Beginning the Process of a Mental Health Evaluation

Prepare to read, it's a bit of a long post... I am beginning the process of getting a mental evaluation done to see if I have any mental differences with myself. I don't know how else to say that, I apologize if that sounds offensive.. But I went to the doctors today and had an exam to discuss Bipolar Disorder/Autism. I didn't know how else to start the process, so I started there. The doctor is not able to diagnose things like that due to his line of work, but he was able to refer me out to a psychiatrist and I'm thankful for that. He does feel that the symptoms I experience in my day to day life correlate with that of bipolar disorder. Again, not diagnosed because he's a doctor. Other supporting evidence is every generation (up to great grandma) on my mom's side has Bipolar and I have had severe diagnosed depression/anxiety (which I read are friendly companions with bipolar) for as long as I can remember. The doctor prescribed me an anti-anxiety medication to use as needed for the time being, and SSRIs are no longer recommended for me (I think it interacts with bipolar?). I'm anxious about the starting process and want this to all be done, and I can't help but feel like I'm a burden on all the professionals and people around me... I guess this post is more so as an update for myself and a place to just get my feelings out.. for people who have gone through this or something similar, do you have advice for someone just beginning their journey?

Your answer

Lifewithicyhot

1y ago

I honestly wouldn’t worry too much about it. I was evaluated in less than 15 minutes of an hour evaluation. I spilled my guts about thinking I was high functioning autistic and having troubles leaving my house to new places. I was diagnosed with agoraphobia, general anxiety and bipolar. Once I got the diagnosis everything made sense. And finding meds that work for me has helped a lot with my bipolar and some of my anxiety. My agoraphobic is a mess but that’s CBT that I can’t do with the current economy and where I live. But my bipolar was my more distressing and destructive condition. And even just knowing has helped. Knowing what to look for has helped me in reaching out to get help when I feel a manic episode.

moonbear

1y ago

When I found out I had skitzo effective (part bp, part skitzophrenia), everything made sense. I've never been embarrassed by it, it's just what makes me, me. It's normal to feel a bit nervous or uneasy, this is a new chapter in your life. It's good you recognize what medications interact with other ones. When you are properly diagnosed, double check on that. You've already taken some pretty big steps, keep going!

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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