bipolar 2 treatment
For more information about bipolar 2 treatment check out Antipsychotic Help
Q: Bipolar Type 2 Treatment with Abilify?
I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2. I was given Abilify to take. I am on 10 mg a day. I was wondering if anyone could give me any information about this medicine. What are the side affects? What makes it work? How have other people responded to it? How long does it take to start working? Has anyone else used it? How has it worked for them? Any information about anything and everything that you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
A: I was first diagnosed with Bipolar II six years ago. Over the years, I have been on numerous medications, including Abilify. The results and side effects vary from person to person, though personally, I would not recommend it.
I started on 5 mg of Abilify and before the year was over, I was up to 20 mg a day. The main side effects that I encountered in the beginning were drowsiness and nausea [though I have a weak stomach any way]. I made it through with taking it 30-45 mins before I went to bed and taking it with some small food, such as a piece of bread or some crackers.
Towards the end of the time I took it, though, I ran into some more serious side effects. Saying this, however, I want to point out that I do put most of the blame on my psychiatrist at the time because I was in a state hospital due to a relapse and she wasn’t my regular doctor; being in a state facility and being under the age of eighteen, my right to medication decisions had been waved. Before I stopped taking it after seeing my regular doctor, I began experiencing muscle spasm. My hands shook very badly [to the point that sometimes I couldn't even write legibly] and my vision blurred and shook. Though these side effects have lessened over the years, they are still slightly there. I also experienced that because I was on another medication for Depression that caused insomnia, I had troubles falling asleep. If I was up for too long, perhaps two hours or so after taking it, the Abilify would actually induce hallucinations and paranoia.
This all being said, these side effects are very rare; I just happened to be one of the “lucky” ones. [please note the sarcasm]
After the Abilify, I was switched to Lithium [it requires blood tests to check the levels every three months and must be increased every so often because your body will build up a tolerance against it], then Respiradol [can cause extreme weight gain; in the three months I was on it, I gained 30 pounds] and then Geodon [which I am still on nine months later].
The best thing is to make sure you sit down with your doctor to discuss all medication options as well as tell them about any possible side effect as soon as possible, whether it seems big or not.
Q: does natural bipolar treatment work ?wait am i even bipolar?
Ok, so heres the deal.
my psyciatrist lets just call him dr.quack cuz thats basically what he is, youll read why.
he says im bipolar when i first come to see him. now my counselor is ending my counseling and she says dr.quack doesnt have me listed as bipolar… if not then why the hell am i on the meds for it?!?! and then shes all like… well ill have to check.
ok this is why he thinks im bipolar… i have a bad attitute problem (i was a very spoiled brat when i was a kid >.> and still am <.< also i have a bad anger problem
Now my dr put my on depression pills at first >.> when you give a bipolar person depression pills they get more depressed. needless to say i had a really really hard day and i cut my self, i went to the hospital. then my dr told me how stupid i am WELL WTF you put me on crap pills for the diagnosis you gave me.. when he first evaluated me he said i had sever social anxiety order as well but like 2 months later i tried to get into a program that would give me hope for an education (homeschooling) he told my mum not do do it because i didnt have S.A.D ok so hes flipping all my diagnosis’s around… if today im supposedly not bipolar, S.A.D why am i on a anti depressent (makes me more depressed) S.A.D meds ANNNND ehm im not sure how to spell this schizophrenia. im not getting this… if i am bipolar what works for it… and i mean NATURAL hearbs and stuff taken on a daily basis, because i do not like having to consult every 6 months with a man who can barely speak english or make a descision about my mental health!! that and i dont like the things man made drugs are doing to me. so if you know any herbal meds or supplements, strange teas or weird bath salt crap. any ways. dont judge me for what ive said the typos ive made..
BOTTOM LINE I WANT ADVICE NOT PEOPLE GOING OFF ON ME BECAUSE OF WHAT I THINK…IF YOU DONT HAVE ANY THING NICE OR SOMETHING NOT RUDE TO SAY KEEP IT TO YOUR DA** SELF I WANT HELP NOT A LECTURE!!!!
thank you… for those you are the helping type dont mind the above message im just sick of people syaing mean judgmental or just plain stupid things in response to my questions…
thank you for reading this, have a nice day and double thank you for those who can help =^.^=
A: Hey buddy, i’m so sorry you’re on this toxic sludge …….. it sounds to me like you are suffering from an intolerant reaction to the meds they have you on mate …….. change physicians ….. get an appointment with a naturopath or nutritionally oriented physician so that you can be fully assessed and the anxiety and stress and brain frizz can be resolved from the source.
In the meantime eat more foods rich in calcium and magnesium such as fresh fish …. not the tinned variety …… fish is surely brilliant for healthy neural and heart functioning and for bolstering your immunity levels ……. leafy and green vegies too ….. i just love the green vegies mate …. way easier to digset too …… leafy and green vegies ….. broccolli, kale, chard, buk choy, collard greens, celery ………… rich in both calcium and magnesium.
Without sufficient calcium you will suffer insomnia, headaches and migraines, irritability and moodiness, terrible terrible mood swings and brain chatter and brain frizz, achy bones, digestive upsets such as bloating and cramping and constipation, even horrible violent dreams …… calcium is essential for healthy bones, teeth and heart health and works in tandem with magnesium (known as the antistress mineral)…… lack of magnesium will give you migraines and headaches, nervous and twitching and muscular issues and will also cause lower back aches and bad digestion ……. and contribute to high blood pressure ….. increasing your daily intake of foods rich in both such as leafy and green vegies, brocolli, kale, spinach, fresh fish such as tuna and salmon and organic nuts and seeds such as almonds, brazil nuts and sunflower seeds will dramatically increase your feeling of well being and peace of mind.
Eat more green vegies mate, another thing they’ll do is encourage the production of hydrochloric acid in your tummy and help resolve any issues you may have with constipation and bloating.
Get 10 – 15 mins daily of safe sun exposure too …….. everything hinges on sufficient supplies of vitamin D in your body …….. if you can’t do that take a homepathic vitamin D3 liquid supplement …… go to your local health food store or herbal dispensary and ask for their guidance as to which vitamin D3 drops would be the easiest for your body to assimilate …… pharmaceutical grade or practitioner only quality are the best you can buy…… calcium relies on vitamin D for effective assimilation.
A little extra effort sure but anything worth having is worth the extra effort ….. i reckon calmness and peace of mind is worth a few bowls of green vegies a day.
believe it mate, i’ve been where you are now ……. they misdiagnosed me with bipolar / schizophrenia years ago and near fried my brain before i had my epiphany …… that i felt the worst i ever had in my life ….. they had me on vast amounts of Effexor, Xyprexia, valium …. gaaah, toxic sludge all of it ….. i got reassessed and detoxed off the meds and went to a naturopath who diagnosed me with coeliac (intolerance to barley oats wheat and rye) and lactose intolerance (intolerance to milk and dairy) and severe soy intolerance and processed sugar ….. i went into denial for about 12 months and then finally i gradually started to sift slowly through eliminating the foods and chemicals that were making me soooo sick ……… please consider getting a reassessment from a naturopath.
oh, drink loads of water too and try to cut right back on the caffeine, sodas, pop and soft drinks and alcohol if you drink any cos they’ll all dehydrate you terribly and rob you of your precious B complex of vitamins …… processed sugar will also rob you of your B complex and deplete calcium stores and stress your system.
take care of you
peace baby
♥
Q: Is there increasing evidence that treatment-resistant depression is actually type 2 bipolar disorder, because?
. . . the mania phase of type 2 bipolar disorder is much less severe (called hypomania, not full-blown mania), and a phase of hypomania may not even be seen as any type of disorder but rather be simply seen as the person being more “active”, “energetic”, or “hyper” than other people.
A: No, that is not a widely recognized theory I have ever heard about. I am not familiar with any evidence that treatment resistant depression would necessarily be bipolar disorder either. If such evidence exists, it is very obscure and not well supported.
You are right that type 2 Bipolar Affective Disorder involves hypomania rather than mania, but the critical piece is that the hypomania is still a clinical impairment. If there was depression, but no clinically significant mania or hypomania issues, the diagnosis would be depression, not bipolar. Remember that depression is not usually constant, but present in depressive episodes, which wax and wane over time. It also does not always manifest in the same way in the same people, so some could appear “high energy” while still being depressed (although this would not be the more stereotypical presentation, of course).
Q: Can I pass my bipolar type 2 onto my children?
I have bipolar type 2. I am wanting to know if it is possible to pass the bipolar onto my children. I am not wanting children as yet as the timing with my treatment (medications etc) is not right but I am just curious to know if it will/can be passed on.
A: “Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, so researchers are looking for genes that may increase a person’s chance of developing the illness”
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml
Q: How can I help my boyfriend who was diagnosed with bipolar to understand he needs treatment?
I have been with my boyfriend for over a year now and just recently I learned from his mother that he was diagnosed with Bipolar when he was younger, he however does not think he has a problem and is not on any medication. I just don’t know what to do. Every other day he flips out for no reason and breaks up with me and then a day later he is back acting like nothing happened. He gets really mean and calls me names, but when it is good its the best thing that has happened to me in my life. Do you have any advice for me? Or anything that I can do to get him to seek treatment?
I try talking to him and making him happy, but no matter what I do I can’t do anything right. I am always the bad guy and he takes everything I say out of context and it blows up in my face. Like just a little talk will lead to me doing this horrible thing and he just runs away. he always tries to run away from me instead of talking. he ignores my phone calls and just doesnt care when this happens. Otherwise he says I am the best thing that has ever happened to him and he loves me more than anything, but then something switches and he is the complete opposite. Like 2 different people.What can I do to help him?
A: He needs to know that Bi-Polar is a disease just like Diabetes or Heart Disease and requires medication to live a happy and productive life. This doesn’t go away. If he had Heart Disease I am certain that he would take his medication to stay alive and well. Or Diabetes he would take his medication, insulin so that he could live. Bi-Polar is a problem with the brain chemical Serotonin and the Neurotransmitters in the brain. The only way to correct this is with the right safe medications for him. He has to take an antidepressant for the depression part of it and an anti-psychotic for the manic phase. By not taking his medication he has made a choice to remain sick and to abuse you and his mother. You really should give him an ultimatum that he needs to get treated and take medications or you won’t put up with the abuse anymore. Without his medication you are in for a life of misery and nothing else. Think hard yourself, why are you staying with someone who has made the choice to abuse you. This is not a relationship and it is not love. You deserve someone who will love and take care of you the same as you will take care of him.
Q: I am bipolar 2(mixed),is it still possible for me to train as a Psychiatric Nurse?
I am stable and receiving appropriate treatment.Would my mental health be assessed if I applied to become a psychiatric nurse?I believe I have a lot of personal experience which could potentially help others with similar mental health issues.I worry though that this may become a burden for entry onto such a course.Should I apply anyway and keep quiet about my condition?I would appreciate any advice.
A: Anything is possible.
Apply anyways regardless of what anyone thinks.
Just don’t lie about anything when applying for the job.
If you are determined enough, have plenty of reasoning, and you have experience; then I don’t see why they would turn you down because of your “condition”.
Good luck.
Q: Alternative treatments for Bipolar?
I am currently on lamotrigien for bipolar 2. I was hospitalized in March for a “break down” but was then diagnosed BP2. I am still depressed simply because I can’t come to terms with taking chemicals in order to feel better. So have avoided the anti depressant part of the treatment i.e. molypaxin.
I have decided to wean myself of the above medication. I am looking for alternative methods of dealing with this, should I visit a Herbalist? I live in South Africa so not sure of the options we have here in terms of good herbalists. Are there other ways to manage this “disorder”.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
A: Do some research on fish oil:
e.g. fish oil:
http://www.mind1st.co.uk/Fish-oil-bipolar.asp
http://www.mcmanweb.com/omega3.html
Plus you might like to run some research on Ashwaganhda [Withania somnifera], which is a well known Indian [Asian] Ayurvedic herb but also looks to be indigenous to South Africa [http://www.bioline.org.br/request?jb08003 ]. It looks like the US government is running clinical trials on this plant [under the brand name Sensoril] for bipolar disorder….certain aspects of it…
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00761761
I think another herb indigenous to South Africa, that is an Indian [Asian] Ayurvedic herb is Gotu kola [Centella asiatica]. Two of its uses are as an anti-depressant and memory improvement….it is also said to be tonic and sedative. You might like to run some research on this herb.
If you are going to visit a Herbalist make sure they are reputable, attached to a reputable clinic….and always check credentials and ask for testimonials and follow these up. Plus you have to be very careful with taking herbs when on prescribed medications…..as some herbs interact with some meds so it is alsways wise to check with a medical doctor or pharmacist first. Perhaps you could find a doctor who has an interest in herbal medicine.
I would be wary about weaning yourself off a medication if it is helping you because you don’t want to face the possibility of another breakdown. I think you could try the fish oil alongside your meds but discuss that with your doctor.
“Are there other ways to manage this “disorder”.” ……………..
perhaps you could find a forum or two to see what others have achieved with regards to that.
“I am still depressed simply because I can’t come to terms with taking chemicals in order to feel better. ” ………………………..
Depression is part of the bipolar disorder so you should not feel bad about it. Plus many take drugs for various disorders and there is certainly nothing to feel ashamed about either having to take drugs or having a disorder.
Sorry if this is not of much help. Just be careful and take good care of yourself in all ways.
I wish you a successful outcome and hope you can find a regime that you are happy with and keeps you well and stable.
Take care and God bless.
Q: saw a psychiatrist for the first time last night…..?
and in 25 min and a few questions questions – how are you feeling? – (overwhelmed a bit) – do you cry often? (yes at least 3 times a week) migraines? (yes but not as much) and then he asked some family history -
he diagnosed me – SEVERELE BI-POLAR and gave me an rx for – triliptal – 5 days @ 2 a day then after 5 days 2 in am and 2 at bed – this medicine which i looked up is mainly to treat epileptic people – also used for bipolar treatment –
1 – i feel he jumped the gun
2- the meds seem a bit harsh
3- he even said to me how is your insurance – its a good 1 i tell him – he said ok good cause im going to give you these meds cause thats what i supposed to do – we as psychiatrists dont really have time to sit and talk with patients thats what therapists are for – we are here to administer drugs
i was pissed
your thoughts please?
now im not in denial about a possibility of being bi-polar – but……. after 25 min and such a harsh diagnosis with those meds
seeing a “therapist” on the 21st in same office – i will take it up with her and see how she feels about this – i will also be seeing my medical dr tonite – and discussing this with him – not in denial about this – i just want this to be treated in a correct manner – and i think a diagnosis in 25 min and a prescrition for pills that are 600lg each that he wants me to take first 2 times a day then to 4 time a day – i feel it a bit much – i just want to be treated for the issue at hand – if im bi-polar fine i accept it but i will get treated correctly.. thanks so much for all replies i appreciate it!!!!
A: I have just been diagnosed Bipolar type 2 by a psychiatrist – he spent an hour talking to me (I also happened to be hypomanic at the time and talking really fast and jumping from topic to topic and having trouble concentrating on what he said so it was probably an easy diagnosis to make) anyway he suggested a mood stabiliser that was originally just an epilepsy drug – I had to ween off the antidepressants and then go back to see him – in the time I was weening off the antidepressants I researched the drug he wanted me to take and wasnt happy with all the side effects I found so when I went back to see him (was still on minimum dose of antidepressants I was due to stop a few days later) he spoke to me for half an hour and he said he thought I was now a little too depressed so told me to stay on the dose I was on for the antidepressants – I then discussed the worries I had with the mood stabilsers and he said OK well lets try lithium then and combine the antidepressant – I am already feeling better (except the odd nausea and the fact that it just made me throw up for the first time I have been on it for a week) I go for a blood test tomorrow and then back to see him next week – my appointments are now half an hour each but my first was definately 1 hour.
A couple of sites I found handy that have tests that score you are as follows – print them off and take them with you to your next appointment or to the other Drs you are going to see and also discuss your concerns with the medications.
http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/bipolardisorder/howtotell/self-testing.cfm
http://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/goldberg-bipolar/index.html
Q: How to get by until June 4 when I see the psychiatrist?
I was diagnose as bipolar 2 back in October of last year. I was put on Lamictal and was on that until December when my insurance changed and my bipolar treatment was no longer covered due to them considering it a pre-existing condition.
Now I am on my husband’s insurance and have an appointment with a new psychiatrist on June 4. But, I have been in a serious depressed state for the last week or so. This is the soonest I can get in, but I have no idea how to last until then. Any advice or suggestions?
Also, will my new shrink want to diagnose me again? Or will he believe me? Also, will he just stick me back on the Lamictal? Or if I tell him I want to try something different, will he listen?
Yes, I had the standard lab work up when I had my physical last year. Everything came back just fine.
Why even bother answering the question if you aren’t willing to answer the original question?
I’ve been taking the omega-3’s, they don’t work for me.
A: I have bipolar as well. If you are in a really bad way at any time between now and July, just go to the ER. It might be best to go before you are too bad so they can just give you some meds and send you home. Not ideal, but it’s something. A better alternative would be to try to push the new pdoc’s office to get you in sooner if possible.
As to the new pdoc, it probably depends on her/him. If s/he is decent, s/he will listen to you about past med reactions and what you are considering. Hopefully, that’s how it’ll go!
PS – Omega 3 fish oil is effect for many. Recent research shows it’s as effective as 20mg of Prozac. What you want is 1-2 grams of the EPA ingredient. Trader Joes makes a pretty good brand. The stuff helps me some and since I can’t take antidepressants w/o going mixed or hypo, I think it’s great. Anyway, it’s OTC and might be worth trying.
Q: If a person depakote for bipolar issues Still has symptoms why won’t they change the meds?
43 YO man with bipolar has issues with meds. 1- He cannot achieve any erection at all. 2- he’s obsessive about trying to make himself become aroused to the point of ruining his relationships (extreme porn and gay chat rooms) 3- he is in trouble with the law for not going to court issued probation and faces Jail and is not paying bills. (Lost a car). I feel he is in a manic phase and the depakote is ineffective resulting in aggressive and reckless behavior and hypersexuality, obsessing over the impotency issue. The psych says that they need to stay with this med despite the problems (the doc doesn’t know about the chat rooms. He claims he is not gay but is looking at anything to get aroused. There are many medications for treatment of bipolar. If the erectile dysfunction is causing so much conflict and stress to him, why not change to a medication that stops the stress? It is obvious to me that the med is ineffective why can’t they see it. Why stay?(been on med for 6 mo)> HELP!
A: Some psychiatrists use only certain drugs to treat bipolar and are determined that all their patients use what they prescribe. I’m sure that he must be in a manic phase. Hyper sexuality, spending money and just irresponsible behavior in general are the major signs of mania. The only suggestion that I can make is that you try and convince him to see another psych.
If you are his partner and trying to cajole him into going to a different psych doesn’t work, then see if threatening him with your relationship won’t make him at least consider it.
It can be extremely difficult living with a bipolar, as my partner can attest. I must say, that once or twice, when my lithium has dropped and I’ve started to become manic, she has been wonderful in spotting the signs early and correcting them immediately. Many times I would have rather ignored her simply because it feels so good to be manic, but she has given me the choice of our relationship or help. I have always, albeit reluctantly chosen to go and see my psych.
Good luck
Q: Duration of treatment with neuroleptics in bipolar disorder?
The pharmaceutical companies say that at most it has to take a antipsychotic for 4 months, but in reality there are people who take for life, or not?
For example, I am 2 years that take 2 drops of entumin to need, but I would not have forced, I’m taking 200 mg of lamotrigine, which has antipsychotic minor side effects? I would have thought to seroquel is then combined with lamotrigine?
PS: The neuroleptics, also known as antipsychotic drugs or tranquillisers more neuroplegici psychotropic drugs are among the most heavy for the body and, the most discussed in psychiatric practice.
The term neurolettico means: “drug with a strong sedative action on the nervous system.” The sedative therapy has no therapeutic logic if not for the control of symptoms because the neuroleptics are typically used in psychiatry (it’s rare that a doctor prescribes them basic) to monitor and contain the people who are defined as “schizophrenic”, ” psychotic “,” manic depressive “,” paranoiche “, etc..
A: agreed… lifetime meds. in fact, if you are on meds for a while and stop, the bipolarness can actually get worse after you get off your meds. I’ve been bipolar for 8 years (diagnosed as such anyways) and I’ve never heard of a 4 month fix.
Q: Help with recovery of alcoholism and now learning your bipolar #2?
I have only have Blue Cross of Medical and I would really like to get some Concealing and Treatment with an out patented place!! Does any one no were I can go in Citrus Heights??? I have been sober for 6 days!! I would just like to get a concealer and talk about how I feel. I’ve tryed aa and I have tryed otherthings if anyone can help me please let me know asap!!!!!!PLEASE
A: contact ur insurance company, and stick with AA and get a sponsor , and u can call alcoholic anonymous hot-line they will refer u to someone if ur insurance dosent provide it.
Q: Bipolar-MANIC sister doesnt want 2 take her MEDS, her boyfriend tells her not to bcuz of the sideeffects, HELP
she was hospitalized last year and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder , they gave her medication and treatment and her mania finally dissapeared, but a year and a half later (today)
she’s going manic again…
so she was hospitalized again and they adjusted her meds. She was released from the hospital a week ago and it seemed like she was getting better, until this weekend when she spent the weekend with her boyfriend, who encourages her not to take the meds, he tells her all about the side effects and how its bad for her…and she believes him, i dont think she took her meds this weekend becuz of her boyfriends influence, and now she’s manic again…
he tells her the side-effects like ‘liver damage’ etc., which might be true, but her actions and mindset is much more dangerous then the
side-effects of the meds, would he rather have her commit suicide? & she smokes a damn lot too, which blackens her lungs and now shes concerned about the meds giving her ‘liver damage..
A: If monitored properly, then the liver damage should not be an issue. Her dr. should be taking her blood at least once every other month to check her levels.
Q: I have just been diagnosed with Bipolar 2……?
but they wont even start treatment untill I dont drink a single drop of alcohol… They would barely even talk about treatment plan or medication etc with me in the meantime, just sent home till I get a proper appointemt. HELp. who understands bipolar 2 and can explain things to me…?
Please…
A: First relax and accept the diagnosis which is the hardest thing to do. Then research about it and make sure you are informed about medication, side effects and how they affect each other.
Find a good therapist you feel comfortable with.
There is life after bipolar, I am a living proof, been living with it for 10 years and I am 27.
I am a university lecturer working on my PhD so it doesnt have to hold you back, I am also in a stable and loving relationship.
Find ways to forgive yourself and forget anything you might have done while manic, it wasnt you, it was the disorder.
Good luck.
Q: Help for chronic severe bipolar depression when all the meds and ECT fail?
Asking this question again – I have exhausted all my treatment options for bipolar disorder – have honestly tried over 2 dozen meds, alone and in combinations, and ECT (electroshock) and they have all failed or made me worse or I am allergic to the meds etc. ( this is over a period of 15 years – not short term med trials). I have severe depression in the morning nearly every day, and for the entire day about half the time and I just can’t take it anymore – my situation clearly became hopeless when my last ditch effort, ECT, failed. I rarely get mania anymore, just horrific agitated depression, the anguish so severe I literally want to claw my face off or slash my chest open with a knife, for hours most days, and often, all day. If I still had fingernails, I would have clawed my face off a long time ago. I don’t know what to do anymore – I have been on the edge of death for years. I have hung on and hung on, trying medication after medication, and now there is (realistically, this is not the depression talking) no hope of any significant relief.
So, since medication options aren’t there anymore, I am wondering if ACT (assertive community treatment) can help with this? My county workers have not run into psychiatric cases like mine, they swear up and down that most patients do get at least some relief from meds, but I am in a tiny, rural county, and am hoping that someone here has gone thru this, or has a relative who has, and can give me some advice. I’m thinking about going inpatient at mayo clinic, but I already tried the university of MN and that was a total failure, and my regular psychiatrist thought the university was better for psychiatry than mayo clinic. It would be hard for me to get to mayo clinic anyway, it is a 4 hour drive, and I can’t find any treatment online I haven’t already tried either, other than “out there” treatments that are very unlikely to help and experimental, like vagus nerve stimulation – weird crap.
Anyhow, I have had the finest psychiatric care there is, and it has utterly failed, I lost my faith in God a few years back, just have nothing left for me except a loving husband, 4 great kitties, and a home I love in rural Minnesota with beautiful maple trees and a lovely pond full of wood ducks and chirping frogs in the backyard, in other words, I have a LOT to live for. But I need to die, because I can’t stand the anguish anymore. It is unspeakable pain, and I feel this way for NO REASON, just endlessly live in agony, due to untreatable bipolar disorder. What can I do to live when I hurt so much, with no relief in sight?
background: I don’t have any personality disorders, already see a therapist regularly, have a social worker and a home worker, see a psychiatrist regularly, am not a substance abuser, excercise a lot, have an excellent diet (we have a huge garden and eat a lot of venison), use a light box, keep busy with hobbies, according to my varying energy level – all that healthy stuff. This is just ghastly, severe bipolar disorder that is ( apparently) untreatable. I do also have a severe sexual abuse history, which I have gotten plenty of therapy for. My workers know I have serious problems, but I play them down slightly, since I do not want to be involuntarily committed – it is hard to get help when you have severe mental illness, believe me. An involuntary commitment would not help me – what i need is a medication that would cut down the despair, and apparently, it doesn’t exist – otherwise, if it worked, I would take it. Please no religion stuff – my husband prays for me all the time, but that isn’t going to make me suddenly find my faith again – a person can’t “make” themselves believe. Great for you that your faith helped you, and I sincerely mean that, but it didn’t help me, tried that already. The question is, is there a way to endure daily agony from bipolar depression that is unending, and I will never get relief for it? Anyone been there, endlessly, and still alive? or have a relative like this? I mean, this is EVERY DAY, except for in May and June, pretty much (strong seasonal pattern, there). Thanks for anything that might help!
lamictal was worthless, antidepressants made me worse, so I have been off them for a long time, and I use a light box a lot in the winter, and took a vitamin D supplement, too – all that standard stuff has been tried, and some helps a bit, but only maybe 10%. Not enough to make life bearable.
oh, and I forgot, lithium only helped me with mania, which I very rarely get anymore, so it’s not worth taking it anymore, and I ended up with weirdo, scary side effects after a few years of lithium.
A: i’m pretty much in the same boat; though i refused ect, and my psych docs and even medical docs tried to talk me into it. i take lamictal that keeps me out of deep suicidal depression, though the idea hardly ever leaves my mind. i do know a few of the triggers that push me into despair, and i hide away from them as much as possible. my world is quite small, and as much as i hate it, it’s the only way i can keep half way stable.
the most disappointing thing for me is when i do have a mild manic episode that lasts for a few weeks or more and i want so bad to tell myself it’s over and i can function as a normal person. i’m usually blindsided when i crash, but when someone in my support system reminds me my life doesn’t work that way, i crash hard. too hard sometimes and i find myself hiding from my support system too.
i’m sorry i don’t have an answer for you, just wanted to let you know you are not alone. i just try not to think about how useless i am, and i keep working on the self destructive habits (not doing anything for diabetes, smoking, etc.) so i can go without my people feeling like i deliberately left them.
Related Posts
- bipolar 2
- bipolar 2 disorder
- bipolar ii
- bipolar 2 depression
- bipolar ii depression
- bipolar ii symptoms
- bipolar 2 symptoms
- bipolar ii disorder
- bipolar ii treatment