Wishing, It is great to see you searching for support within the site. Our members will be able to share with you their experiences and perhaps shed some light for you. Take the time to go through the program and begin to challenge those thoughts. Let us know if we can help. Keep Strong, Josie ___________________________________ The Depression Center Support Team.

Oh gosh. I think I do remember reading that you were in the health profession, but I had forgotten. I can understand how that must feel. Imagine sitting through a mental health nursing class and listening to them talk/lecture about....well..you. Only they just don't know it. I've had to come to terms with that, too. Not in the same way as you, I'm sure. I don't mind telling people that I have allergies, asthma, etc and even depression. But the moment you say "bipolar" you get funny looks. Oh, and I know two other people in my nursing classes that were also diagnosed from depression to BPD type 2 since nursing school has started 15 months ago. We're all falling apart. lol. I've always had mood swings, and not matter what SSRI they put me on, I'd have panic/anxiety attacks, get hypomanic, be okay, and then fall again. This has been going on for that last 4 years. I finally put it together in my head this year and forcefully told a therapist that, "I AM NOT OKAY!" and that's when I got the attention of my psych, who after an intensive outpatient program tentatvily diagnosed me as BPD Type 2. SO, I haven't had a chance to try many meds, yet. However, I was on Lexapro when this all happened (it wasn't working anymore), so they added Lamictal to that which works for anxiety/panic/mood swings/hypomania and also has antidepressent effects. This drug is AMAZING. I loved it. I was a bit sleepy for about two weeks, then I was fine and loving it! However, 10% of the people on Lamictal get a rash, and a few of those rashes can be fatal. Surprise! I got a rash, so off I went in a hurry. The comedown was awful for me. I got the most manic I have ever been and had to go to the hospital. I've also been on Depakote and Topamax. Both gave me panic attacks. (I think that's my body's favorite side effect!) NOW, my pysch has d/c-ed my Lexapro/Lamictal and I'm on Effexor. This med works on Seritonin, Norepinephrine and a tiny bit of Dopamine if you're lucky. And those last two neurotransmitters are the ones that the mood stabilizers work on. SO, they're hoping that Effexor alone will work for me. So far, I've been fine...still depressed, probably bout 5/10, but the Effexor isn't even near as high as it could/should be. You have to wean on/off it. A major s

KrissyRN, Did I forget to say that I work in the mental health profession, oh well, even those who know about the symptoms and diagnosis can still be in denial themselves. I guess that's me, I just am refusing to believe in what I am diagnosed with having. I guess I am just plain angry that this happened to me when I am supposed to help others like me. Confusing huh? I see you are working on being an RN so you definitely have more knowledge and insight than I, but sometimes when something is in plain sight,you just can't accept or recognize it in you. So I understand the symptoms completely, but the stubborness in me is rejecting it. Thanks for replying so quickly. Before I can buy anymore books, I think I need to read the 3-4 I've already purchased, but just have a very difficult time reading anything. This is one of the signs of my depression. By the way do you take any meds for mood swings or is this not one of your symptoms? My psy has prescribed an assortment of meds for bipolar disorder about one month ago and I feel so much like just stop taking them all. All in all, I take 7 medications for depression, hypomania, mood swings, anxiety, and sleep problems. Would you mind saying what your psy prescribes and how they work or don't work for you? Sorry for asking for so much information, but knowledge is power they say. Thanks and take care.

oh me! well..maybe...they haven't decided yet. I'm either MDD NOS or BPD Type 2. As for your hubby...this can be a really hard time. I've found this book really helpful for my family: "Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder" by Julie Fast and John D. Preston, PSY.D. Hope that helps...also to alleviate YOUR mind..I'd also get a book for YOU! Like Bipolar for Dummies. Start reading up about it so you can educate both yourself and your hubby. Much more peace of mind comes about when both of you fully understand what is going on with you! Hope that helps. Let me know if you like the book!!

To Everyone, Just want to know how many people have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, only to later find out you actually have Bipolar II disorder? This has been a most difficult realization and has caused such great discomfort both mentally and emotionally with myself and my family. My husband does not understand the symptoms; therefore, he gets very frustrated with my behaviors, some very risky and dangerous. I would appreciate any input from those who may have the same problem as I do now. Thanks, Wishingwell