Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 2/18/2007

Question
Thanks, but i cant go back to the hospital. i just cant. I'm still on my meds, and they are sort of working. i was fine until my nightmares started again. how can i make the nightmares go away???? i get so scared when i wake up from them. sometimes, it even hurts physically, like it did when he was hurting me. that's why I'm not sleeping or eating. and that's why i want to start cutting again. how can i make the nightmares go away so that i can be normal again?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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I'm 23, and i found out that i was bipolar when i was in high school. in the beginning it was really bad, but I've been controlled on meds for awhile. i can feel myself starting to slip. I've barely been sleeping because of my nightmares again, and I'm not eating normally anymore. i know how bad i get when i spiral out of control, and  really don't want to. I've been having thoughts of cutting myself again, but i cant start doing it again, i promised my Nana i wouldn't do it, so as much as i want to, i cant. i just don't know what to do anymore. things are starting to get bad again and i don't want to end up back in the hospital. please help me figure out something to do.
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Erika:

This is very important--and I'm glad you can see where things are going.  I want you to go to a nearby hospital or crisis center and explain what you did to me.  They will not force you into the hospital unless you are suicidal--but they will be able to get you some meds and an appointment for a counselor.

That is the only way you can get through this--don't try to do it alone.  Any hospital or mental health crisis center will help.
         Joyce A. Anthony

Answer
Hi Erika:

I can understand your concern about the hospital.  I don't think that is going to happen since you have been able to catch this early.

Since you are taking medication, I will assume you see a psychiatrist for regular med-checks.  Is that correct?  My suggestion then would be to call and make an appointment with him/her.  Explain that the nightmares have returned and you would like to know if you could get a perscription that can help them.  There are medications that will help ease nightmares.

As long as you are showing you know what is happening and are willing to try and help yourself, nobody will be putting you in the hospital against your will.  That will only happen if it gets t apoint where you are a danger to yourself or other people.

Call your doctor and tell him about the nightmares.  He can hopefully help.
         Joyce A. Anthony