Posted by Tomatheus on January 28, 2006, at 23:11:11
In reply to Help!! Bipolar, off meds, losing it, posted by catmint on January 28, 2006, at 18:05:38
Catmint,
I don't have any easy answers for you, but it sounds like the no-medication route that you're currently taking isn't the best thing for you. I know that you said that you've tried every psych med for bipolar disorder, but it's possible that you might have missed a combination that might be able to give you enough relief to be more functional.
I know that you made it clear that you suffer from bipolar disorder, but the term "bipolar" refers to such a wide spectrum of symptomatic profiles these days that it's almost become meaningless. Could you say a little more about what your primary symptoms are? (e.g., do you struggle more with [hypo]mania or depression? do you cycle rapidly or go through episodes lasting several months? Is your [hypo]mania more of the euphoric type or more of the agitated/irritable type? To what extent are your [hypo]manic symptoms made worse by different classes of antidepressants?)
I wish I could give you more in terms of advice, but only my suggestions at this point would be to 1) try to get in to see a doctor to discuss different med options soon, and 2) considering your economic predicament, you might want to look into applying for disability.
Tomatheus
> I have been diagnosed for 7 years, been on all pych meds for bipolar since. 2 months ago stopped Lamictal monotherapy.
>
> I can't deal with my life. I felt that the Lamictal was only helping somewhat, and stooped for fear of long term effects.
>
> I'm 39, female, and living as a single parent.
>
> Now, I have a mild recreational drug problem, as well as alcohol every day. Ciggarettes, a tumultuous home-life, jobless, facing eviction,scrounging for change, no foodstamps till Feb. 3
>
> Help! Any posts in the next two to four hours are needed!! I need to get some advice.
>
>
poster:Tomatheus
thread:603849
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060122/msgs/603959.html