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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dova on November 4, 2003, at 9:56:14
Briefly, I am a 38-year-old gay man living in the suburbs of Chicago.
I was diagnosed with depression in 1995, and have been on Zoloft (100mg/day) ever since. I have come to suspect that I am bipolar. In a cyclical sort of pattern, I go through stages where I don't sleep much, am highly creative, can't seem to turn my brain off, but also have incredibly violent angry meltdowns. I will quite suddenly explode (usually triggered by something very insignificant) and scream at whoever happens to be the unsuspecting victim. I am unable to turn it off until I have faced the "fight or flight" moment, usually resulting in my running away from the situation.
This is all followed by horrendous guilt ("What have I done?" "That person hates me now." "I should have done this or that..."). I then am forced to pick up after my mess and make amends, explain myself, etc.
These episodes have been happening since I was a child, often including hyperventilation. However, I am a teacher, and last week I scared a roomful of 5th graders when I had an episode. What a clean-up that required! My poor students are still a bit afraid of me, as they don't understand how I could be so angry and yell so loudly. (I have never had an episode at school, in 12 years of teaching.)
My question now is... how do I find a good psychiatrist in the Chicago area (I have a PPO), and what might he prescribe? Can I stay on the Zoloft? Please help!
Posted by Eggy on November 4, 2003, at 13:15:44
In reply to New here and I think I'm bi-polar, posted by Dova on November 4, 2003, at 9:56:14
Dova,
You sound scared and I can relate. What you need to do is call your Insurance carrier or go on their website. You can then get a list of Psychiatrist. An easier way is for you Primary physician to make you an appoitment. They ususally know the good ones. Ones you would match up with.I am also Bipolar. But I am also borderline Personality. So I cannot really match your symptoms. But you match me quite well. I have been in therapy for 2 years. You new doc will give you what meds he thinks will help. He will probably let you stay on the Zoloft but there are newer drugs that may help better. It is hard sometimes but we are here for you. Please keep comong back and let us know what you do. Eggy
Posted by ratgrrl on November 4, 2003, at 22:00:23
In reply to New here and I think I'm bi-polar, posted by Dova on November 4, 2003, at 9:56:14
Can't help you to find a doc in Chicago, but I can say I've been there. My hypomanias are often nearly exactly as you describe...especially with regard to the hypersensitivity. I also know well that feeling of having to "clean up after" myself and my moods. I was diagnosed 5 years ago. I can't say I'm 100% cured (who can?) but I can say I am tons better than how I was then. Perhaps that can give you a bit of hope. Good luck.
--ratgrrl
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