Dear Dr. Archer,
I wrote to you before about not crying at my dad's funeral. It has been months now, and I have cried only once. I am having a very difficult time accepting that dad is gone.
I would like to know if there's any new treatment for bipolar 2. I’m on seven different medications!
My doctor either can't or won't send me for testing. What do you recommend? Is this why I can't have a proper job? I feel okay when I take my medication. Why can't I have a normal job with normal stresses involved? Is there hope for me?
Peter
Dear Peter,
There are many treatments out there for bipolar 2. If you think you are not receiving appropriate help from your doctor, you have every right as a patient to seek a second opinion. But you comment that you feel ok while taking your meds, so I’m not sure what the problem is?
Perform your own homework; ask family, friends, co-workers or call your local hospital for a referral to a good psychiatrist. You want someone who is up-to-date on the latest studies, and someone who works closely and talks easily with his patients. Since you are so many meds, I think a second opinion is warranted.
As I stated in my original letter, some people simply aren't prone to crying. While time is a great healer, talking is a very good healer, too. Talking with family, friends or a counselor about your dad's death over and over, might be another way for you to come to terms regarding this. This might help you accept his death and help you feel better.
Do something special for him, Peter. Plant a special tree in your yard in his memory. It will be your way of keeping his memory right there where you can see it. Channeling your grief into whatever lovely plant you choose can actually be therapeutic for you. I hope this helps, Peter. Be well.
Dr. Archer
