does anyone know how to overcome the cruelty of bi polar disorder? the drugs don't work?

Answer 1

Bi-polar disorder is extremely difficult to treat. Often a drug that works for one will not work for another. Or a drug that has been working for you is no longer effective. You will need to stay in close touch with your doctor so that you can be re-evaluated frequently and your meds managed. There ARE drugs that will work for you but sometimes it's a matter of trial-and-error. Make another appointment, and hang in there...don't despair.

Answer 2

I was diagnosed with bi - polar four years ago, although I had probably had it for much longer. For the first couple of years I was in complete denial of the illness and just would't accept I was mentally ill. My management of my condition was poor. I never took my medication which ultimately lead to hospital admission on several occassions. Eventually I found the right drugs for me, got refered for psychotherapy. I also learned how to accept it. I continued to take my medication regularly and saw my psychiatrist on a regular baisis. I had to stop drinking and taking iilicit drugs, stop partying all the time and generally start to look after my life. I aslo changed my lifestyle by eating really heathier, going swimming and to yoga. It has taken me a long time to understand the illness and kearn how to manage it in a productive way.. I also have a really book that lets you record your mood and look out for warning signs Now, I realise that bi-polar does not have to tack over life, but rather let your life take over the bi-polr. Don't become a victim of the illness, as it will stop you progfressesing wit your lif. With the best Dotor and medication, although bi-polar cannot be cured it can be managed really well, and your quality of life should be no ifferent to anybody elses. An organisation that I found good was the manic depressive society. They run groups, one to ones and workshops. They helped me to com to term with it literally I think I went through some kind of grieving process. Other life changing things you need to go are give up drinking, taking illicit drugs, swap a bad diet into a good one, excercise regularly and structure your day well so your not isolating yourself. I wish you all the luck.. I kow how disabling this illness can be.

Answer 3

Read all answers carefully !!! Bi polar disorder is exactly that A DISORDER not an illness !!! With a good GP and referral to a Mental Health Team you are definitly on the way to managing the symptoms. There is NO cure, but when you are managing your disorder you certainly will know the difference. If you have a CPN (Clinical Psychiatry Nurse) badger her for group therapy, self assertion classes, and regular meetings with your psychiatrist. You may find a friend who can be your "shadow" (in a crisis to call/consult) may be a good idea. I have been a "shadower" and just for you to know you can call someone familiar, that feeling will reassure you. GOOD LUCK.

Answer 4

Don't give up. Maybe the drugs you've tried aren't working but bipolar disorder is FINALLY getting the attention it deserves and more research is being done to help us. Don't be afraid to change doctors if you feel the need. Also, I think the anxiety factor of this disease is highly overlooked by many docs. I am Bipolar II and have an anxiety disorder which needs to be treated separately. Also, don't let people tell you lithium is outdated or toxic. Regular blood tests can easily screen for that. This is not an easy disease but it requires meds. Don't give up and remember, you're not alone, or crazy and you have the right to make choices about your treatment options.

Answer 5

I was dx with by-polar in March of this year, I think I have had it all my life, but during school years I was just labeled a "bad " kid,in my younger life it turned into drug abuse, stopped all drug using when I married and started my family, how I ever raised my kids is Gods little secret.
Anyway, after my dx things started making sense to me..DUH....
I have been tried on EVERY drug they have I am now on lamitcal, seraquil & trazadone, and for a safty net xanax (I rarely use the xanax)when I even THINK I am going to cycle I give my keys to someone ( my thing is to drive just to go, don't care where don't care who gets hurt) run a hot bath take 1/2 dose of seraquil (per Dr order) sit in the bath until the med starts working and then just try and sleep it, off my family knows this is not the time to try and deal with me or even talk to me, they are my world and thank god they understand and support me. there is no real fix for bi-polar but there is help. keep trying the meds, go get you some lavender bubble bath, and when your not cycling show everyone around you just how much you love them, explain to them that you have an illness and ask for their help, it's not a cure but it is a plan.....

Answer 6

Bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose and to treat, there are drugs that help, but not all doctors will prescribe.
Most bipolar disorder is caused by chemical imbalances, some activities may help, others are to be avoided - if it is serious, at some point drugs and care may be the only option.
Here is a page with some ideas about coping:
http://www.nelmh.org/page_view.asp?c=3&did=439&fc=002007001

Answer 7

Hi Martyn,
You have a lot of good answers here... you may well know all about the tips given but they are worth thinking about... You can use a counsellor, get a daylight bulb for the dark, sunless days ahead, look at your diet and really change it to have fresh veg and fruit, NO BAD stuff...all organic....you know what I mean, and yes exercise...fresh air... Walks in the wild open spaces....get to the seaside....most of all don't give up...these methods all add up to a good way of life that helps the chemical unbalance.... give the drugs a chance too...they will need monitored so you get the exact right dose/type for you....keep fighting your corner! All best wishes to you...you are NOT alone!!

Answer 8

I have bi-polar disorder too. I was just diagnosed a week ago. But apperantly I had it for 3 years and did not know it. My parents just thought it was because of the eating disorder but little did they know that I was bi-polar.

Answer 9

The drugs are only meant to reduce the symptoms associated with bi-polar disorder. You don't mention if your most episode is manic or depressive. What does your psychologist say? That's who knows.

Answer 10

You don't say what you've already tried, Martyn, but I'm guessing you've had a few goes on the med-go-round. I'm sure you know that everyone reacts differently to these drugs, so it's hit and miss before you find one that works for you.

The biggest community of bipolars with the most experience of what's out there is at http://www.crazyboards.org come onover and ask around there...