P-doc and counseling?

Hey ya'll! Things are really on an upswing for me these days! Thank you for your continued, loving support!

Hubby is doing soooo much better! It seems (so far) that the meds are really doing their job and there have been no noticeable side affects as of yet. (Lithium - 600mg; Depakote - 1500 mg)

Here's my question:

I feel like we are ready to move another step forward. He goes back to his (very expensive) p-doc 2/13. In the mean time, should he get started with a counselor? Should he wait a bit longer to be certain his medication is going to keep him in this "good place?" Does he need both p-odc and counselor or should he stick with just the p-doc?

Eventually, we will do joint counseling. But, I am not ready for that yet as I am still trying to get out of co-dependent, hurt, bitter, angry wife syndrome.

What do y'all think? What has worked best for long-term "maintenance" for any of you? I am so hopeful due to my husband's new attitude, I want us to do everything we can to keep it going!

Thanks!

I definitely am an advocate for both pdoc and counselor. I have both and couldn't live without either. That's just me, though. He's the one who will know when he is ready for a counselor. If he's ready to talk, then he's ready for a counselor. He may not stay in counseling in the long term. Maybe he'll only go for 6 months and then feel ready to be done. But whatever, as long as he gets a chance to talk it will really help a lot.

serafena

I copied my reply from the other thread, we should probably stop hijacking it:

"falling apart,

It most certainly is NOT a foregone conclusion he will relapse. I think what I have to share is that no matter how hard you work and how determined you are, it's ultimately up to him. Your motivation is the foundation for his success, but only that.

Also, meds will probably lose some effectiveness at some point. Even if they work for a couple years, they'll likely need adjustment at times. You'll know when it's time, but he may not. How you appr0ach that depends on how you two communicate."


I'll add that being optimistic is the absolute best way to go into it. You'll do yourself, and him, much more good with this mindset. Take this time, when he's improving, to be happy and in love. It will help you more than any fear of what could possibly be down the road. Today, embrace what he's giving you.

Hey there Whyus! And, thank you!

Yes, a p-doc is psychiatrist and yes, they prescribe meds and do counseling. However, there are therapists (psychologists) who are not medical doctors who can provide counseling. Many times they will work hand in hand. In most states, therapists who are not MDs cannot prescribe medication so alone, they are not the best way to treat BP. (IMHO)

My hubby's new p-doc offers counseling along with the pharmacology (meds). But he charges a mint! I think that the best course of action for us will be weekly therapy with a reasonably priced counselor and monthly visits to the psychiatrist. That is the route we will try and see where it gets us. Eventually we will throw couples counseling in the mix. Then we won't be able to go to the bathroom without asking for advice first (hahahaha!)


Just some humor to lighten the mood!

I hope that helps you figure it out.

Hey falling apart.  That's what I thought- about the p-doc.  Luckily, we have great insurance and can access a ton of resources, just have to find the right one. 

Since I begged the GP to contact the p-doc and tell them it was a crisis situation and my hubby needed to get in to see someone asap, they called to schedule!   yay!  I will schedule appt tomorrow!

So far, we are all on the same page and my hubby is still on cooperation mode on this with me.  I have to do all the research and scheduling of appts, but I don't mind as long as he follows through.  So far, so good!