I'm 29, male, and I was diagnosed this year. But I have battled serious depression for years. The hypomania I never noticed, but in hindsight it makes sense with all my artistic endeavors. I recently crashed down and couldn't function. So I had to move back home with my folks. I'm doing better on Lithium, but I feel that I have lost all motivation, ambition, and social interaction. Not sure where to go from here. I work part time, teach classes at colleges here. Where do I go from here?
2006-10-25 16:38:30 · 9 answers · asked by Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze 6 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Contrary to another post, not everyone can be diagnosed with Bipolar 2. Hypomania and normal excitement at times are quite different things. Lithium , contrary to another poster does not increase depression. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that helps prevent hypomania or mania. It doesn't simply lower an elevated mood, but prevents them. It isn't a depressant.
That said, the Effexor should help with the depression. My only caution is that if you go off of it, please do so slowly as you'll feel like crap when you do.
Not all people react to antidepressants the same way. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get the right med and the right dose.
What you can do is this: Good sleep hygiene. Get exercise. Avoid caffiene and other stimulants. Avoid alcohol as this is a serious depressant. It also doesn't do well with psych meds.
For mor information, you might go to this board: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble Lots of great info there from people going through it.
2006-10-25 17:26:43 · answer #1 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's strange coz you could go to a cynical counselor and they'd tell you anyone at all can be diagnosed with Bipolar 2; I think that's wrong though, some people are too swift to diagnose. So...I'm just saying...if you never noticed the hypomania...be certain of your diagnosis. You would definitely notice it if you had it. So would your family and friends. It's not one of those things that you would have to reflect upon and try to match up with the criteria for hypomanic episodes. It stands out.
Lithium is a little harsh for some people's systems and you may need to have your meds tweaked a bit. I'm sure your doctor has made it clear it takes a while to know what the right dose and meds are for you personally.
Also, the medicine isn't all you need. You can't just isolate yourself coz that will make the depression so much worse; I know you're probably afraid you will do something manic and make a fool of yourself in front of someone, but it's better not to isolate yourself if you can avoid that. If you are a teacher, then you must be pretty good at handling social situations, to some extent, so maybe try to keep with that and find something else that will allow you to channel your excess energy and creativity in a legal, safe, enjoyable manner. Keeping busy will increase your motivation, ambition, and social interaction and you will have less depression.
Best wishes to you.
2006-10-25 23:49:31 · answer #2 · answered by *babydoll* 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See a mental health professional, discuss your symptoms and treatment options. Read, read, read - there are some really good books on bipolar disorder, and education is the first step in managing the disorder. Some great books:
"The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide"
"An Unquiet Mind"
"The Bipolar Workbook"
"The Bipolar Advantage"
"Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder"
"Bipolar II" (author: Fieve)
Also read up on meds and side effects. A great website to use is www.crazymeds.org - it gives the unvarnished truth about side effects from people who have actually been on the drugs.
Good luck - I wish you the best.
(On a personal note - I had great luck with lithium. It was one of the few drugs that helped with the depression AND the mania. But your experience with meds may be totally different.)
2006-10-25 23:50:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been bipolar for 30 something years. Tell them to get pass lithium. It is the least affective drug you will ever take. All it does is swell you up and keep you thirsty constantly. There are so many better and up dated drugs for our condition, ask for better.
2006-10-25 23:49:32 · answer #4 · answered by beebee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, it sounds like if you are stable on lithium, you may need an antidepressant to lift you up. They wont prescribe one until you are properly stable, though.
Get some support, as well. If you want to talk to other people in the same boat, come to: http://z9.invisionfree.com/Bipolar_Haven
2006-10-26 04:02:10 · answer #5 · answered by Random Bloke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u might want to give ur self something to give u interest and then develop it and make it a life plan like a job that involves it, check with doctors or trusted people to cope with if ur depressed and such.
u really won't feel any better if u talk to people you don't even know, i'm just 14 but i've learn stuff about these things in my health class
2006-10-25 23:49:32 · answer #6 · answered by burning ice 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
why did they put you on lithium??????? that would make you more miserable!!!!! believe me!!!! my daughters friend is bipolar and they told her to have coping skills to manage the depression or bipolar......i would recommend going onto a healthier approach....go on melaleuca.....they have everything natural and it will help you to a better life. go to www.melaleuca.com and they can help you. dont do what the other person said!!!!! my daughters friend took that and it didnt work out too well!!!!!
2006-10-25 23:46:19 · answer #7 · answered by dotlds 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get with your doctor and discuss other meds you might take.
Depakote seems to work for me without all the side effects.
2006-10-25 23:43:54 · answer #8 · answered by reefer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would really go to a doctor or therapist. Church helps too
2006-10-25 23:47:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋