Difficult Days

[Fig]

I haven't been here in quite a while, I know.
Lately, things have become rather a burden. My depression, more or less manageable, is getting more difficult. I'm feeling more sad and dreary day by day, and think a lot about the past. My headaches are worse and more frequent.

I no longer have a therapist or psychiatrist. It's complicated, but comes down to regulations of insurance, dictated by the clinic I was going to. I had my last appointment on December 27th. So, I am without any treatment, just relying on my coping methods. Up to now I've managed pretty well, but it's getting harder.

My volunteer job at the zoo is a big help. Being there among the animals makes me feel better for a while. At home I have my birds, my books and music, and I watch TV to distract myself.

I really feel helpless. I cry a lot. I'm lonely, although I have friends, and just feel so lost and in pain. I don't know what to do.

[Ponygirl]

Sweety, you've come to the right place!

I'm right there with you regarding, insurance! I need medical supplies, so, I can get out, but,
they won't pay for the amount, I need each month, which means, I get to pay for them, myself!
I definitely, remember you!:):):) Please, stick around this time and let your friends who care
about you, support you!!!:) Please, don't sit around being lonely!!:( I've really missed seeing you here!!

((((((Fig)))))) :)

Phyllis

[houghchrst]

Oh Fig I am so sorry you have been suffering. No one should go through it alone. You should have come here and at least vented, and cried. We are here.

Have you contacted any kind of social service organizations to see if anyone has any ideas for you to get some kind of treatment? Do you have absolutely no insurance? Do you even see a regular doc?

Please stick around.

[Beader]

Professional Association Resources

Nice to meet you, Fig, but sorry to hear about your current situation.

Not sure if I've posted this before [brain fog]. When I was at wits' end due to problems w/ finding docs & therapists, I looked up local professional associations of shrinks, counselors, social workers, etc. Then I called their main offices & spoke w/ whoever answered the phone, explaining about my current financial &/or insurance problems. They were always so kind. Some groups had professionals who would see me on a sliding scale or do pro bono work. Some had me trade two hours of other volunteer work for one hour of therapy per week.

The person from the association also asked me questions about my mental health problems & history, as well as what I was looking for in a therapist or treatment. Then she'd go thru her files & see who matched the best, if they were available, & how close their office was. It was truly amazing! I never knew such resources were available.

Fig, I hope you can find something similar in your own area & that they can give you professional support. Good luck!

[joy]

Hello there, I haven't forgot you. I have just been sleeping my days away lately. I have low oxygen and that seeems to be what happens. I wish we lived closer, it would be so nice to actually see one another. I am glad you still have your job at the zoo.

Are you on anything for depression? Don't answer if I am being too nosy. I am going to look and see if I still have your e-mail address. Hope to hear more from you later. Please stay connected to us here.

[houghchrst]

Sher is right Fig. There are all kinds of nooks and crannies where you can find what you need if you just ask enough questions, talk to the right people and make a whole lot of phone calls. Information and help that isn't usually shared with the general public. If they were the services would run out real quick. Sometimes ya gotta share your life story with 10 people but it is worth it.

I hope you are able to find something or somebody to help.

[dawnmn]

I think Sher gave you some great ideas. I hate that insurance companies rule our lives. My t has to have me fill out a form every once in a while to see where my depression is at. The insurance company insist that he does it. Little does the insurance company know that I will always be fighting the depression for the rest of my life.

I wish I could work with the zoo animals. Sounds like fun. Our zoo doesn't let us work with the animals.

I'm glad that you have ways to help you cope. Just keep remembering it does get better. Just don't let it go too long. I don't know what I would do with out t and meds. :(

Also we are here for you. We will try and help you through it if possible.

[Fig]

Thanks, everyone. It's good to be among friends.

I do have insurance, that's not the problem. The clinic I was going to will no longer see clients whom they consider "stable". You must be in crisis or a real serious case in order to receive ongoing treatment. Isn't that nice? I am on medication, and my family doctor writes the scripts. That's ok, but he's not a psychiatrist and doesn't know about psych meds, should there be a problem. I've thought of calling around to see if any therapists/shrinks take Medicare. (and you can just imagine the Broadway Production I went through to get THAT all straightened out...medication coverage, and all....). Doubtful, but maybem someone does.

I'll keep coming here from now on...you people are the best.

[Ponygirl]

Fig,.............................................. ...................................

I have a feeling, you're *not* going to be happy about, what I'm about to say, but, you're right!
A Dr. who knows about psyche Meds., should, be the one, writing those scripts because, psyche
Meds. can have tons of side effects! There are lots, I can't take because, I have a seizure disorder
and lots of them can, *cause* seizures! You're right, you do, have to shop around to find one who,
will accept your insurance! In my case, I had to literally, look through the phone book, before,
I found one! In my case, it was really worth, it, because, I really like her! It can take a lot of work,
*but*, *don'* stop looking!! You *will* find one!!:)

Phyllis

[joy]

Marion I fell asleep at computer last night and woke up with a terrible neck ache so went to bed. I fell today and tried to get up for about three hours before calling hubby to come home and help me up. Yep I am as stubborn as all get out. I thought of mother as she too fell in March but I was lucky, all I will have is bruises and plenty of sore places. I know because they were bothering me while I was trying to get up.

I hope you stay with us here. Everyone is nice and they are my lifesavers from living a dull life while hubby is busy doing other things. He has quit his last paying job years ago to help me out, taking me to doctors etc. But it is here I come to spill it all and always get help, advice and company whenever I need it.
This and the outside birds I feed and my two betta fish keep me busy enough. I hope you mean it when you say you will stay with us. (((HUGS)))

[houghchrst]

Fig no your regular doc shouldn't be treating you. The psychs have the training to diagnose and treat. There an be adverse reactions if you do wind up being treated for the wrong thing or with the wrong thing. Things such as worsening depression, mania, suicidal thoughts. Your doc is good for ER refills in the event your psych is out of town or something but not for continual treatment.


Yes most definitely try a therapist if for nothing more than to be able to vent. Now I know that many places want you to see a therapist before you see a psych because the psych goes by the therapists notes and their own knowledge in order to decide a treatment.

[Buttons2]

fig,it's a new week! how are you doing? we do want you to stick around. lots of good advice here from real people & their experiences. and it's free!

cannot recall how often you help @ the zoo? bet it's fun to see the babies they might have?

nothing helps my depression like seeing pic's of a baby animal. last week it was the Pygmy Hippo named Prince Harry. didn't even realize those existed. they get to about 31" tall & weigh about 400-600#. kinda ugly actually but in a cute way of course.

I think you have birds? or lizards? been awhile for me to recall just what. and yes,please stick around. the more the merrier afterall!

OT-Joy have you named those Betta's?

[Fig]

Hi!! Yes, here I am. I volunteer at the zoo at least once a week.

I have birds..parrots, and a finch. They make a big difference to my life..a reason to get up, for one thing. They give me so much love and joy.

I'm doing about the same, and trying to stay positive. Passover starts this weekend, and I feel sad, make me miss my parents and I remember all the years past, when I was young and we were all together. It's hard to try to celebrate this holiday all alone. But I've bought the special foods I need and will do my best to enjoy it.

Hope you all are doing well!! Thanks for being here..talk soon. Love from Marion.