Anxiety and drinking

Labelle:

I've been there in that to go somewhere or not to go somewhere situation. As a bipolar, I was not on the right medicine, I was on an anti-depressant but not on a stabilizer like lithium which I'm on now. So I guess the anti-depressant was pushing me into mania and making me, couldn't make decisions.

One time, I was invited to go visit my wife's people out of town, like maybe you just were, and I would actually get out onto the road and drive for 5 or 10 miles determined to do the right thing, maybe, and visit those people. Then I would realize I was in no state to visit with anybody and I would turn around and drive back. Again, I was on the wrong medicine(s).

And so my mind and my indeciseiveness reflected that. You said earlier you take pills, what are you taking? How are you diagnosed? It sounds like you're not on the right medicine.

You can use this to access where you are, and make an effort to correct that. You've been misdiagnosed, you've been miss medicated. Can you use that to change? To stay on the same medicine and the same diagnosis when you obviously are still having problems doesn't seem to be the way to go.

Do you have a psychiatrist? If so, when is your next appointment?

You say, "what can i do...theres nothing i can do...not go...cause more upheaval..ughhhh."

I think you were right not to go. You don't have to set that off with a defeat. Set off your victory of not going with another victory. You're automatically heading for another defeat. It's your thinking that's tripping you up.

We appreciate your efforts to do the right thing. We appreciate your struggle. These people like you. We want you to like yourself. We like you the way you are.

What is the biggest problem?

Yeah, and as you say, Thanks.

Oh my diagnosis....is I think Major Depression with Panic Disorder.

Yes..i probably need a more long term medication. Youre right, this tripnhas brought this all to light.....Im really considering my options... If Ive been taking Ativan and medications like this on and off especially during stressful times should i see a dr to taper. Ive never taken more then my prescribed amount...which is very low. Ive heard seizures only happen with people who take high doses for long periods of time. My old Psych dr gave me them and ever tapered me..so maybe he wasnt worried...but ive started taking them again and so I would need a new Dr. My Psych dr right now is online so she wouldnt be able to taper me if you think thats a good idea

Labelle:

You said you were diagnosed with "Major Depression with Panic Disorder" and prescribed Klonopin which net says is for seizures and "also used to treat panic disorder (including agoraphobia) in adults."

You also have Ativan tranquilizer for short term problems. Don't you need an anti-depressant if you have major depression? How close are you to a mental health clinic? You need to get under the care of a psychiatrist.

verywellmind.com says about major depression and panic disorder:

"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression and Panic Disorder"

"Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of psychotherapy that has also been found to be an effective form of treatment for depression and panic disorder.

"CBT works by altering one’s negative thoughts and behaviors to reduce depressive and anxious symptoms and to improve overall functioning. A combination of CBT and medication is the typical treatment option choice for panic disorder and depression."

"It is possible to have panic disorder and a co-morbid diagnosis of clinical depression; these treatment options can address both conditions."

As has already been pointed by the moderators, "Can you take some time to get signed on with Moodgym from our Resources? You can self navigate the program and go at your own pace. It really helps you to identify the negative thinking patterns that are present in your internal dialogue and how to turn them around. This is powerful self help that I think you could find very helpful."

How close are you to a mental health center?