Treatment Plan Day 1. Identifying Your Personal Needs

Introduction

This treatment plan is tailored to be "one size fits most", but it may still need to be adjusted by you with the help of a doctor and people that love and support you in order for it to be beneficial.

There is no treatment plan for bipolar or anxiety disorder that will be effective for everyone, because everyone is different and needs to focus on different areas.

Please read the plan overview before you begin... this will give you a better idea of what you are doing and why.

It will also be a good idea to read the

Table of contents so that you have a general idea of what you can expect for each day.

For the purposes of this treatment plan, a day is a relative term.

For you, a day may last a week. Don't rush yourself. The idea is to make sure you get the most out of this plan. There are no time limits or rules that are set in stone.

Some people will be able to complete several days at a time. Others may need to keep going over one day until they are comfortable with it. It's up to YOU.

If you begin to feel overwhelmed, break up a day into two or three. There is no use in having a panic attack while trying to cure your panic attacks. So if you need to, take it slow.

Identifying The Problem

For day one, the focus will be on building a good support system, and Identifying your personal needs.

Today is the day that you should make sure you have a diagnosis if you don't already have one.

I have seen an online test for bipolar disorder or two, as well as anxiety disorder tests online, but I would not recommend using them, because there may be an underlining physical problem that is causing your symptoms. A medical professional could pinpoint that for you.

If you don't know your diagnosis, make an appointment with a doctor. If possible, pick up the phone and do it right now.

However, if for some reason you are unable to see a doctor, an online bipolar test may be your best option.

If and when you are at your appointment, discuss tests and treatment options for your symptoms. Ask to be referred to a counselor or psychiatrist if the doctor feels that your problem is a mood disorder.

Many doctors will ask you if you wish to include medication in your treatment plan. Mine did, and I was all for it. I regret that decision, but again , it is up to YOU.

Be honest with doctors and counselors about any addictions you may have. This is difficult for someone with a substance abuse issue.

Many people fear, as I did, that they will be reported for illegal activity. A doctor is only allowed to report abuse. Everything else MUST be kept confidential. Medical records can not be used in court without your permission.

There is also the knowledge that a doctor will make you seek treatment. Be honest with yourself too.

You are here on this website because you have recognized that you have a problem. If addiction is part of that problem, now is the time to address it.

Addiction is not only about substance abuse. An addiction is anything that you do that interferes or takes precedence over your daily living.

Some people are addicted to food, sex, exercise, cutting, or gambling. Any type of addiction is harmful to you and your loved ones, and needs to be addressed now.

Finding Support

The next step in this treatment plan is to make a list of people and resources that can help you. Please do that now.

Make sure your list includes addresses and phone numbers or email addresses if possible.

You don't need to contact any of them (other than your doctor if you don't yet have a diagnosis) right away. You only need to list them and put the list in a safe place so that you have it handy in the event that you need to contact one or more of them.

List at least three friends or family members that you feel are supportive of you. If you don't have three right now, it is OK. Like I said you are here for a reason... that reason could have a lot to do with your environment. I will get to that more later.. for now, just list as many as you can, and then consider one or more of the following.

List a church that you attend or have thought about attending. Often you can find the support you need with a pastor or a church counselor. Or they can help you connect with other members and resources.

Also make a list of treatment programs and support groups you would be willing to attend.

Find and list community activities your are interested in at your local community center.

Look for and list volunteer opportunities in your area.

Sometimes meeting new people and seeking their support can be more helpful than seeking it within your own friends and family.

Learn About Your Disorders

Once you have your problems identified, you can learn more about them. I have provided much of the information you need on this website. On my home page you can find a list of links and descriptions at the bottom of the page of every link within this site. There is also a list without descriptions at the left side of every page.

To keep yourself updated on the treatment plan or disorder information pages that are added to this site you may wish to subscribe to my RSS feed. just click on the RSS button on the left side of the screen and you will have a list of the links on my site in a folder at the top of your screen in your browser that will automatically show updates.

You can also subscribe to my monthly news letter on the left of this screen to receive automatic updates in your email.

The next step in your treatment plan is to read as much information as you can about the things you have been diagnosed with.

Don't stop at the information on this site. As I have said, I am not a medical professional, and my expertise only covers my own experiences. Continue to look up your diagnosis on the web, or at your local library.

Again, a day can be as long or as short as you need it to be. Maybe you have already gotten this far, and are ready for day two.

If you are , that is great! But don't rush yourself!

Begin day two of the treatment plan tomorrow.

Relax, and enjoy the rest of your day :)