Unfortunate question

[Polluted_Mind]

I'm asking this here because I'm hoping someone may have experienced something similar and knows which direction to go...

Basically my whole life has been ruled by anxiety, a few months ago was diagnosed as bipolar (which is definitely true). I have just moved state back to parents (am 25) in the hopes of getting my bipolar under control. So I went to the GP today and due to past opiate use (codeine = suboxone, about 8-9 months sine I've had any though) she sort of just ignored it when I brought the subject up... and said she would 'get back to me' on a referral to a psychiatrist (so at least a couple of weeks).

Basically I'm so desperate for proper sleep that it's a joke. I stay away for 3-4 days at a time to the point where I start seeing people who aren't there... The reason I moved back in with my parents was that the insomnia (no doubt from mania) got so intense that I was genuinely considering suicide as an escape from it. So I was really positive knowing that I had an appointment today, but.. no.. no help at all.

So I continue drinking >400mL rum + 4 pints each night... to TRY and get some sleep... sometimes it helps a bit, sometimes it doesn't. But I'm so fucking sick of drinking... alcohol isn't even a good drug... but what the hell is my alternative? Smash my head against a wall until I pass out?

SO I'm genuinely considering going back on Suboxone, despite the fact I haven't touched any opiates in about 8 months, JUST for some bloody FUCKING (sorry) sleep.

WTF should I do??? Suboxone is SHIT to be on, but maybe I have no other recourse...

 

[polymath]

I have Aspergers, and I have had anxiety attacks, insomnia and occasional psychotic breaks for the last 8 years... (I'm now 30)

It's not a good idea to drink every night to get sleep. I started doing that 3 years ago and now I've become a huge alcoholic. When I take the first drink, I totally lose control and it turns into a 7-day bender of liter of vodka a day... If you've been drinking as much as you say for a long time, you might need a medical alcohol detox to avoid DT:s or seizures.

Could you try quetiapine (Seroquel) for your insomnia? It usually knocks people out effectively and its also used for bipolar.

 

[herbavore]

Surely if you tell any reputable doctor that you have not been able to sleep for 3-4 days at a time, he/she will have to get you in to see a psychiatrist sooner than two weeks! That is just cruel.

I agree with polymath about the alcohol detox. That is way too hard on your mind and body. Hang in there and keep us posted on your journey. (And remember that is what it is--a journey. Research everything you can about both bipolar and anxiety from every angle. The more you know, the more involved you can be in your own healing.)

 

[neversickanymore]

(And remember that is what it is--a journey. Research everything you can about both bipolar and anxiety from every angle. The more you know, the more involved you can be in your own healing.)

GOLDEN herbavore

 

[Swimmingdancer]

Surely if you tell any reputable doctor that you have not been able to sleep for 3-4 days at a time, he/she will have to get you in to see a psychiatrist sooner than two weeks! That is just cruel.

^This.

If your GP isn't helping you see a different one. Surely there is something your GP can do herself even if it does take a while to get a referral to a psych. If you've fully explained your symptoms to your GP and you feel she is not taking you seriously simply because of your past drug use, I would get a new doctor. Hang in there . I know from personal experience how miserable it can feel to not get any proper sleep, that in itself can make you feel "crazy".

In the meantime, how is your "sleep hygiene"? (things like not napping, not drinking caffeine or alcohol [*guess you haven't been doing that one, alcohol can make you fall asleep faster but it is disruptive to sleep and makes you wake in the middle of the night - are you physically dependent on alcohol?], trying to get up at the same time every day, making your bedroom nice, keeping your room dark, not using computers in the evening, and so on). Also have you tried relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation or hypnosis?

There are also some supplements, herbs and OTC meds that can help with sleep and anxiety.