Posted by Garnet71 on January 31, 2009, at 1:46:01
In reply to Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on January 31, 2009, at 0:22:56
Hey, Gman, hang in there buddy. What can we do to help?
Lack of sleep is torture - I do understand. What you could do to fix this for the short term, to hang in there, is go to the hospital (but stay away from the psych unit) and demand some tests. Be assertive, but not overly emotional (this is hard but try your best). A good doctor will recognize the severity of sleep deprivation and you will tell him/her how serious your case is; at the very least, you could ask the doctor to write a script for a 24-hour cortisol test. There is no reason why they couldn't write a script for a harmless test...You can do the test the very next day, and get your lab results back within a couple of days. This would at least give you some peace of mind - a sense of control over your situation - while you go right now and call your therapist or crisis line asap.
I think the important thing is, for right now, is knowing this CAN and WILL be fixed and that you can do something to get yourself out of the situation. It's not hopeless-you have some control-there are things you can do. Sometimes we get so overburdened by the feelings of hopelessness, that we don't see the alternatives and possibilites being the veil of despair.
Adrenal tumors are not that uncommon - you must mention this concern to the doctor. The problem is, when one explains past history of any mental health issues, the docs tend to look at you only through a psych lens. This is why you must try to not be emotional, but be serious; be assertive, and....ask the doc, in a tactful way, that you are not comfortable as to what would PHYSICALLY happen to you if you were to not get PHYSICAL tests and if you were to go without sleep any longer. In a tactful way, ask ask them if they would be willing to be responsible for missing any serious medical issues you may have (if they only think in terms of mental health). This last resort tactic has worked for me before. Of course you must tell them about your suicidal feelings - as anyone would feel with lack of chronic sleep. Speak of it in that context.
I'm sorry I can't be more helpful to you Gman, but if you are not thinking as clear as you normally do, I wanted to offer a suggestion as best as I could. You sound like a bright, witty, and nice person; please hang in there by first going to the hospital (not psych ward), being assertive, and calling a crisis line to speak with someone who most likely has better suggestions than I do.
I'm rooting for you Gman...This too shall pass.
Hugs and best wishes. Please do write back as soon as it is convenient for you.(((((Gman))))))
poster:Garnet71
thread:877295
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/877303.html