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bi-polar


16 years ago 0 29 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Wildcat, I have felt the same way you are feeling now. What you must remember above all else, is that this is not permanent. Tomorrow, or the next day, or maybe even next week will be better. How you feel today won't last forever. At the worst, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Remember - what you are feeling is not really you. Your illness has flared up and so is being more difficult to handle. It distorts your reality. Life will get easier. Use whatever words come to mind. For sure, your medical resource can understand it if they try. Here's one that my psychiatrist loved and i gave him permission to use in an article. "Depression is a migraine of the soul" It is terrible pain without obvious cause. Migraines do go away. Depression does to. Both types of patients need help to carry on productive lives. I was once suffering several migraines weekly. Finally got my GP to send me to the Migraine Clinic we have here. A couple of tests and some forms filled out and presto! medications to prevent migraines. And they worked like a charm!! Couple of side effects but I have no regrets. The meds allowed me to get my life back. And when I finally had to stop taking them, miracuously - no more migraines! Not quite true - I may get a couple a year. But that I can handle. Hang on!! This too shall pass!! I promise!! I am lucky enough to have someone who is my rock, who I can hang on to when I fall into the abyss. He will always be there, with a strong line to hold me. He will not let go of me, no matter what I do, how crazy I get. Even if i anger him beyond tolerance, he will not let me fall. And for that, I am blessed. Hope this helps - don't ever give up. Suzy
16 years ago 0 3043 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
thank you suzy, and casey. I am in a down period and it is difficult to get the energy to move. I am still functioning and I am followed by a psychologist... but there are moments when I wonder what is the point of all the effort. I feel the inertia and want to be better, but I seem to lack the vocabulary to ask for what I need.
16 years ago 0 799 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi wildcat, Although not as prevalent as major depression and dysthymia, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes including highs (mania), lows (depression), and periods of normal functioning (wellness). Sometimes the mood changes in bipolar disorder are dramatic and rapid, but more often they are gradual and subtle. People with bipolar disorder typically cycle through these threee phases of mania, depression and wellness. There is usually no obvious pattern to the cycle of phases and the frequency and duration of episodes are difficult to predict. Some people go for years between episodes while others have much more frequent episodes. I encourage you to consult with your health care provider regarding your specific questions and concerns and treatment options. They know you best and will be able to provide you with the information that you are needing. Casey _____________________________ The DC Support Team
16 years ago 0 29 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Wildcat, I think most people will need meds for the rest of their lives. Some may be able to manage without, but from everything I have read and been told, that is rare. Personally, I have no problem with the concept of taking pills everyday. I have had to take something for high blood pressure since I was 18 (a long long time ago). So it's not a big problem. Really. In the scope of what we have to deal with, swallowing something with a little happy face on it every day just isn't a show stopper. I can see where it might be troublesome for some one who isn't used to taking regular medication. But it helps so much, that it is worth trying to make the adjustment. Try to think of it as a vitamin for your mind. Maybe that will help. Suzy
16 years ago 0 3043 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
hi, according to the psy, I learned to be bi-polar from my father and I have a genetic predisposition toward this Illness. i have large lows and slight highs. Does this mean the psy will help me learn to manage bi-polar-ness and I will slowly wean off medications to cope with everyday things on my own? or will I be stuck needing help and medication of the next 40 years? I other words is Bi-polar like type-I diabetes and needs life long follow-up and medication? or like a mild heart attack... treat the worst now and follow a healthy lifestyle later...?

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