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13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 121

Hello,

Sorry for the late reply. I am getting my MA. Once summer comes, I plan to participate more.

I truly hope you both find an answer. I remember when I couldn't and it was awful. Sometimes I struggle, but most of the time I am ok. Today I am a bit worse (anxiety), but I am pretty sure it will pas by morning (it has been lately).

I just have to watch myself and make sure I don't ignore any chronic "sliding back" symptoms. So far, so good. I wouldn't worry too much about all the acronyms of the diagnosis (well, a little, but I don't focus on them). I just work on what works despite whatever it is called.

Take care and I hope to back on more once summer starts.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 31

Hi Sally,

Thanks for your post.

Very good timing since I just called my psychiatrist today to tell him that I was planning on stopping Lithium and was interested in re-trying Lamictal. This was my second attempt at Lithium, and while it did help to keep my lows from hitting rock-bottom, it barely took the edge off of my depression, left me feeling emotionally flat, and brought with it unacceptable side-effects. My first attempt at Lamictal was short-lived, though I don't recall why I stopped.

I've had a co-morbid diagnosis of panic disorder and MDD since my late 20's, but have always wondered if it should actually be some flavor of bipolar. SSRI's tend to worsen my mood and set off rages (within a day or two of starting a med), and while I've never experienced extended periods of euphoric mania, I can say that I've had numerous episodes of dysphoria in my lifetime. It wasn't until recently that I found out that mania could also be dysphoric in nature.

The jury is still out as far as a new diagnosis from my pdoc is concerned, but I'm reasonably sure that he's suspected as much.

Here's to hoping that Lamictal will be as beneficial for me as it's been for you.

Flint

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11

Thanks Sally, it's encouraging to hear about your journey and where it's brought you. Also, to hear what helps you, reinforces that I really need to be intentional about those things.

I've struggled with depression for years and anti-depressants never worked, until recently, so I thought. Then I became increasingly severe anxious, nervous energy and unable to do anything, on edge and my mind raced, etc... only to learn this week that it was because I'm bipolar (2) - sound familiar? So I'm weaning off the antidepressants and on my way with what is hopefully the right meds.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Jewel

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 121

"What other resources were helpful to you during the times you felt very down?"

1) being around other/positive people (didn't talk about depression, just daily life stuff)

2) getting out of the house (esp. if it was someplace with other people)

3) doing something active like taking pictures (outdoors, anything indoors did not help)

4) having responsibility that took me out of the house (school, work, meetings, etc)

5) going to a local depression group that meets once a week

As you can tell, I think just getting out of the house and moving around made a big difference, although when I came home, things were bad again, but it was nice to have a little break for a while.

As most of you know, just getting up and getting moving to even start doing some of these things feels almost impossible. There were many times when I just couldn't get out of bed (my poor family took care of me). So I understand when even the above mentioned things seem like impossibilities, but when I was able, I noticed that they really did make me feel better.

Also, I notice that when I am out of school (summer, etc), I feel more depressed, even with the meds. I think I need to stay busy and have responsibilities. But if you had asked me that same question 1 year ago, I would have said "nothing." That was a super low point for me. I didn't even think I was going to be able to make it back to school again.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1853

Hi Sally,

Thank you for "re-introducing" yourself and for sharing your support and reassurance!

It is inspiring to know how far you have come and that you have found the CBT/therapy resources helpful.

What other resources were helpful to you during the times you felt very down?

Enjoy your Spring break and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Vincenza, Health Educator

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 121

Hey everyone,

Just a quick check-in. Kind of like a "re-introduction." It has been sooooo long since I have checked the forum, but I have not forgotten all of you. I updated my blog to show what has been going on. Basically, I am on new meds and doing so much better (it seems the meds are my ticket to lessen the Bipolar II depression symptoms. I guess my issue is more of a chemical one. However, when my meds are not working (need an adjustment or whatever), the CBT/therapy seems to really help me hang in there.

I am super busy right now in the Spring semester getting my MA degree. I hope to be more active on the forum this summer (it is Spring break now, so I am taking a little "break" to sneak on here!).

Hang in there...know there is hope...don't give up. I was so very down (ie: a danger to myself), but I just kept pushing for help until I got it. Don't give up on yourself!

Sally (the long lost poster!)

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 121

Thanks for your thoughts. My psych doc wasn't too upset when I saw him today. He is putting me on Lamictal. I have high hopes that this might work better. At least it is known for low side effects.

I have also started the "Activity Tracker." I am curious to know where it will lead but have chosen not to read ahead. : )

I am very excited about putting CBT to work for me.

Thanks for the welcome!

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 217

Hi sally,

Welcome to our online community. Depression can be such a difficult thing to cope with. Changing medications, moods changing out of nowhere....unpredictable body... I understand. I have experienced it too. The CBT depression program here is really helpful, I would highly recommend you start working through it. It has helped me tremendously, this combined with seeing a therapist. Either way, it sounds like you are ready to try the CBT, I hope it helps you as much as it did me. Another really great thing is just posting here and reading other posts and replies. Again, welcome to the site and look forward to hearing more from you.

Strength, I extend my hand to you. Grab on and lets get through this together.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 121

Thank you for your response. I just find it amazing that a person who has no history of depression can be afflicted so severely in such a short time. The "triggers" do not even seem that significant (rear ended and school stress). I guess the timing was just right for depression to set in. I wish there was a "trigger" to make it go away!

I imagine the doctor will be quite upset with me tomorrow about me going off the meds (non-compliant), but it has been worth it to be free of the constant sick feeling from the Lithium. As amazing as it is to say, the depression is better than the side effects I had.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12049

Sally,

Welcome to our support community. By doing the depression program slowly, you can progress. Take a copy of the depression test to your next appointment to help better assess the situation for you both. Please post often with us and know that the members do know where you are coming from and can share their experiences with you.

We are here to help guide you every step of the way and the program was designed by doctors, so take it one day at a time. Do continue to work with your doctor regarding medications and enlist in the help of your pharmacist as well. They also have a world of knowledge to contribute.

We thank you for sharing your story and look forward to hearing from you.

Josie, Health Educator

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