Anybody have bipolar 1 or 2 or know anyone how has it?

Question

and with the use of medication how well dose it help ive been depressed for a long time and from June to August i was high (Hypomania) now iam depressed i also work shift work so i presume shift work would not help

Answer 1

My mother has been bi-polar all her life so I've good experience of it.
First it is essential that you continue to take whatever medication has been prescribed and regardless of the fact that you feel better on it and then believe that you don't need it in the future.
I don't think that shift work is going to alter the condition significantly but from what you say it would appear that the medication/dosage you are on is not having the desired effect.
Fix up an appointment to see your doctor and tell him/her how you are getting on-or otherwise and explore other medication options (of which there are many besides Lithium).
Good luck.

Answer 2

There are mood stabilizers that could smooth out the swings in your moods. A psychiatrist would be able to prescribe something appropriate.

Having said that, here is a note of caution - finding a good psychiatrist who does not go overboard and prescribe a whole slew of medicines is not easy. I am a minimalist when it comes to taking drugs of any kind and had a couple of delusional psychotic breaks and indeterminate mood swings. However, I just stick to the original prescription of Risperdal which has done wonders for my quality of life - no delusions of any kind.

How do I know it was Risperdal that helped? I don't. But I do not want to risk discontinuance for fear that I may tend towards delusions again. Brain is a fragile organ and Mind is not an exact science yet. You are what you are naturally and I believe that chemically altering your personality with a slew of drugs is not 'right' - i worry about dependency and fundamentally altering the neural pathways and entering limbo state.

The whole subject of psychopharmacology is of abiding interest and I would be happy to talk about it in emails with anyone.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I suspect i have been Bipolar since i was in my mid teens, now mid 40 still not fully diagnosed [due 2morrow] been on various meds over the years and just had a high past 8 days [ that's why i am still up!]
Used to do night work and will never do again i feel a lot better since not working 2yrs and having a normal sleep pattern which is very important, Speak to the docs and don't hide anything, like i have!Good luck...

Answer 4

Hi, I have had bipolar for a long time, since 14 or so now 26. Yes it does get better, the meds can sort you out , but we also need to be kind to ourselves - shift working may not help, you'll need a regular sleep pattern if not you may go hypomanic again. All the best sweetie, and I promise you it does get better x

Answer 5

I am Bipolar, and have been for 16years. I am now off meds as I have a good relationship with the mental health team here, and have done self management training. I have a full time job and function normally (MOST of the time)
If your meds work - stick with them DON'T stop cos you feel better. Loads of Bipolar people on meds have really good lives, and achieve a lot.
Shift work MIGHT be difficult for you as routine tends to really help, and regular sleep is a really IMPORTANT self help tool, but as long as you make sure you get good sleep when you're not at work it should be OK.
GOod luck, and look after yourself

Answer 6

See: http://www.mentalhealth.com/book/p40-ma01.html and: http://www.relax7.com/7.php and the last 6 blogs of Shan Eris on "tackling depression" at www.myspace.com and choose a method that appeals and practice it for 20 mns, minimum, daily. Get some bright light during your off work hrs (30 - 60 mins.) 4 x 40watt fluoros, a couple of feet away, should be enough to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Go to the myspace homepage and enter "bipolar disorder", and myspace; groups has bipolar groups (you may need to join myspace [free]); click on groups, up near the top of the webpage, select: "other" and enter: "bipolar disorder". Consider exchanging phone numbers or email addresses with some of them.