Who else has a bipolar type depression, and how do you deal with it without medication?

Question

I was recently diagnosed with a bipolar type of depression. I've tried the only few medications my doc knew of because it is a newly found diagnosis. Anti-depressants don't do anything. I was on Abilify, it was basically like taking benadryl, it made me fall asleep and that's it. the other one didn't do anything, it was like drinking water I guess.

*I forgot to mention that I actually am not bipolar, but my depression is exactly like it. I also found the other med I was on, it's called Lamictal. I have a psychiatrist, but I haven't been to him for a month because of finances (go figure...lol). Lithium seems to work for the same symptoms I have, maybe I am bipolar, I'll have to check it out.*

**One more thing, haha! I also forgot to add that my job is unloading trucks (trust me, I am in peak physical condition) but it's high stress right now and the only job I can find. The job without stress works wonders, but there must be some way to deal with it besides exercise. It's good, I get a ton everyday (about 10 hours/day), but I need to find something else to take the "steam" off. Sorry about not adding that in**

Answer 1

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 5 years ago, I was sixteen. I've never tried going without the meds, but I understand your frustration. I switched from one drug to another to another, and nothing seemed to work or the side effects were too much. I've been on Lithium for a couple years now. It seems to work well. You just have to get a blood check every 3 months to make sure there's a normal level of the chemical in your body.
Bipolar is a rough thing to cope with. Its hard because often times family members don't understand and see it is as something that you can just snap out of and friends pull away because they aren't sure what to do or lose patience. I know doctors don't always talk about this, so i will. Its important to have a system of coping that your family and only really close friends know about so that they know what you're feeling and when. Also, as a friend of mine who saw me dealing advised me, don't hold emotions in. For me that always made moods worse. Well I hope the advice helped and I wish you the best.

Answer 2

Are you being treated by a psychiatrist? Sometimes it takes a while to find out what works to control symptoms that are troublesome to you. Medications sometimes do not reach their full effects for up to 3 or 4 weeks and their effects can be uncomfortable until your body adjusts. The key to success in getting treatment for depression is to team up with your doctor and keep working to find a medication that works and to monitor the medication over time to make sure it maintains its effectiveness, because some medications might not be effective over time. Bipolar depression is a brain disease, it is not something you can will away or shake off. The manic stages can deprive you of sleep and rest, which is taxing to your brain and body and the depressive stage can sap all your energy and make you feel awful. When you have symptoms like this, it is sometimes difficult to get along with friends and loved ones. In situations like this, medication that works can help tremendously. I wish you success!

Answer 3

It's been 3 years since i stopped taking any form of medication. The disorder fades over a period of time. You have to constantly observe your mood swings and 'check yourself'. Exercising everyday for atleast 30 minutes also helps bring down your aggression, or peps you up if your too low or depressed. It's important that your diet is nutritious and you are in great physical shape, i.e. you are healthy. If you are strong physically, then you automically gain more mental strength.

Family support is extremely essential, sharing an understanding with your family and talking to your parents when you feel your getting out of control.

I also steer clear of tasks and jobs that are 'too pressurising', i know my limitations, i maynot be able to handle high pressure situations or tasks, lest some symtoms start resurfacing again.

Answer 4

Exercise can be really helpful. Taking your frustrations out, working out harder than feeling the endorphins take their toll. It always helps me getting away from it all, whether its walking my dog, taking my anger out on my skates cause I'm too upsedt to be scared of hurting myself, or going for a long exhausting bikeride with my friend. If I've had a really crappy day I like to listen to music and sing along that relates to how I'm feeling, take a long warm bath and perhaps have a little sleep. Hope I helped!

I can't gurantee this will work for you, but it helped me, and no I don't take medication or see a shrink because its not really my cup of tea.

Answer 5

I'm self-diagnosed bi-polar, doctor diagnosed manic personality. I'm not on any meds, but I can tell you having someone to talk to works wonders on anything. A friend, family member, co-worker, therapist, anyone who you trust, feel comfortable talking to, and shows empathy and sypathy to you. I'm here if you'd like, I dont know what kind of consolation prize I am, but hey, I know what you're going through :]

Answer 6

Well it took a bit of mixing and matching until i found the right combo (lexapro, and depakote) but i have no problems since starting these medications. And i no longer self medicate with illegal drugs or alcohol. Its worked for the last eight years.

Answer 7

Exercise helps alot and also keep yourself busy :) may be with works or readding something or find some activities that you are interested in. Don't keep yourself so free.

Answer 8

Find another competent doctor. Yours sounds like he should be hearding ducks. Everyone is diffrent, there are lots of diffrent meds out there for your disorder. good luck!

Answer 9

I take depakote seroquel and lithium..(I can't spell any of them..lol) It's the only combination that has worked...You can't deal with it without meds..

Answer 10

they suspect i mite tek after my mom n hav bipolar but im only 14 so dey sed itz harder 2 diagnose n evrythin ma mom asked 4 me 2 b put on medication but dey refused so i duno wat will happen next