Mental health Q&A

Ask your questions about mental health.

3rd & 7 37yd

Can you explain what doctors use to determine if someone is diagnosed with PTSD? I understand that the guy at Fort Hood was being evaluated but hadn't been diagnosed yet.

by Dan edited by WPTV 4/3/2014 9:23:16 PM
Hi this is Fran. To diagnosis PTSD you must look at a patients history including what trauma's they have experienced as well as how they are currently functioning: do they have relationships, are they angry, anxious, depressed, what are their dreams and is this all interfering with their current functioning.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:26:37 PM
I worry that my son who's in his 20s is having some mental issues. I don't have any money. How do I get him help? I don't know where to start.

by Susan 4/3/2014 9:28:01 PM
This is Fran Sherman. That's a great question that is relevant to so many families. Many people don't have finances for services but fortunately there are services in this county that see people on a sliding scale or accept Medicaid. One of the places you can reach out to is South County Mental Health. If they cannot help you they can probably refer you to a place that can.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:36:13 PM
I was told i have ptsd what can i do to stop trying to hurt myself

by talona 4/3/2014 9:37:03 PM
Please seek help immediately. If you are hurting yourself and in danger please go to your nearest emergency room or call 911. They can offer you help and refer to someone who can as well.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:38:34 PM
i am a Vet and i know many Vets if they show or display ( anger ) at a VA medical center they will be Jailed so they try not to allow VA personnel to Baker Act them or Jail them .... That is the Big picture

by Wc 4/3/2014 9:39:53 PM
Thank you for your service. Mental Health Services in this country need to change and hopefully they will at the VA as well. If you need help try to find a private psychotherapist that can help you or seek services from a mental health clinic. You can reach me at Fran@AskTherapistFran.com and I will see if I can offer you some advice.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:43:02 PM
This is really slow

by A Guy 4/3/2014 9:43:13 PM
Sorry..I have lots of questions and I'm doing the best I can. What is your question?

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:43:47 PM
I'm bipolar with psychotic features. I was diagnosed 13 years ago and have struggled ever since. Now I'm on disability which sucks because I'm so young. Are there any bipolar support groups in the Delray area?

by Steph 4/3/2014 9:44:25 PM
Hi Steph. I'm sure you're struggling. You can reach out to South County Mental Health. They are in Delray.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:45:22 PM
Being Jailed or Baker Act is not a Cure

by Wc 4/3/2014 9:45:29 PM
I strongly agree. A Baker Act is at most a 72 hour hospitalization that just keeps someone safe if they are in danger of hurting themselves or others.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:46:29 PM
i am not one of the VETS who needs Mental Health as stated i know many and its a shame they have to try and keep it Hidden

by Wc 4/3/2014 9:46:53 PM
Hopefully things like this will help this country to make changes. It is really awful because issues such as these are brain chemistry issues and nothing to be ashamed of. If someone has diabetes their is no shame in being treated. The same should be true for depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:48:41 PM
How do i tell my parents i'm depressed? One can not simply "just tell them" Thank you

by Kat 4/3/2014 9:48:58 PM
Maybe you can seek the help of a therapist or counselor who can help you to tell your parents.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:49:37 PM
So I just got in trouble for cutting on myself, and have a strong urge to do it again,... I said just a little one but it always gets worse. Sorry I thought this was like a regular chat rook

by A Guy 4/3/2014 9:49:43 PM
Thanks for being patient. Cutting has become an epidemic and it's really scary. People cut to relieve themselves of internal pain but it is not a good coping skill. Please get help immediately. If you are in danger please call your doctor, 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:51:37 PM
I have been depressed have anxiety each day and panic attacks - I have isolated myself for almost a yr. My doctor just keeps giving me pills that don't work - what other treatments can you suggest, I am getting desperate and need help.

by Lauren 4/3/2014 9:52:47 PM
Hi Lauren. You now have agoraphobia as well, but you CAN get better!! Both medication and therapy help. You may not be on the correct medication. Panic disorder is your brain chemistry. You can reach me at Fran@AskTherapistFran.com.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:56:25 PM
Most local Psychiatrist do not take insurance; especially BCBS. My son is on the Autism Spectrum. His pediatrician now his families GP help with prescriptions when they can, but we still need to see a Psychiatrist when he needs a change of medications. It’s $110 out of pocket and BCBS only reimburses $40.00. Maybe that should be WPTV’s follow-up story with local Psychiatrist and BCBS.

by mama 4/3/2014 9:56:46 PM
Hi. The Psychiatrist I work with is Dr. Nancy Griff and she takes BCBS and see's people with Autism. I agree that it is a serious problem.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:58:17 PM
I dont want to go back to the hospital tho

by A Guy 4/3/2014 9:58:23 PM
Can you call your doctor...please get help!!!

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:58:46 PM
Are there any Mental Health support groups in So. Fl?

by Joanne 4/3/2014 9:58:55 PM
There are some...it
depends what for. Your can google your topic to find out.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 9:59:33 PM
What are early warning signs that someone might just go on a rampage? We keep hearing about stories like Fort Hood and the recent deputy involved shootings. What makes people snap?

by Vince 4/3/2014 10:00:09 PM
Hi Vince. Sometimes the quietest people "snap". if someone seems like they are not in their regular routine...not sleeping, eating, socializing...something is going on.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:01:35 PM
There seems to be so little help for Mental Illness. I know most police stations have a crisis unit that will respond when necessary. I have a son that refuses to take any meds. There is always a waiting list for housing. I don't mean to ramble on But What can the public do to get more help for MH?

by Joanne 4/3/2014 10:01:51 PM
Joanne...I agree with you. I think that we as a society have to continue to advocate for what we need. Contact your local congressperson and make your feelings known.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:03:00 PM
I just attended a public chat this weekend that was sponsored by Mental Health Asso. of Palm Beach Co. I had to Marchman Act my son to get him help. The focus of this chat was to 1. Get people talking about mental illness as much as we do about Autism. Speaking about these diseases is what is going to change what we can do for people who are ill. 2. Try to prevent the legal system to be used as the only way to get help for people who have mental illness. Palm Beach County does not have sufficient resources for people who don't have financial resources themselves to get the treatment they need. My son is one of those people. Can the media try to help those with mental illness by doing a series on this disease as they have done for Autism? It is time that we all realize that this is an illness just at painful and destructive as cancer.

by Liz 4/3/2014 10:03:10 PM
Liz...thank you so much for this suggestion. I think that this is extremely important and I will pass this on. I try to be an advocate for mental health issues every day!

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:04:43 PM
I agree with Mama. Most psychiatrists do not take insurance. My son has insurance through the health care district but it doesn't cover mental health care.

by Liz 4/3/2014 10:04:52 PM
The best suggestion is to seek treatment through a facility that offers sliding scales. I know that it is very difficult. Again, contact your local congressperson and voice your issues and concerns.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:06:28 PM
I am on 4 different medications for mental health and have $0 income. How can I afford my medication?

by Flower 4/3/2014 10:06:38 PM
I hope that you have applied for medicaid which will cover most medications. As well, many of the pharmecutical companies offer assistance and free medications for those who qualify.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:08:22 PM
Thank You Fran for this web cast and promoting talks with us. I have found such great people that have Mental Health issues and they all have big hearts.

by Joanne 4/3/2014 10:09:38 PM
It is my pleasure Joanne. Anything I can do to help!

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:10:12 PM
To the mediator, please let people know that it is possible to successfully live with mental illness when that person is getting treatment for it.

by CC 4/3/2014 10:10:24 PM
Thank you for that comment. Mental Illness can be treated just like any other illness and the majority of people live very healthy and productive lives.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:11:20 PM
No doubt I must have PTSD non-military related but life traumas. Best suggestion(s)??

by Kat 4/3/2014 10:11:35 PM
My best suggestions are therapy and the right medication that is prescribed by a specialist.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:17:11 PM
I agree there is no help in the State of Florida for those who have mental issues. I have a son who is Bipolar there are no resources here in this state to help those in need. Cannot find help at all.

by et 4/3/2014 10:17:28 PM
If your son is under 18 years old and you live in Palm Beach County there is the Parent Child Center. There are also agencies such as Boystown that provide case management and therapeutic services.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:19:53 PM
Today I have heard a lot about this Ft Hood shooting and have not heard anything positive about what happens when someone is actively being treated and living with mental illness successfully. It appears that the negative stigma exists because the positive stories are not being told by the media.

by CC 4/3/2014 10:20:35 PM
As I stated earlier the vast majority of people who get treated for mental health issues do lead productive lives. Unfortunately there are so many people who do not get the treatment that they need and there are so many people that are ill that ignore their illness.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:22:16 PM
My mother had electric shock therapy done years ago without me knowing about it while I was overseas. Are there long term effects as she still has many issues

by Eric 4/3/2014 10:22:34 PM
ECT is very different now then it was many years ago. It has been used only for people with severe depression who have not responded to any other treatment. I am not an expert on the side effects, but you can certainly look that up on the National Institute of Mental Health site.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:25:00 PM
Can you go to a Phychiatrist without going to a Phychicologist as well?

by Another Mom... with a son.. 4/3/2014 10:25:08 PM
A Psychiatrist is an MD and they generally prescribe mediation. Psychotherapists provide talk therapy.

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:26:05 PM
Thank you Fran for advocating for those with mental illness. I am starting to get involved with the MHAPBC to be an advocate myself. I am trying to educate those I personally know about mental illness and why it should be brought out of the dark and into the light. Knowledge is power and the more people understand they shouldn't refer to people with mental illness as "crazies", "whackos' " or "looneys" any more than they would call someone with diabetes or cancer a name.

by Liz 4/3/2014 10:26:12 PM
You go girl!!!

by WPTV Webteam 4/3/2014 10:26:41 PM