I have been diagnosed recently with bipolar disorder. I was wrongly diagnosed with just depression. I have been to a therapist but now I find myself getting worse. Is there anything I can do?
2006-12-25 12:54:15 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
I have been put on prozac zolloft cymbalta welbutrin and zanax for depression and anxiety and yes they have all triggered other symtoms such as suicide thoughts the uncontrolable urge to spend money cleaning my house at 2am and a few others
2006-12-26 12:12:50 · update #1
The key is finding the right medicines and then staying on them even when you feel like you don't need them any more.
If this cocktail isn't working ask your doctor to try some more. Without knowing what you're on it is hard to say if you are on the latest and greatest therapy out there.
But keep on the meds no matter what.
2006-12-25 12:57:28 · answer #1 · answered by Sir J 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hello...............When you had been wrongly diagnosed with just depression did the meds they prescribed seem to bring on other symptoms, and was it then that they said that you were bipolar? If so, this is very common. These meds may have acted as a trigger for the manic side of your illness. What you could do is ask your therapist if this is indeed a possibility. They may reduce the anti-depressants for a time until they figure out a good medication schedule to control the mania you may be experiencing. It often takes a long time to figure out what combination of meds will ultimately work best for you. Be patient and be honest with your doctors. Your input is the key . You will be living with this illness, so keep yourself informed. There are so many very helpful websites available. Personally, I found the National Association for the Mentally Ill [N.A.M.I.] a good starting point when my daughter was diagnosed 7 years ago. Good luck to you .Trust me when I say that it will get better. Don't give up on finding the answers you seek. Take care.
2006-12-26 09:48:39 · answer #2 · answered by Christie L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good psychiatrist is essential. Bipolar disorder needs to be medicated if the person wants to live a somewhat "normal", productive life. I've been living with this my whole life. A good therapist is also important. I think cognitive behavioral therapy is the most helpful... particularly something called DBT. It teaches some incredibly important life skills; ways of coping, ways of interacting with others, ways of changing the way you think about yourself and the world around you, etc. It helped me to see myself much more clearly and then it also gave me the tools I needed to make changes in my life. It's not a cure, there is no cure for this. But medication and therapy are essential. This is a difficult illness to manage and to live with, but it is not hopeless.
One book that has been highly recommended is The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: what you and your family need to know.
Educate yourself as much as possible so you understand what you are dealing with and be a partner in your own treatment. If put on meds, don't just go "OK" and take some medication that you don't know anything about just because a doctor says so. Ask questions, relay any concerns you may have, participate. This is so important.
I wish you luck on the journey.
2006-12-25 22:49:49 · answer #3 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you've got to find the righ medication, and get your levels stable. Talk therapy, that was what really helped me. Try to make sure your enviroment is as stable as possible. DEFFINETLY let your close friends know, as it can give you a bit of leeway when you do something when your manic or depressed that is just not you.
I can't really help you that much, I'm sorry, but what I said above, it really helps. Whatever you do, DO NOT go off your meds. DO NOT stop going to therapy. I blew off the appointments and threw away my meds, and I'm still trying to figure out why, and without insurance, I'm having one helluva hard time.
Good luck.
2006-12-26 08:37:57 · answer #4 · answered by make me ache 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
find a good pscyatrist to go to and keep seeing a therapist you need a doctor like a pschyatrist to put you on medication to control the bi polar i have it myself plus the depression and i know lots of ppl that have it sometimes its really hard to function bipolar is a very weird disease of your mental state of mind but just find a good doc to see and keep seeing your therapist thats about all you can do.....i wish you all the luck in the world with that one
2006-12-25 21:17:14 · answer #5 · answered by att_i_tude2006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just take your meds and every thing will be fine. I know haveing a brain disorder is hard but you are just a normal person with an odd condiction. You are a normal person and you don't have to tell the world about it. Just keep it to your self and every thing will be fine
2006-12-25 21:04:31 · answer #6 · answered by Uchihaitachi345 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have been put on depakote. that was the middle of 2001. before that i was on lithium carbonate. i am sure i was on lithium far too long and it got so it wasn't working very well for me. since i have been on depakote, i feel much better. my own emotions are back. i have been able to think clearly and make my own decisions.
can your therapist prescribe medications? talk to your therapist about what is happening with you and how you feel.
2006-12-25 21:37:19 · answer #7 · answered by rubyred 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1:1 therapy helps with time, patience
maybe you are with the wrong therapist or not on the right dosage of the right combo of meds yet
hang in there
2006-12-25 21:02:15 · answer #8 · answered by Mopar Muscle Gal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
please i know someone very close to me with this disorder, its not only hurting you deeply but it hurts everyone around you...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider medication for this, it's extremely helpful in getting through this hard disorder...i have anxiety and panic disorder and i'm on meds as well, and without them it's very hard sometimes to deal with everything in life...its not your fault its a chemical imbalance which is why meds are needed...do not put yourself through anger, hurt, hyper, hysteria, and depression of this disorder when you can be relieved by medication...i recommend lexapro, it's a great anti depressant which is what youd take, no weight gain, no really bad side effects...i hope this helps
2006-12-25 22:52:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ive been told there are medications you can take.And lead a very normal life.Try different dr.and opinions.The meds you get on are ones you have to take daily to be affected.Helps others I have known with this disorder.Good luck
2006-12-25 21:04:54 · answer #10 · answered by cat eyes 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋