Experience with Bi-Polar Disorder?

I have been on medication for depression, and I recently began to suspect that I could have Cyclothymania which seems to be a mild form of Bipolar. But then I found this site: http://www.msgmyth.com/

I haven't tried it yet. But I'm confident it'll help.

Dear V.,

You are so lucky to have been diagnosed and your family and friends are so lucky that you plan to take your medicine. I have had two bi-polar inlaws, and it was very, very difficult to have a good relationship with them. You know, when it gets down to it, "we" are the most important thing that 'we' have. Each of us can make life comfortable or difficult for our families. So it looks to me like you have a good start toward that goal. I am so happy for you, and you will feel better and have a lot more comfortable and enjoyable life with you new medicine. It must be taken from now on. Do not let yourself think that you are 'cured' because you feel so much better. Let that be an important warning to you, that when you have thoughts of not needing the medicine anymore that you continue to take it. Yes, it takes a while for it to kick in, but it will.

Now, about your daughter, love her enough to let her have her own life. Think about when your mother or father tried to make you do things that you didn't want to do, like the clothes you wore or the music lessons or so sports, you know what I mean.

You will have to learn to curb your need to control the world around you, it will hurt to let your daughter go, but you can take it. No, I will not say that you have to get over it. Just endure it for her sake and for your love for her.

My son died suddenly almost three years ago - he was 47 and an elegant person. I hurt every single day, and people tell me that I will get over it, but I don't want to. I love him so much that I want to keep him in my mind and heart and in my life. So I'm not telling you to do anything that I haven't had to do. Hurt and love.

I say that I am so lucky to have had him that it is an honor to think of him and if I have to hurt, then so be it. Also, I have started doing things that I know that he would want me to do. I am volunteering at the local Salvation Army office one afternoon a week because he loved people so much, and had so much compassion for them. I found out after his memorial service how many people that he had helped with advice and money. And he had never told us about it. He just quietly did it, helped make a lot of people's lives better.

Go and enjoy and take your medicine. C. N.

Hi V.,

I am really involve with this disorder I dont have it but a family member those, the best advice I can give you is to go to therapy as much as you can with people that have the same problem, this helps a lot and helps you with the disorder, if you live with your daughter she should go with you, because she can be suffering or will suffer in the future this disorder, always try to keep yourself busy and down to earth that is the best thing to do...and you will be better I know a lot of people that have overcome this disorder and live a happy life...so keep up with your medication and try to go bipolar disorder groups it will help you to understand better the disorder and treat it better to...have a nice day and you can always count on me! bye.

Hey there,

I have been suffering with Bi-Polar since I was in preschool. After 2 suicide attempts @ 16, the doctors at Kaiser finally decided that there might be something wrong with me. Take it from me, Lithium keeps you from going to extremes, but if you are not careful, you could end up stuck in a mixed manic state. I was there for god knows how long until about 2-3 months ago. A doctor that I decided to go to gave me a new drug. Seroquil was just approved by the FDA for the Tx of BP I, II, & Mixed Mania. It started to elevate my mood on the first day. I feel so much better now. I am able to go to the gym, stick to a loose calorie plan (hey, baby steps...right?) and smile for no reason. I have had no side effects. Maybe that is something that you might want to talk to your doctor about.

Best of luck!
~ D.

My husband was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder about a year ago....I have noticed that each Bi-Polar person is different and they all have different reactions to their disorder. I know it is very difficult to find the correct medication and the correct dosage of that medication. Hopefully Lamisal will help you.. I am still struggling to find the correct medication for my husband. All I have to say is stick with the medication no matter how difficult it is for your sake and your child.. I have alot more that i can tell you if you'd like some more advice message me and we shall chat.

Hi V.,

I am not bipolar but Ive been around it all my life. With my stepdad, my sister and my aunts all with it, and as well as my fiance. It takes at least a week or two to build up a level in your system for the medications to work. You have to be diligent on taking them. Unfortunately it takes time to find the right medication for each individual. My fiance takes Depakote twice a day. He has tried many different kinds. Finally found one that works. Usually they give it 3-4 weeks to see how you react. Just hang in there. If you need to talk more, feel free to contact me.

Hello there V. ..

I'm 29 about to be 30 and am also bipolar. I got diagnosed at 20 and didn't believe and then again at 23 and started taking medication regularly.

I'm different, I'm a mixed state type of bipolar I get both the severe depression and the mania at the same time so mine comes out as a rage, and agression. I constatly battle insomnia. I am currently taking Depakote and I go on and off Xanax for anxiety when needed.

The best thing I can tell you is to stay on your medication - even when you think your fine.

Some other random advice -

If you feel that your getting manic give your atm cards, visa's, checkbook, whatever you have to someone else to watch until you feel better. I have been known to spend everything and then still write checks for bills like I had all kinds of money while being manic.

While in a depressive state - try to get outside in the sun everyday for as long as you can stand it. Do you hair even though you don't feel like it, or put on pretty clothes - something for you - even if you don't feel like it. I walk my dog alot when I get upset. He doesn't mind Ü

Try to take a yoga or pilaties class - or get a dvd and do it at your own home. It's low impact, easy to commit too, and all the stretching and breathing really makes you feel better. This might sound funky but when I would get really racing thoughts I would put in my yoga dvd and turn all the lights off in my house and light candles and do one hour of yoga in the dark and that would make me feel better. I would do the same thing if I got depressed allthough I would open up all the windows and turn all of my lights on and make it as bright as I could.

Pay attention to what goes on around you and what sets off certain moods. When you have lived with it for a while you will start to see the "triggers" as there called. Things that bring on certain depressions or manic episodes. It can be food, music, chaos, anything. You should start to learn what does it for you and weed those out.

I read about it when I first diagnosed. I wanted to know what it was and who had it. Alot of people have it. Your not alone in it Ü

I also have bi-polar and i use to be really bad until i started taking my meds but other things u also can try is taking yoga classes or kick boxing stuff like that. I have taken lamical but i had a bad reaction to it. yes it take about 1 month of taken ur meds to start seeing the changes but believe u will feel and see the differnce in the way u act and feel about everything your'll emotions will be much better. i hope everything goes well with u and if u have anyother questions about it u can ask me

V.,

Bipolar disorder runs in my mother's side of the family. My mother had erratic mood swings as long as I've known her. Unfortunately, she wasn't treated and later dignosed until she received treatment from a severe depression in 2002. She is much better now and at 66 years old she says with the medications and psych therapy for the past 4 years she's found more clarity and peace than ever before. From all the information I've read and spoken to doctors I've learned that it's the hardest mental disorder to diagnose because it has other symptoms along with it other than depression (manic mood swings, paranoia, hallucinations, destructive behavior erratic behavior, anger, etc.) The best places to get information are NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) http://www.nami.org/ and also any local support group you may have in your area for Biplar. I know of this online group check them out http://www.bipolarsupportgroup.net/

You are NOT destined to feel depressed or lonely for the rest of your life as long as you reduce stress in your life, excercise daily, take your medication medications, and go to therapy/support where you can talk to someone about your feelings. Also make sure you ALWAYS have someone to count on to act on your behalf. That's in case you should regress to either a Manic or depressed state, like my mom did when she decided one day to stop taking her meds. In the case of my mom she designated me as her medical proxy so that when she was not capable of making decisions for herself I was able to work with the doctors to get her the medical attention she needed. What's helped my mom is lithium, respirdal, and prozac. Do make sure to tell your doctor of any adverse reactions you may have with you current medications (e.g. dry mouth, sleeplessness/drowsiness, stomach pain, or any physical nervous twitches, etc.) they may be able to change the dosage on meds.

My mom also got depressed after I left home and moved away and got married. She was in New York and I moved to Northern California. It's normal to feel the way you do right now but you need to get help redefining your life. Your life does NOT end with your daughter leaving home. My mom now has a very nice son in law and new grandson who is 3 months old whom she absolutely adores.

Hi V.,

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder about 10 years ago and my husband was also diagnosed about 2 years ago (which makes for an interesting household). I have been on four different medications and Lamictal has definatly worked the best. From experience, it takes roughly about four weeks for the Lamictal to really kick in. Don't get discouraged. I know it's hard but it's worth the wait. In the meantime there are a few things that I can tell you have helped me through the tough times. The most important thing to keep me feeling okay is to get enough sleep. I try to keep a good sleep routine by going to bed at roughly the same time and wakeing the same. Excersise also helps alot. I try to get out and walk as much as I can, even if it's just for 10 or 15 minutes. I bought a book recently that is extremely helpful. It's the best one I have read about Bipolar. It is called The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide by David J. Miklowitz, PhD. I got it at Barnes and Noble. I really hope that you can get this book because I really think it will help you out alot. Please keep me in mind if you need to talk or need advice about Bipolar. I know it's tough but It will get better. Lamictal is good stuff :)

Hi V.,

I am a 27 year old with Bi-Polar Disorder and Severe Depression. I only got diagnosed 3 years ago after my second child was born but I have been suffering from it since I was in 8th grade (13 years old). I finally got medicine and it took several tries to get it right but the medicine that finally worked for me was Wellbutrin XL 450 mg plus Effexor 150mg for depression and Abilify 5mg for Bi-Polar. I do believe that eventually you will find the right medicine combination for your problems but it will probably take a couple of years before you find the right type and dose. Don't give up though - ever since I found the right type and dose I am SO HAPPY NOW!! It has made such a huge difference in my life and I could never imagine not being on the medicine ever again because my life has improved so dramatically with the medicine.

I only wish I had taken the medicine back in high school and then I wouldn't have had such a miserable high school experience.

Good luck and DON'T GIVE UP!!

V.,

Yes I was also diagnosed with depression since I was 16 at 23 I was finally diagnosed with bipolar I also take Lamitical and it takes about 2 weeks or so I also take prozac and wellbutrin I have to tell you I haven't had anymore moodswings or depression. You will need to get adjusted once in awhile. I had my breakdowns at the age of 23 I am now almost 37 and thank god they finally diagnosed me right. I have no problem talking with you anytime. And also all mood stablizers that they will give us are anti-seizure medications I even took the lamitical pregnant she is 6 months old and totally healthy. If people weigh out the odds of what could happen we are more prone to sucide then that. And also everthing is bad for you some how or another. You can always email me anytime

Jen

Hi Vicki,
I have a lot of experience with bi-polar disorder, my son's father has it and I have researched it in great depth...including Lamictal, as he was put on that drug. You should google it and read all about it and make your own decision as to whether or not you want to be on it, it is an anti-seizure drug and you may want to think twice about doing that to your brain. What I found is an all natural way to control pi-polar disorder and my son's dad is doing really well off of medication. If you are interested email me privately and I will tell you about it. Best of luck. J.

My son's father is also bipolar. He'll take the medication, do great for a while then think he's "Cured" and stop taking his meds and then does a nose dive. Same thing happened with my uncle. I'm not saying this to discourage you. It sounds like you have a pretty healthy realization as to what this can do to you. I'm only telling you this with a plea to continue whatever program you find that works for you and not to do to yourself what my son's dad and my uncle have done to their lives and those of their loved ones.

My Husband has BPD and I knew for the entire 10 years we have been married but he didn't and telling someone you think they have a disorder like that is not really a good idea. So I rode it out until one day he finally said - "I think there might be a problem - should I go see a doctor?" That was my opportunity to jump on it so I made him an appointment asap and our lives have changed so much since then! It did take some time (probably about a month to 6 weeks)for the meds to fully work (he is on a different med than you so I can't speak directly to that) but now that they work - even our 4 kids know Daddy is different! He still has some swings but it has pulled the borders of the swings in a ton. Now I can kid with him when I can tell he has missed his meds for a day because he starts to slip and it is so obvious. I know it worked an absolute MIRACLE for him so I have hope that it will do the same for you! We laugh about everything in our house so now that we know the cause of his problems we laugh about it and jokingly blame everything on the fact that he is BiPolar...it has helped lighted the load of it and make him feel like it's not such a big deal. Good Luck!

How do you all know you had it, I mean what told you to go to the Dr to get diagnosed? How do they diagnose you??? My father is bipoalr and I know it is genetic. Just wondering what I should look for?? Maybe I am in denial?

I have a couple friends that have has this and what I can tell you is be aware of how you are feeling and ask to make adjustments when you still do not feel right the medcation route is usually the way to go do not go off with out the doctor knowing the body is a very sensitive thing.The empty nest thing I can't relate my kids still live with me both have a child of there own and I am still taking care of things. Know this if they do leave you did something right.