Bipolar disorder affects not only your health and well being – it can also negatively affect your personal finances. In the U.S. right now, job loss typically equates with the eventual loss of insurance and no income to pay out of pocket for treatment. So where can you turn for help when you can’t afford to see a doctor or purchase the medications that doctor eventually prescribes?
Check to see if your county has a health department (I believe that most do or can refer you to a neighboring county that does). As we explain in Bipolar Disorder for Dummies, a doctor will need to do a thorough evaluation to rule out other possibilities, such as thyroid problems or other medical or psychiatric disorders, that could cause similar symptoms.
In our book, we also point out other free or low-cost care options, including the following:
If you have a close friend or family member who can help you navigate these resources, enlist their assistance. Tracking down assistance and then jumping through hoops to get what you need can be very difficult and stressful in and of itself. If possible, it helps to have someone who can share the burden.
If you’re having trouble paying for prescription medications, check out our post “Can’t Afford Your Bipolar Medications?”
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From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (July 30, 2010)
From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (July 30, 2010)
Pete Quily (July 30, 2010)
Last reviewed: 30 Jul 2010