Hi,
BDP is quite serious and well beyond depression. I personally believe in self education, BDP is a serious illness and there are certain critia that you must meet to qualify, I know that your in Canada but you can use the DSM-IV as a base line.
If your in rural Ontario and having trouble finding help I suggest that you take a week off from your regular schedule get on a Greyhound bus, make it in to Toronto and go to St. Joesph Hospital. Make sure you have your health card and go to emergency, tell them that your suffering from major depression and BDP if you believe you have it and need help. From there they will put you in "Crisis Unit" which is not the most pleasent place to be but this is where you'll get your initial assesment, blood work etc. If you get there in the morning (highly suggested because you don't want to be in Crisis overnight) you will be able to see a psychiatrist and tell her your situation... she is super nice and will probally start you on medication. From there you will be sent to the second floor which is a new unit called "Short Stay", maximum 4 days. This is a very comfortable setting with awesome nurses and social workers ++ and the psychiatrist will monitor your meds. If after 4 days your not comfortable with your meds and there early side effects or feel you need more care they will move you to 7M, this will take a little to get used to but you have to be willing to get the help you need.
You could also go to a Mental Health Clinic but they are more for people who have already been through the hospital and need medication modifications, they are also like a cattle farm, packed with all kinds, no seats and the psychiatrist is typically strictly medical, i.e. does not have the time nor wants to hear any life problems just whats your meds and what is wrong with your meds or what meds do you need.
I wish you the best of luck and if you need any directions or more information on St.Joe's don't hesitate to ask...
David
