So I've been frustrated lately because I made a phone appointment about a week ago to talk to my psychiatrist so I could get a refill on my prescription. I have to do this every 6 weeks right now because of a recent increase in dosage (by North Range Behavioral Health's strict policies), and Kaiser Permanente, my insurance, will not cover me out of state so I can switch psychiatrists. My appointment is on Thursday. I, however, didn't notice that I didn't have enough pills to last until then until literally today, when I ran out of pills. Now I'm worried I'm gonna go through some major withdrawals. I understand that I hold some responsibility for the situation, as I take my pills absentmindedly without realizing when I come close to running out (ADHD has a lot to do with that); however, I also feel that the system has put me in a place that is making it more difficult than it should be and feel like what is happening is unjust and immoral. When I tell this to some people, however, they tell me I have a "victimhood" mentality, rather than a "survivor" mentality and that I don't take enough responsibility for my part in the problem. Is this true? Am I crazy? In my mind, mental health institutions should know that forgetfulness and distraction will be more prevalent among a population of neurodivergent individuals. I'm trying to do my part as best as I can (but it's hard because I am so flighty), but I feel like the system has let me down by not making the situation easy. Am I just playing the victim here?
Do I Have a Victimhood Mentality? - Anxiety and Depre...
Do I Have a Victimhood Mentality?
I can’t say one way or another if you have a victimhood mentality, but I did want to ask if you called the pharmacy that filled your prescription and asked them if they could provide you with a few pills till you get a refill? Most will work with you.
Yes I agree. I use CVS and they have helped me in the past with this.
I agree with Here_am_i call and get a few pills to hold you over. You can't go through withdrawal, you have to prevent that.
I think some responsibility is ours. So Mayb write on a calendar, set something on your phone ,or set up something with the pharmacy to remind you that you are coming close to the end of your prescription. The md should also know how to figure out the math as to how many pills you need between appointments.
There are ways you can monitor your meds so you don't run out.
I don't know if it's playing the victim. I can't really say on that. Just be mindful for the future so it doesn't happen again.
Oh my... as for your meds I lost my meds once and I got an emergency script. I was told that i could go to the ER to get meds too. Can you maybe do that. I would honestly call. Withdraws from pysch meds are not fun. Some are worse than others.
As for a victim mentality I'm not sure. Its really hard when you have a mental illness. I know some can just do things like get over things easier or let things go. Me personally its tough to do that. You are not losing your mind but its easier for those looking at you to say you are playing victim. Ive been told this numerous times but yet un my heart i felt hurt from abuse, infidelity, mean people. I dont know if this helps you. I really do hope you get your meds soon. If you need to talk I'll listen. Take care💗
Hello mvillarreeal,
Sounds like you have gotten some good ideas to prevent withdrawal. Another thing I do is use one of those pill holders and put all of my pills for the week in. Just don't hold it over the sink, as the pills are a little harder to handle, and might fall down the drain. Do not ask me how I know.
It should be easier to get help and keep the right meds available. I've had doctor's that refuse to give refills until my appointment. I absolutely hate that and feel like it is somewhat a negligence issue. But I also realize that since I need the meds and no one else does that I should be organized and make sure it gets handled. So now when I have pill issues I consider it as a failure on both ends..
Hi, all. Thank you for the support. The issue has been resolved, as Walmart was able to refill my pills (I had to get a lawyer to tell me that; it would've just been nice for Kaiser Permanente to tell me I could do that after all that hassle). Unfortunately, though, to continue getting my meds, I need to fly all the way to Colorado here in about a week so I can see someone in person, as required by North Range Behavioral Health. I might be switching insurance soon, too.
Glad you were able to figure it out! And YEESH. What a pain in the butt. I hope you can find an insurance plan that doesn't make you jump through such hoops just for medication.
I don't personally see how this makes you a victim. A victim wouldn't acknowledge that they made a mistake or try to resolve the issue. Given this is just a mistake and it sounds like you're usually on top of this, I would think you just had a classic 'oops' moment. Happens to the best of us. I'm sure this will give you an opportunity to figure out a better way to juggle when to schedule getting your stash of pills.
That and you mentioned this flighty behavior is something you're aware of that you equally can't help at times. To me, it's like asking someone in a wheelchair to do a cartwheel. It's not close to being reasonable. That being said, you're taking care of yourself by trying your best to stay on top of what you're able to do under your insurance. I'd consider that survivor behavior 😊