just quit drinking, when should I be evaluated for MH accurately? - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Jessica4407 · 02-18-2007, 09:01 PM

Hi, my daughter was just diagnosed as bipolar. The more I've read about it, I think I may also have it. I have suffered from depression for most of my life. I have been on most antidepresants with little or no effect. Since I was 13yrs old I've pretty much gotten drunk oncee a week. I just quit drinking, so I can get the proper MH help, so I can better help my daughter with her issues. My question is, how long should I wait before going to teh Dr. to talk about this? If the alcohol was masking my posssible bipolar, how long will it take for the weekly doses of alcohol to get out of my system before an accurate MH diagnosis can be made? I don't want a Dr. to prescribe me some sort of mood stabilizer right now, if it may not even be necessary. Do I wait 1 week? or more? I think I have a good enough support system now to keep my MH in check and it will not pose any immediate threats to anyone if it gets worse before it gets better. I just want to know if the antidepressants will 'kick in' and start doing what they were supposed to all along, or if in fact they weere always useless, alcohol or not. Thanks for all your help and concern.

historyteach · 02-19-2007, 02:28 AM

Hi, Jessica,
And welcome to SR!

I can't answer your questions concerning the length of time. But, I'm sure you know that drinking counters the effects of an anti-depressant. So, you've done the right thing by stopping.

Please talk to your doctor about the bipolar issue. Tell him/her that you don't want to start a med unless it's necessary, but, that you have this concern. The two of you need to work together as a team for your best health.

I wish you well. Please let us know how it turns out.

Shalom!

Bozo · 02-19-2007, 04:05 AM

Just wanted to also welcome you to SR. I have to head off to work now, but hopefully can check in tonight. Mike

tryingtolive · 02-26-2007, 05:28 PM

Maybe you should try anti depressants again now that you are not drinking. I have also tried AD's with little or now effect. I am going to give it a try again and hope I get different results. Good luck, I know how bad this ish can be sometimes.

shutterbug · 02-26-2007, 06:22 PM

it usually takes at LEAST 6 months of being dry before a good doctor will attempt any mental health diagnosis, but some may want to wait a year or longer before diagnosing...

Jessica4407 · 02-27-2007, 07:05 AM

Thanks you all for your helpful advice. It's been 8 days sober now and I am feeling surprisingly better than I had been feeling before getting sober.

Bozo · 02-27-2007, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessica4407

Thanks you all for your helpful advice. It's been 8 days sober now and I am feeling surprisingly better than I had been feeling before getting sober.

That is great news Jessica!!!! A day at a time, you can do it. I am sooooo happy for you!!!!!!!!!!

02-18-2007, 09:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jessica4407 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glens Falls, NY Posts: 2	just quit drinking, when should I be evaluated for MH accurately? Hi, my daughter was just diagnosed as bipolar. The more I've read about it, I think I may also have it. I have suffered from depression for most of my life. I have been on most antidepresants with little or no effect. Since I was 13yrs old I've pretty much gotten drunk oncee a week. I just quit drinking, so I can get the proper MH help, so I can better help my daughter with her issues. My question is, how long should I wait before going to teh Dr. to talk about this? If the alcohol was masking my posssible bipolar, how long will it take for the weekly doses of alcohol to get out of my system before an accurate MH diagnosis can be made? I don't want a Dr. to prescribe me some sort of mood stabilizer right now, if it may not even be necessary. Do I wait 1 week? or more? I think I have a good enough support system now to keep my MH in check and it will not pose any immediate threats to anyone if it gets worse before it gets better. I just want to know if the antidepressants will 'kick in' and start doing what they were supposed to all along, or if in fact they weere always useless, alcohol or not. Thanks for all your help and concern.

02-19-2007, 02:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,884	Hi, Jessica, And welcome to SR! I can't answer your questions concerning the length of time. But, I'm sure you know that drinking counters the effects of an anti-depressant. So, you've done the right thing by stopping. Please talk to your doctor about the bipolar issue. Tell him/her that you don't want to start a med unless it's necessary, but, that you have this concern. The two of you need to work together as a team for your best health. I wish you well. Please let us know how it turns out. Shalom! __________________ IMAGINE

02-19-2007, 04:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bozo On The Bus Join Date: May 2004 Location: Brattleboro, Vt. Posts: 477	Jessica Just wanted to also welcome you to SR. I have to head off to work now, but hopefully can check in tonight. Mike __________________ Signature made by my son Alex.

02-26-2007, 06:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
shutterbug A picture's worth a 1000 words Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: With any luck, I'm lost in a view finder Posts: 2,957	it usually takes at LEAST 6 months of being dry before a good doctor will attempt any mental health diagnosis, but some may want to wait a year or longer before diagnosing... __________________ I'M FINE!! Fanatically Insecure Neuratic & Emotional Bipolar/Depression support: 1-800-950-NAMI(6264).

02-27-2007, 07:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
Jessica4407 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glens Falls, NY Posts: 2	Thanks Thanks you all for your helpful advice. It's been 8 days sober now and I am feeling surprisingly better than I had been feeling before getting sober.

02-26-2007, 05:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
tryingtolive Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: No. VA Posts: 123	Maybe you should try anti depressants again now that you are not drinking. I have also tried AD's with little or now effect. I am going to give it a try again and hope I get different results. Good luck, I know how bad this ish can be sometimes.

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