MRI scan and inpatient treatment

[Klaura]

Hi all,

i have had treatment resistant depression for 10 years now and recently diagnosed with bipolar depression. I’ve been on 18 different medications, seen a handful of different psychologists and nothing is helping. My psychiatrist of 7 years just told me he can’t help me anymore and i feel alone. Over the last year my depression has gotten a lot worse and my suicidal thoughts have come back with a vengeance. On top of this I’m feeling more confused and forgetful than normal. My hands are losing strength and I’ve been told it’s caused by my anxiety. I was told ECT and TMR won’t work for me because of the number of medications I’ve been through.

I’m at my wits end and something needs to change. My mum wants me to do a MRI but I don’t know what that’ll tell me. Does anyone know if this will benefit me at all?

I’m also looking at inpatient care but I don’t know if this I’ll be of any benefit to me. I need more than a Band-Aid fix.

Does anyone have any advice?

[Sophie_M]

Hi Klaura, 

Thank you for posting to the forums today and for sharing how you are feeling with us. We can hear that you are going through a tough at the moment, including with a new diagnosis of bipolar depression. We know that feelings around suicide can be especially hard and we want to thank you for your courage in sharing these thoughts. You never know who will read this post and feel less alone in their own experience. 

We want you to know that if you ever feel unsafe it is important to call 000 straight away. 

If you ever want to talk about these feelings, you can also call us 24/7 on 1300 22 4636.Our team are ready to help you when you feel distressed or just need some support. If a call isn't best for you then you can also get in touch via webchat. 

Our friends at Lifeline are also a great support if you prefer and you can reach them on 13 11 14 or their own webchat.

We hope that this community is useful for you and that you can find other conversations to join that resonate with you. Please feel free to keep us updated on how you are feeling if you are comfortable. We are always here for you if you want to share. 

Kind regards, 

Sophie M

[Klaura]

Thanks Sophie,

i have an appointment with a doctor to discuss my thoughts 🙂

Kate

[akemi]

Hi Klaura,

I was in a very similar position to you, tried every medication available, diagnosed with treatment resistant anxiety with panic disorder and major depression for nearly 10yrs, also diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

Last year I was finally diagnosed with ADHD. Since researching neurodivergence and adult ADHD further (reddit and ADDitudemag.com have been extremely helpful resources), so much of my life, struggles and emotional distress is finally making sense.

I’m still trying to find the right balance with medications, and I don’t think I’m quite at optimum yet, but stimulants and an ADHD-specific mood stabilising medication have definitely helped a lot.

There’s still so much for me to work through and many toxic behaviours to unlearn but I feel like I’m finally on track and the world is making sense at last.

If you haven’t already discussed ADHD with your GP or psychiatrist I’d highly recommend looking into it and having that conversation with your specialists. Good luck!

[Bob_22]

Hi Klaura,

Hope you're doing okay.

It sounds like you've been on a long journey. I can understand that. If you're psychiatrist is telling you that he can't help you anymore than I would recommend finding another one, or a second opinion at least. With depression, there are countless number of options/combinations available. I imagine having another set of eyes from someone qualified who is aware of your medical history would be beneficial. Similar to you, I'm unsure what an MRI might uncover but if it has been prescribed I would certainly do one (if not for the sake of it).

Please feel free to post here to update us.