I have suffered from all this crap since I was 13 and never bought into all the diagnosis. I am finally relenting and admitting I can't control these mood swings, depression, ect... I am in a slump again, in the past my faith in God helped, now nothing is working. Yes I take my meds, effexor and still can't shake the blues, Ive done all the mental health stuff you're suppose to do, think positive, journal, get out of the house, excercie, still no help. Im not suicidal, but have lost all motivation. The Dr. is really of little help, and my counselor just listens offers no advice. I never hit the mania stage with the bi polar, I question still wether Ihave it. My mania symptoms are just insomnia. I am tired ofthis fight. I need real help. The onset of this was due to a hernia surgery when I went into septic shock and woke up in ICU and almost died. I had to pull out of nursing school I was halfway through. I had 2 years symptom free till then. What do I do Now?
2007-03-20 11:14:55 · 6 answers · asked by Shyler 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Get a clear picture of what is going on with you.
It sounds like lots have labeled you but no one is helping. Effexor is not the only drug. And therapists that just listen and don't do more are useless.
You have had a legitimate medical situation that haunts you. There is appropriate treatment for PTSD. And even if you do have another disorder, the fact that it is controlling you right now means that it is not being managed appropriately.
Check the internet in your area for someone that specializes in PTSD. It can make depression and other symptoms much worse than they have to be. Insomnia is a defining characteristic of depression, not necessarily bipolar.
You don't say how old you are, but you do display symptoms that are not being treated. Get to know yourself. Use all of your ability to know yourself to your advantage. Read up on the role of exercise and diet as well as sleep on your mental health. Manage yourself and invite a new professional to help with managing that which you do not know.
No one will know you better than you. You are describing a situation where you are relying on bad information or certainly inadequate information.
Just remember psychiatry is a science not a known. You are a complex person and you need to work together with someone to achieve the wellness you describe.
Good luck and don't give up.
2007-03-20 11:30:48 · answer #1 · answered by kishoti 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From what you wrote, I would suggest you start working with different mental health professionals.
BPD and BP are very serious, but complex in their diagnosis and treatment processes. The diagnostic criteria and treatments are going through a lot of changes with advances in research and treatment options. Therefore, you may want to push yourself to find a psychiatrist or psychologist that specializes in mood disorders. Finding the right help is a difficult and lengthy process. I personally went to five different specialists before I found the two that I was most comfortable with. I would also suggest that you research DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), which is specifically designed to treat BPD.
Bipolar depression is disabling and very hard to get out of. I hope that you can build enough strength to go seek help. You may want to look for support through friends, family, spiritual leaders (priest, rabbi), counselor or support groups like the DBS (http://www.dbsalliance.org).
It's important that what you have is very managable and you can get through this. But it's also important to set your expectations properly so you don't crash into further depression. It is very difficult to get through the treatment and it also takes a very long time. Therefore, you should create realistic goals, a simple treatment plan and track your progress. This will motivate you to stick through an intensive treatment program.
I've personally found that the right medication helped get me out of the black hole and gave me enough strength to put myself out there and get help. I attended individual and group therapy sessions 2 - 3 times a week for a year. Over time, it will get easier and eventually, you will learn about yourself, how to manage your illness and improve the quality of your life, based on the goals you set for yourself.
Don't beat yourself up and try to be optimistic, as there are millions of people that suffer will serious mood disorders. You're not alone and there are many people out there (like me) that will help you and want to see you do well.
Good luck.
2007-03-20 13:02:58 · answer #2 · answered by Altruist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My depressed phase of bipolar needs to be treated with 2 antidepressants; Lexapro and Wellbutrin. He has used Lexapro with Effexor to "bump" me out of the depression. I also take Seroquel to prevent the mania associated with the extra antidepressant.
Go back to your psychiatrist and ask if this might work for you.
2007-03-20 11:27:59 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Life's too short, change professionals!
Get help elsewhere, different hospital, different psych... We all get bored in life and at some point tend to do things while on cruise control.... why can't professionals do the same mistake?
Find other mental health professionals!
2007-03-20 11:51:44 · answer #4 · answered by the secret is in the pudding 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Psychiatry: An Industry Of Death
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPUHUpfDVgY&mode=related&search=
The Fraud of Psychiatry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V96aYXnRqKw&mode=related&search=
Psychiatric Victims Speak Out:
http://www.cchr.org/index.cfm/8771
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwP2PP8CU0Y
DON'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU ARE NOT SICK!
http://breggin.com
2007-03-20 11:23:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Hi. Find a better doctor who you trust. I mean it!
2007-03-20 11:22:25 · answer #6 · answered by Cirric 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i don't know but i know how you feel
2007-03-20 12:13:40 · answer #7 · answered by Arlette 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋