Bipolar/Schizophrenia advice please?

[Captainmomtotherescue]

Hi, first time posting here. I'm looking for some advice about the "timeline" (for lack of a better phrase) after visiting the GP regarding Bipolar/Schizophrenia.

My partner (A week ago) went to the GP and explained his issues. We've known for a little bit that something deeper was the issue other than depression - Anti-depressants weren't having many if any effect, unusual behaviour/thoughts, long term history of depression etc. I have spoken to my GP the week before this about the next steps and she said it was a referral to a psychologist who would formally diagnose then come up with a treatment plan etc. However when my partner went, he wasn't sure if his referral was to a psychologist or a CBT therapist. Anyway, the GP said he is showing signs of Bipolar and some signs of schizophrenia.

I'm just wondering what the next steps are, if he's likely to have been referred to a CBT counsellor or Psychologist (if there's even a difference?) And any advice from here on in.

I don't have any personal experience with these mental illnesses, so any information would be extremely helpful. Also happy to answer any questions if I've missed anything out.

Thanks in advance! :)

Oh Steak ! All the best people aren't normal. Not the wonderful people that I know anyway! I think we all need a bit of relaxation time today (tonight)

I'll keep my fingers crossed that tomorrow is a better day for everyone!

How do you both find it best to keep your mind occupied?

I'm really enjoying these (new for me) smiley faces!

For me it's my music with head phones in, it really helps, or I watch YouTube videos. Particularly ASMR ones I find calm me right down. I know it's not to everyone's taste but I love it! Makes my head go all tingly.

I'm having to see the psychiatrist again as my therapist said I was far too restless and hyper, I didn't think I was that bad. And I'm not reckless with money, well I almost bought £100 headphones today, but the important thing is that I didn't!

I'm just making sure I'm busy. I had the OT come this morning who has got me through the weekend, the crisis team over the weekend, the health visitor on Monday and the psychiatrist on Tuesday.
Bip, give your card to someone you trust. Only carry cash, and only enough for what you need.

I know I should. The therapist has already told me to do this, but I don't because I think I'm in control and it's fine. I hardly treat myself anyway. I need to stop drinking as well and get more sleep! I find this combination is bad as it can make me quite restless and agitated. I've hardly slept the past few weeks, hasn't been a day where I've had to leave the house to do something. Then I get myself all worked up and can't calm down.

You sound quite anxious, is that how you feel? As you know, alcohol is a depressant, fucks your sleep cycle and gives a come down the next day but I'm having a bottle later

I don't think I'm anxious, I just can't sit still. I think it's the sertraline. I've been on it for 4 months now and even though the depression has gone, it's made me go completely the other way. I usually self medicate with alcohol so I can get some sleep or otherwise I'd be surviving on about 2/3 hours! Which I know isn't healthy.

I'm in control of finances in our relationship/household because DP has been known to overspend. It takes the weight off him immensely because he knows we won't get into trouble. We'd like to be able to get to the point where we can both have financial responsibility. DP also drinks occasionally and sometimes just to get to sleep too though it often doesn't help, just like smoking a joint, though that has more impact on his sleep than drink. Hopefully that will change with future possibilities!

More socially acceptable ways of him relaxing is gaming though that also has negative impact on his sleep. What usually helps him is being active for a lot of the day. So occasional working, lots of appointments, our kids etc. Things that wear him out mentally and physically.

Reading, gaming and listening to soothing music helps me. Think rain and the sea sounds. Sometimes a nice cup of tea or hot chocolate in front of some tv/film with a cuddle makes us feel good too.

I find it's important I feel relaxed as our anxiety bounces off one another and it can cause friction. When it's just DPs anxiety/issues to deal with, it's easier to deal with. We can come up with practical issues. Communication is getting better between us so I encourage him to talk to me about what's on his mind.