Any advice would be much appreciated!

[Bunnymom20]

My sister's wedding is coming up and I am one of the bridesmaids. I've been in a couple of weddings before, but this one is making me very anxious. For one, I'm not prepared at all. My dress hasn't come, so I don't know if it's going to fit. There will be a lot of people there and I have to travel far away to get there. I am worried about how I will do. My meds aren't right and my anxiety is not under control at all. I rarely ever drink, and don't tolerate alcohol very well, but my therapist's advice was to drink, which isn't very helpful. I haven't been going to this therapist very long, but so far she has said that I pray wrong, and doesn't agree with my political views. She's very close minded and thinks she knows everything. I don't mind us disagreeing on things, but I feel judged. Last session I got so anxious my whole body was sweating and couldn't tell her why because I was afraid of telling her how she was making me feel. I've also been going to the same psychiatrist for meds for 3 years. I keep going to her because I know she really cares and I can easily get ahold of her. She was also next to my ICU bed when I overdosed years ago. However, I don't feel like I've gotten any better. I have Bipolar type 1 and severe anxiety. I am scared. I am scared of never getting better. I am scared of losing control and being impulsive like I have in the past. I have been isolating so much because of my anxiety and depression. I don't know how to keep going on like this. I'm so worried about so many different things. I wish someone would just take my hand and say I don't have to do all this alone.

[gajh]

You do not have to do it alone. You can keep posting here and get support.

[Bunnymom20 in reply to gajh]

Thank you. I just don't know how much more I can take. My anxiety is so severe. I'm just scared all the time.

[gajh in reply to Bunnymom20]

How long have you been seeing this therapist? Has she given you any coping skills to try to help with your anxiety? Is she helping you at all? I hope you see from the replies here that you are no longer alone. Is your sister a support person for you? Will she help you through it? Is there anyone who will be at the wedding who you can rely on for support?

[Starrlight]

You do not have to do it all alone. We are cheering you on!!!

[Bunnymom20 in reply to Starrlight]

Thank you. I don't know how to cope with being in my sister's wedding with my meds not being right. I only have 4 weeks and then I have to go and I have her bridal shower before that.

[gettingsomewhere]

Hi I'm sorry to read you have so many things going on at the same time and are struggling.

Just my view but your therapist sounds like she's undermining you. Feeling judged by her and fearful in her sessions is not at all beneficial and may have a knock on effect to other aspects of your life.

I hope you get your bridesmaid dress soon and your meds sorted soon. It sounds like a lovely occasion so I hope things work out for you in time.

I didn't drink at my adult children's weddings. I was happier by feeling in control so you're not the only one. It's your choice!

[Bunnymom20 in reply to gettingsomewhere]

Thank you for your reply. 🙂

I think I'm going to have to try to find a new therapist.

As far as drinking, especially, because I am on meds I know I probably shouldn't have more than one drink. I don't want to rely on it to get me through. If I did, I'd just feel worse later. More depressed.

How are you doing?

[gettingsomewhere in reply to Bunnymom20]

Not too bad thanks.

Weddings can inevitably be stressful so it's understandable you might be feeling more anxious with the build up. Do you have a plus 1 to go with and accompany you? Would that be an option?

I think having a therapist on your side would definitely help!

When is your next appt with your psychiatrist?

Wishing you all the best with all of this!

[SameTimeTomorrow7]

Try to track the shipment of your dress. Almost all sites enable access to this feature. This can help you determine if the dress will get to you in time. If it won't, it's probably best to excuse yourself from this role. All involved will understand.

Terminate your relationship with your therapist, who is no doubt making things worse for you. Talk to your primary care doctor or your medical insurance provider to get a referral to someone better able to support you in all of the issues you're dealing with.

If you haven't already done so, talk to your psychiatrist about the situation you're in. Maybe a change in your meds is necessary.

Here at HealthUnlocked you have access to a compassionate, caring group of folks who can offer some support. With them, you are not alone.

All the best.

[Midori]

I don't think she is the right therapist for you.

Telling you to drink while you are on medication is not a good thing, and what has the way you pray or your political inclinations got to do with her, anyway? They are none of her business.

You are getting yourself all in a tizzy worrying about the wedding, and she isn't helping.

I would suggest you don't talk to her until after the wedding, get one thing at a time out of the way, you seem to have too much going on in your life right now..

Would your sister mind terrifically if you just went to the wedding, without being a bridesmaid? You will still be supporting her, but if you have a problem as a bridesmaid it is all very visible to everyone there. It might spoil the day for your sister. Talk to your sister and other family about it and see what they think. It's not the end of the world.

Cheers, Midori