Hello everyone. I have recently been officially diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and accompanying OCD. The more major of which is the Bipolar.
I need some advice.
It all began when I returned from deployment and was having some problems. So I contacted Military One Source and began seeing a counselor.
After several sessions I was referred to the Naval Fleet Mental Health office and visited a psychiatrist there. She was not concerned with evaluating me and simply handed me a script and pushed me out of the door. So after relaying my concern regarding her 'lack' of concern I was then sent to a civilian psychiatrist by the Military One Source counselor.
After several weeks of meeting with both counselor and the doctor they diagnosed and agreed on Bipolar disorder and a couple other problems.
I am unsure of my options at this point. They have assured me it is treatable but that there are several paths to take from here as to how it is handled.
They have mentioned a medical discharge from the Navy or simply admitting myself for inpatient treatment at a Naval facility with no sure idea of the outcome. Frankly I would rather get out of the military than be locked up.
So to this end I have two questions:
1) What are my realistic options at this point for a next step?
2) Is this putting me in a situation to be facing a discharge from the Navy?
3) Can I do anything to keep from getting locked up (rather it be in a hospital or otherwise?)
I am a bit scared and nervous. Not sure what to do. I do know that this condition is going to cost me my marriage and family if left unchecked. I also know that I don't care if I stay in the Navy. But I also want to do the right thing.
Civilian psychiatrist tend to over diagnosis bipolar disorder. However if you are in a manic state and unable to control your actions hospitlization is the best option. You will not be locked up forever, only until they can get your symptoms under control, which usually last a few days to a week or so.
You need to get back into the mental health department at your local military hospital for a full evaluation. Let them know that you have been diagnosed by with bipolar by a civilian provider and get copies of the reports.
Bipolar diagnosis is not conducive to serving in the Navy and you should get a medical board submitted to the PEB for fitness for duty and disability rating determiniation.
Thank you very much for your response. It makes sense.
What is your suggestion that I tell the Navy doctor to get a medical board? She seemed hardly willing to talk to me before. Simply prescribe some meds and kick me out the door.
Did you provide her with copies of the civilian doctor's records? If not then get copies of those and provide them to her. Then ask her what your diagnosis is? If she says "bipolar" then ask her what the next step is since that is a medical board condition? What hospital are you working with - add me as a friend and you can email me directly if you don't want to post on here.
I saw your message and had to reply. I am the mother of a sailor. I was diagnosed as bipolar about 18 years ago. It is triggered by not following a medication routine and can start up based on your stress level. There can be manic sides and depression sides. Honestly both are painful if you do not recognize it and do not continue a good treatment plan including counseling when needed. I believe that the key is having a good doctor. My doctor has been treating me for many, many years and I totally trust him. If I have symptoms or concerns, I can call him at any time. My suggestion is that if you want out of the Navy, this would be a legitimate ticket out. As far as losing your family, etc... YOU need to educate them on the disorder. Many people don't understand unless they are going through the symptoms themselves. It is something to be concerned about but it is treatable. Please take care of yourself first and foremost.
Originally posted by djz: I saw your message and had to reply. I am the mother of a sailor. I was diagnosed as bipolar about 18 years ago. It is triggered by not following a medication routine and can start up based on your stress level. There can be manic sides and depression sides. Honestly both are painful if you do not recognize it and do not continue a good treatment plan including counseling when needed. I believe that the key is having a good doctor. My doctor has been treating me for many, many years and I totally trust him. If I have symptoms or concerns, I can call him at any time. My suggestion is that if you want out of the Navy, this would be a legitimate ticket out. As far as losing your family, etc... YOU need to educate them on the disorder. Many people don't understand unless they are going through the symptoms themselves. It is something to be concerned about but it is treatable. Please take care of yourself first and foremost.
djz
I read the above posts, and except for yours, I wondered: My God, someone is diagnosing PBD and OCD over a Website. This is like trying to stop a dam break with a sponge and a blindfold on.
Mental disorders are to be treated by qualified Medical personnel. All others are leading the patient down a dangerous path if the patient follows the advice of non-Medical personnel, and especially a Website thread. The disease that the patient thinks they have could be some form of brain damage or brain malfunction not seen by the patient.
Bipolar is def. over diagnosed. I would at least get a second opinion on that. If it really is bipolar than the military lifestyle may be to stressful at times. Meds help with counseling.
It is a serious lifelong problem that will need medicine the rest of your life. My son has it. You will need continuous metal care. Never go off the meds. I think you need to start thinking about boarding out of service and doing paperwork for disability. You will need periodic medical tests to for your liver etc to see if you are handling the meds ok. You will be moody and restless but can be a productive member of society. I do not suggest shooting weapons while taking the drugs. Many are a narcotic. It is necessary though and you will like yourself better on the meds. Also watch for the possibility of seizures on the meds. I would also contimplate putting in for ssi too.also seek retraining if you recieve at least 30% disability.VA will retrain you because you draw that much or better. Also try the comunity services board in your area for help on the outside.
