Posted by Racer on March 19, 2007, at 16:27:02
In reply to oh plus,, posted by one woman cine on March 19, 2007, at 14:30:33
I'm sorry for the state you're in, Jeff. I've been without insurance -- not even medicare -- and it is very hard to get any sort of treatment, mental or physical.
In reading your email, though, I saw something that I think fits with what one woman cine had to say. When you say that you're unwilling to take any other medication, it kinda sounds as if maybe you're a little resistant to treatment options, which -- especially since you said you would kill yourself without proper treatment -- might make you sound a bit like a liability for a mental health practitioner. I'm not saying that as criticism, only in hope you can see another perspective on your phrasing, and the response it got.
Personally, if they're too expensive, and don't have sliding scales for those unable to pay their full rates, then they don't. Whether that's their "choosing" not to help you, or their inability to help you given those rates, the bottom line is that they're not the place to look for help.
Have you checked the local non-profits in your area? Many times, there are local non-profits that can offer some mental health care to low income residents in their area. Otherwise, most counties have -- as well as their own departments of mental health -- some sort of resource listing for community support. NAMI has listings, too, for many areas of the country; it's worth checking their website for local listings in your area.
I also wonder if it might be in your best interest, though, to open your mind a little to other medication options. What you're taking apparently isn't doing quite what you need. There really are so many meds out there, and possibly a more effective medication would improve your ability to see other options for getting therapy. I know how devastating medication trials can be, especially since I've been going through it for quite some time myself now. Still, I know I'm feeling better than I did two years ago -- heck, I'm feeling better now than I was two months ago! -- so in the longer term, it's probably been worth it to me to keep trying new ones. Maybe it will be for you, too.
What I really see coming out in your post is that you are hurting something fierce, and I'm very sorry about that. I know how I get when my depression is that bad -- I can't see any options open to me, and I get desparate, but paralyzed. Much as I hate to admit it, and little as I can see it when I'm in that state, medications do help with that. In fact, they actually help me more than therapy for getting past that negative view of my options. Maybe a more effective medication would help you see some options you just can see right now.
I hope you do try Columbia, and that they can help you. Good luck.
poster:Racer
thread:742135
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070309/msgs/742199.html