I Can’t Get My Bipolar Medication Because of COVID-19

I can’t get my bipolar medication because of coronavirus (COVID-19) and I want to tell you about it. Here's what I've learned about the COVID-19 outbreak and bipolar medication.

It’s day four since we were told to stay home to protect ourselves from COVID-19.

Day four for all of us to stay home. Day four for all six of us to stay home together.

No wonder people are making runs on the liquor stores.

My Bipolar Medication During the COVID-19 Outbreak

But I don’t need alcohol to enjoy my family, I need lithium. Unfortunately, because of all the uncertainty and panic in my area right now, I can’t get this life-saving drug refilled.

I’m bipolar, and the last three years I’ve spent on lithium have been the best of my life. There have been zero hospital stays, zero suicide attempts and stronger relationships with everyone in my life. And, one of the best parts? Its cash price is less than $10.00, and that's without insurance. This has been great because I lost my insurance at the end of last year; and, while the great state of Nevada deems my children as eligible for Medicaid, they do not deem me eligible as well. This is part of why I can’t get my prescription filled.

I’ve Tried to Get My Bipolar Medication Filled During the Coronavirus Pandemic

To start with, the low-income clinic that would have been delighted to see me and refill it, closed indefinitely on Monday due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The only other clinic in town I could afford can’t prescribe lithium. The urgent care I tried in desperation said they’d be happy to see me for $145.00 to start, but there was no way they could guarantee the doctor would write me my prescription. My old psychiatrist from my last state won’t refill because I can’t see her, and it’s been more than six months since our last appointment. I am unimaginably grateful to the pharmacist who was willing to give me a few more days worth, while I keep trying to get a refill.

Dealing with this has made me feel powerless, impotent and angry too, to be honest. I keep trying to pick myself up and keep going, but it feels impossible some days. 

What Might Happen Because I Can’t Get My Bipolar Medication Because of COVID-19

The world is dealing with unprecedented events right now, and I am terrified I’m going to fall through the cracks. I will die without this drug or be hospitalized (and possibly left to die because I don’t have insurance). My family will be left with a mess of additional issues because a mom is important in the household. 

All if I’m unable to take that pill. And it’s something so easy to prevent, but I can’t. And I just sob because I’m trapped, watching the clock run out on my hard-earned stability. 

Lessons Learned About Bipolar Medication Because of COVID-19

Getting your medications filled now is important. Or taking the steps to get that done is important. Call your doctor, do a telemed appointment – whatever you need to be prepared.

I know a lot of people don’t agree with having a stockpile of meds, but the usefulness of having 90 days of meds in case of emergencies can’t be understated. I had mine stocked up, but unemployment, world crises, moving states, all of that depleted your stocks. Even if you don’t have it now, but you have the ability to get your medications filled for the next 90 days, please try and get it done.

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When Tricia Chilcott isn't writing about mental health topics, she enjoys spending time with her favorite people, enjoying this adventure called life together. You can find Tricia on Facebook.

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