Posted by tdaneen on February 4, 2001, at 11:37:09
In reply to Accepting diagnosis of bipolar II - HELP!, posted by MJ on February 4, 2001, at 3:11:04
I also am BPII treatment resistant with atypical depression. I have a few questions if you don't feel they are too intrusive.
First, Are you a stay home mom? If so, are you involved outside of your family in your own interests and activities? This is important.
Second, Do you attend regular therapy? Singularly, or group? I found that a group was a godsend for me. It was such a relief to know that there were others JUST LIKE ME. Not just words typed on a screen, but actual people with names and faces.
Talk to your therapist and\or pdoc about a bipolar support group.Third, What medications have you been on, what doses, how long? What are you on now? How long have you been on it? Do you have any other health problems?
You may want to post this information on regular PB for some of their feedback. There are a lot of super people there that have been through the medication mill, and might be able to give you some insight to meds you and your doc havent thought of. Doesn't hurt for you to ask your doc about it in conversation.I know that when I got my diagnosis I broke down and cried. My pdoc, said something that I'll never forget, "Hey, This isn't as bad as it seems. Now that it has a name, we can start treating it. It isn't a mystery anymore." I took me a couple of weeks to really understand what he was trying to get throught to me. I finally go it though. We as human beings are always more afraid of the unknown. Now we know the enemy, there are ways to fight this enemy, and new ways developing every day.
It is a difficult task to be strong, but IMHO I have come to believe that some of the bravest, and strongest people I have ever met (both in spirit, and persistance) are those who have to deal with this crap every day.
It sounds like you have a GREAT support system. You are so lucky. Take advantage of that.
Remember there are lots of great people that know where you are, have been there, and are supportive.
best of lucktdaneen
poster:tdaneen
thread:4384
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010105/msgs/4403.html