking something that gives them akathisia, TD, etc.. It's messed up. It really is. I know these docs want their patients to be safe, but that still doesn't mean it isn't messed up. Sometimes I think mental health providers have TOO MUCH power in these regards.

It's such a tough call, especially if the patient is a danger to themselves or others. And one pdoc might have a different opinion than the patient's pdoc, but the patient has to live with whatever their own pdoc prescribes.

All of this said, however, is just one possibility...most people have a choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OliverB I live in an European country, here it is really hard to legally force someone to take meds.... But you know, one of my IP pdoc just told me if I didnt take meds he wouldn't allow me to go outside during evenings (It wasnt a closed unit, almost everyone was allowed to go out for 3-4h from 4:00pm to 8:00pm), I explained him I was taking care of a ferret that would starve if I wasnt allowed to go home (I want to point out I lived in front of the hospital... Literally in front of....). His answer was "Let it starve, then".

I'm sorry, OliverB. Some pdocs can be such mean people. Fortunately, those pdocs are rare.

But good that you live in Europe! That gives you more options.

Well. I will only say, having spent many, many years in my state's rather notorious state hospital system, which, quite sadly, is in most ways, typical of every other state (with a few obvious exceptions), the idea that patients just have virtually no say in whether they take meds or not is just not what happens. Not here, anyway. Even if you are on a hold or a full civil commit or a forensic patient serving a sentence or an aid and assist patient, most states now have a Med Court, whose sole purpose is to adjudicate these cases. And they do. Psychiatrists can't just force us to take a bunch of meds we don't want to take without us having any recourse in this country. That would be completely ridiculous and barbaric.

So, I know that a number of people here on this thread disagree with me, but, I do not think it is accurate to paint the picture in the current United States, that psychiatrists are just throwing people on meds all over the place without their consent or some kind of appeals process. That just isn't happening virtually anywhere in the US, in my opinion. If someone knows of a state in the current USA where this is occurring, please tell me, if you can, as I would love to read about it and learn more. Thanks!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpcyclist Well. I will only say, having spent many, many years in my state's rather notorious state hospital system, which, quite sadly, is in most ways, typical of every other state (with a few obvious exceptions), the idea that patients just have virtually no say in whether they take meds or not is just not what happens. Not here, anyway. Even if you are on a hold or a full civil commit or a forensic patient serving a sentence or an aid and assist patient, most states now have a Med Court, whose sole purpose is to adjudicate these cases. And they do. Psychiatrists can't just force us to take a bunch of meds we don't want to take without us having any recourse in this country. That would be completely ridiculous and barbaric. So, I know that a number of people here on this thread disagree with me, but, I do not think it is accurate to paint the picture in the current United States, that psychiatrists are just throwing people on meds all over the place without their consent or some kind of appeals process. That just isn't happening virtually anywhere in the US, in my opinion. If someone knows of a state in the current USA where this is occurring, please tell me, if you can, as I would love to read about it and learn more. Thanks!!!

This thread sure presents some interesting information and questions.

I've checked around a bit online and it's difficult to come up with a "yes or no" as far as mandated treatment. There is the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program, which supposedly mandates severely mentally ill people to comply with medication treatment. But the truth is that the AOT varies from state to state, and even from city to city. For example, the program is a legal term in San Francisco, but is almost never enforced there.

When all is said and done it seems that the AOT is done on a case by case basis and, on top of that, is dependent upon which MD deems a patient "severely" mentally ill and how the case shakes down legally - and definitely by jurisdiction.

I'm reading this thread and am sending hugs.

The pdoc can refuse treatment, and label you med noncompliant. This can effect the help for your future mental health. Also, if you are a danger to yourself or others, they can get a court order to keep you IP until they determine you are ready to be released. This would strongly imply the taking of your meds. So what your saying here is true but only to a point.

There are always ways around ones rights for people who are determined to be seriously mentally ill. This is what happened to a friend. She was arrested by the police. She was forced to stay IP for a month. Before a judge, he ordered her to see a court appointed psychiatrist. Also, she cannot leave the county without permission. So remaining med compliant is in her future.

IIRC I cannot afford to be involuntarily committed. They may come to my home and take away all my very expensive antique firearms.

Hi @OliverB I read in another thread that you were going to do an internship in a pharmacy. Is that happening at the moment? The reason I mention this is if you are maybe you could work half shifts to take some of the pressure off.

No we can't diagnose here but we can sympathize with you.
I hope that the visit to your p'doc in a week can be helpful for you. You can't know what they will suggest or diagnose. They wont think you are faking it. I have found it helpful in the past to write things down before I go so that I wont forget anything.

Mental illness is no respecter of persons. Can you call the psychiatrist's rooms and see if you can pick up any cancelled appointments?

I don't have a pdoc rigth now, and my therapist (a psychologist) only works two days a week... I am seeing him on Wednesday
Yeah, It is a great idea to write everything that has been happening.... I am doing it tonigth.

I am doing OK at the hospital 😄

I guess I am going to make a Tinder or Meet up account, I need to meet people.

Crazy, inside and aside

"Outwardly: dumbly, I shamble about, a thing that could never have been known as human, a
thing whose shape is so alien a travesty that humanity becomes more obscene for the vague resemblance."
I have no mouth and I must scream -Harlan Ellison-

Just be cautious on Tinder, not all those people are the most reliable and, as you know, some--including many, many women--only want quickie sex.

Ok, I guess I need some sort of help.

I do not.want to be.sick

Crazy, inside and aside

"Outwardly: dumbly, I shamble about, a thing that could never have been known as human, a
thing whose shape is so alien a travesty that humanity becomes more obscene for the vague resemblance."
I have no mouth and I must scream -Harlan Ellison-

I am seeing my therapist in 1h

Crazy, inside and aside

"Outwardly: dumbly, I shamble about, a thing that could never have been known as human, a
thing whose shape is so alien a travesty that humanity becomes more obscene for the vague resemblance."
I have no mouth and I must scream -Harlan Ellison-