late to this but I worked at a mental health center. we gave patients referred from the ER priority appointments and were required to see them within 72 hrs. ao even if they don't admit you they may be able to get you seen by a psychiatrist sooner. ((hugs))
I'm going to recommend that you take yourself over to the ER and get yourself admitted. 3-5 days in patient therapy probably could do you a lot of good and get you started on meds if needed.
If you go to the ER you'll be seen right away
I haven't read all of the replies, but I totally agree with this.
A girl on our local board was having similar issues, and she checked herself into the hospital.
I don't think that would be an overraction, based on on what you posted.
Post by statlerwaldorf on Oct 27, 2012 16:19:44 GMT -5
I really think that you should go to the ER. A lot of times they will be able to get you an appointment a lot sooner than going the traditional route. I'm not a doctor, but it sounds like you might need medications and I'm concerned that when you go in next week they will refer you, but not be able to get you in to a psychiatrist until December or later.
Thanks again, ladies. I spoke to DH yesterday and that didn't go very well - I struggle to clearly state how I'm feeling. But I did tell him I needed a break today and he took the kids all morning. When he got back we talked a lot more and I felt like he was able to engage. I think he felt kind of blindsided/defensive last night. A huge reason I'm feeling so terrible and stressed is due to the issues w/ my family of origin and living far away from my own friends and my mom and extended family. I realized how isolated I feel and I have no one to just call and say "hey, I need a break, I'm freaking out". My relationship w/ my in laws is polite but not close and it takes a toll asking them for "favors" vs when it's your own mom and you can just say "dude, help me." DH's job situation and our financial situation make paid child care virtually impossible (I am now going to start looking into a solution, b/c clearly it's necessary) but until now I've been resigned to that just not being an option.
I am going to the therapist appt as scheduled (earlier if they can get me in) and plan to print this thread out and take it with me to be sure I don't get embarrassed/shy/try to minimize what's going on. I am not a fan of self-diagnosis but everything I've read points me to PPD/PPA and I will advocate a switch to a psychiatrist and ask that someone there possible evaluate me that day and get me started on meds if they think it's appropriate. If there are issues (or they try to make me wait 2 months) I will go to another doctor. (PS if anyone in the Twin Cities has a recommendation, I'll take it).
I know it's not ideal, but I don't at this point think a trip to the ER is warranted. Again, I know I'm not qualified to evaluate myself but I know I have been dealing w/ this for a long time, and 4 more days isn't going to be a make or break situation. Knowing relief is coming soon is enough for this week.
Thanks everyone for your kind words and support. I am determined to get waht I need professionally and personally to be well and move forward. I'll keep you all updated.
I didn't realize you were a Twin Cities mom! There are a lot of us here. Maybe a couple of us could hit up an indoor playground. We can keep an eye on your kids while you steal away to a corner to read a book or veg out or something. I know it is freaky to think about leaving your kid with an Internet stranger, but that way you would still be around, yet could get some sort of break while you work on figuring other options out.
I'm sorry your husband was defensive when you talked to him. My DH kinda had the same initial reaction when I was struggling with PPD - I think he felt like i was blaming him for my feelings, which wasn't the case at all, I was just overwhelmed. Once I gave him some literature on PPD he totally understood.
Big hugs to you and I hope you can get the help you need, and soon.
As a SAHM to a 3 yr old and a 10 month old and a husband that travels and works late I can say that weekly family help is necessary. I would talk to your in-laws into helping more. Maybe have your DH ask! Even if they only take one kid for an afternoon it would be a big help.
And I certainly don't want to scare you, but I would say from what you described here, this is a mental health emergency. You really need to be seen by a doctor right away and you need to be 100% honest about your symptoms. Maybe you could print this off and show it to them?
There is so much treatment available and I promise you that you WILL feel better and more whole. But I think this is out the realm of expertise for your average therapist, and you certainly don't want to be waiting two weeks to be seen. Hugs sweetie.
Agree, esp. with the bolded part. And that doesn't mean you're "too crazy for help," in case you think that. It means that there are some shitty therapists and some good ones, and you need a good one right now. There are times in your life where you can waste time on a shitty therapist, but this isn't one of them. This is also why I recommended a psychiatrist and not just a regular therapist.
Thoroughly agree - find as many people to talk to as you can. I ended up getting drugs from a shrink who was awful but had the prescribing authority for experimental drugs, but seeing my GP weekly because she was helpful, another college psychologist a few times (was awful, dumped him), dumped another GP, and had a short course with snother psychologist who was good.
And don't feel embarrassed or ashamed, I don't think I have a single friend who hasn't dealt with mental health issues, two in a situation where they almost hurt their children.
I didn't realize you were a Twin Cities mom! There are a lot of us here. Maybe a couple of us could hit up an indoor playground. We can keep an eye on your kids while you steal away to a corner to read a book or veg out or something. I know it is freaky to think about leaving your kid with an Internet stranger, but that way you would still be around, yet could get some sort of break while you work on figuring other options out.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. Obviously you've been given some good advice, and you're well aware that your feelings are not "normal," which is a great sign. I'll just offer zombie hugs... ({)
I didn't realize you were a Twin Cities mom! There are a lot of us here. Maybe a couple of us could hit up an indoor playground. We can keep an eye on your kids while you steal away to a corner to read a book or veg out or something. I know it is freaky to think about leaving your kid with an Internet stranger, but that way you would still be around, yet could get some sort of break while you work on figuring other options out.
Call on us if we can help with anything!
Thank you so much!
I like Becca's idea!
I'm a Twin Cities mom with an almost 3 year old boy and 5 month old daughter. Please PM me if you are interested in getting together. Are you in any moms groups? They make a big difference for me.