I can't stress enough how much the spouses and families of bipolar (and other disabled people) people have to become their advocates. It may not be a position we desire, but it's a position we must take up for their benefit.

My husband has transferred from one public health facility to another, due to a recent 20 mile move. His former facility forwarded his information to the new facility. The new facility said they didn't have his file. All the while, he needs a refill of Zoloft. We have about 2 days' worth of this medication. When H called me today at work, he was very distraught & felt like he was being given the run-around by both facilities.

I took a short break from my job and called the former facility, leaving a message for his former advisor. I explained the situation & advised her that H needs his medicine & can't be expected to come off of Zoloft until the new facility can see him (in 2 weeks!). I came off of Zoloft after experiencing situational depression & it was terrible...even when I did it gradually.

About 2 hours later, H called me & said that the refill had been granted & his old facility called the new one & everything was straightened out. You don't know how good that made me feel! I can only imagine what would have happened if I had not stepped in!

Of course, H is an adult who can handle most things on his own. However, it doesn't hurt when family/friends step in & get involved either. I'm just so relieved that this has been handled & we can move on with life. *sigh* What a stressful day.

BYD