i'm wondering if the universe is telling me to not go back on meds

[fizzgig]

i decided today that it is worth a shot trying meds again, so i called my insurance and was told i have only three options.

option one: does not treat bipolar (even though i told her that not all the docs i've see agree on that dx)
option two: closed his practice
option three: not accepting new patients

i want to feel better, i want to feel stable inside. WTF AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?

eta: the county does offer low-cost psych services, but i've already used up all of my visits with them. we go there tomorrow for my husband, maybe they can point me toward someone with a sliding scale, but i'm having a hard enough time just affording my therapist out of pocket.

[barbtries]

1. call your insurance company back

and tell them your results. and good luck.

[fizzgig]

3. they somehow came up with a half dozen new names

seems like something i should have thought to do, but i've never had issues finding a provider before. thank you.

[barbtries]

5. good!

they have to help you, just remember that. THEY MUST help you.

[BeHereNow]

2. Do you have a GP through your insurance?

If so, you might get lucky enough to find one
who is knowledgable about your condition
that could help, or at least point you towards
one that does.
I feel really fortunate because my GP IS really knowledgable
about psych matters and meds. He also stays in close
communication with my Psychiatrist.
Might be good to ask around-
Some GPs are really compassionate and would be willing to help you.
PLUS, they always have loads of FREE samples.
Take care of yourself-
BHN

[fizzgig]

4. no gp right now

i'm healthy as can be outside my brain, so i haven't bothered to find one. plus, i had a few bad experiences with gps prescribing me meds, so i'm a bit wary.

i was able to get some more names from the insurance company, a few of them i've seen before and didn't click with, but there are some others that i'm calling right now. an ex of mine saw one of the docs on the list and i just dropped him a line to see what he thought of the doc.

in the time it took me to write this, that doc called me back and i'm going down to fill out some paperwork. he's booked so far out that i can just cancel if i get any feedback that makes me concerned and it's back to the list.

thanks

[xfundy]

6. How long will you have to wait?

Not surprised to hear the insurance industry doesn't really want to help; most of their job is obfuscating and denying claims to get a big-ass bonus every quarter.

I'd bet that part of you is saying that maybe you don't "deserve" quick action—that's part of the illness, and you sure as hell deserve having those jackasses jumping through hoops to get you help ASAP. You might remind them that the illness will likely not improve measurably without immediate treatment, and if that happens, they're gonna have to dish out more of their precious money. Have you contacted NAMI? Their site (nami.org) may have some tips for dealing with these slimy rats. There is probably a legal aid society in your town, and they may also have tactics you can use.

DEMAND they get you to someone NOW. You are a paying customer, dammit! If the one who answers the phone puts up road blocks or unreasonable wait time, DEMAND to speak to his/her boss, and keep DEMANDING resolution! If you feel you don't have the energy, have a friend who's good at scaring such vermin give them a call.

Have you tried cognitive therapy? You can learn coping mechanisms as well as get advice from others who've also been slapped around by insurance creeps. And, of course, listen to others' stories-- it really does help to know what others have gone through. I spent much of my time in those groups being glad I didn't have it as bad as some others.

It gets better!

Best.