My father in law has suffered with manic depression for the last 30 years, and his condition has been stable for the past 15 years - it just took a while to work out the best dosage of lithium for him. He also had ECT, which helped a lot.
I also have a friend who was diagnosed as bipolar about 4 years ago, she has learnt to recognise her triggers and manages the condition herself. It can be hard work, but she has learnt to know what sets off her moods and avoids them. A very healthy diet and exercise help a lot.
Hope this helps - you can get better, keep trying.
2007-02-18 21:01:26
·
answer #1
·
answered by Anonymous
·
1⤊
0⤋
The problem with bipolar disorder is that it affects each person differently. Most medications only hamper the manic phase, leaving the not-so-fun depression to deal with, and not all meds have the same affect on everyone. There are several different drugs on the market, some of which you may not have tried. But if you don't like the idea of trying out more prescriptions, I think you should give therapy another try, maybe with a different doctor. Let your doctor know about your frustrations with drugs and therapy techniques you've already tried. Sometimes all it takes is you saying, "Look, this drug and this technique just aren't doing it for me, and this is why." There's no real answer on what will work for you unless you try. Hang in there and I'll be praying for you.
2007-02-19 00:46:06
·
answer #2
·
answered by hgreen_2004 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
I have been off meds for over a year, in full time employment (until the birth of my son) and am still doing well. So, yes there is another way...I find doing things I enjoy, believeing that I can still achieve things and work all help. As does the support of my partner. Although the key is to remember that you are STILL the person you were before you got the diagnosis - what did you want to do then? Can you work towards it? Can you make a revised goal? For me, working towards a real thing and not spending all my time thinking "I can't do that, I'm Bipolar" really helped.
Sometimes you have to realise that it may take you longer to achieve your goals, but I find the trick is not to stop trying! After all, believing you CAN live a normal life, and working towards what YOU want that normal life to be, has GOT to be better and more motivating than thinking you can't be normal!
Also, contact MDF - the Bipolar organisation. they have a great Self management programme, which looks at triggers, and things that are NON MEDICATION that can help with both ups and downs - it's a grwat programme tailored to the individual
2007-02-19 08:51:34
·
answer #3
·
answered by jop291106 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
What is normal? Who decides what normal is? society? I used to think I was wierd, but finally came to the realization that I am not in the minority with my mental defects and that what is normal to me is normal and just fine. We need to quit trying to live up to some unidentifiable idea of what society tells us is normal and just be ourselvesl
2007-02-19 00:38:36
·
answer #4
·
answered by Jennifer S 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
I'm sorry, but you're going to have to keep trying meds and combinations of meds. Talk therapy doesn't seem to work with bipolar, to my knowledge. You'll have to accept that you'll need to be on meds for the rest of your life. I am so sorry to say that. Try www.nami.org for to find someone in your same position who can talk with you.
2007-02-19 00:36:38
·
answer #5
·
answered by Katherine W 7
·
0⤊
1⤋
It's hard to say. I think you should try to keep healthy and exercise. Find some hobby or join a local group. Do something to distract yourself. But don't put too much pressure on yourself. No-one's perfect.
2007-02-19 01:23:43
·
answer #6
·
answered by B T 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
have you been sent to a specialist? That might be an idea. Also, try finding other friends in your area with this, I bet there are a few who will understand exactly where your coming from
2007-02-19 00:36:25
·
answer #7
·
answered by rose_merrick 7
·
1⤊
0⤋
Try Neurontin medicine. It's fairly new with not many side effects. Depakote is TRASH!
2007-02-19 00:39:31
·
answer #8
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
YOu have to do the lithium or whatever the new drug is. That is what they are for.
neurontin is an anti seizure med
2007-02-19 00:48:28
·
answer #9
·
answered by Father Ted 5
·
0⤊
1⤋
i think you should.. i dont know :l(
2007-02-19 00:34:56
·
answer #10
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
1⤋