![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KayLen on June 12, 2006, at 18:23:27
Hello to all,
I have noticed something and I want to know if im the only person who feels this way. Has anyone out there noticed that Manic Depression is like the hip disease of the decade? So many people i read posts from and talk to in person that claim to be bi-polar ...being truly a manic depressive myself I dont have to be told ...I can tell easy because although there are diferences...there are a few things that all manics do and a few things that they DON'T do. And rarely have I ran across another manic/D . I think if a person is having ups and downs as we all do at some time but they are not able to cope with it ...the doctor to make the patient happy gives a dianosis that most people including doctors dont know enough about it to contradict. And also so he looks better than if he simply said .."I don't know why you can't cope" you wanna get numb? I can help you on that score."? I am being a tad sarcastic but it is very unfair and i feel cruel to simply pacify patients. Manic depression IS NOT just a mood disorder ....It is one of the top four major mental illnesses second ONLY to scizophrenia, which is life ruining and we have no known drug to help them, all that can be done is put them into the the "Twilite Zone Shuffle".
I feel it could ruin a persons chances for alot of things in life to be labled something they are not. Just because someone is having ups and downs ...that everyone has from time to time ...and they are given the tag literaly {i am sure most of them think it is simply a chemical imbalance..or "disorder"} as a person who is insane , mentaly ill, and all the ugly stigma that goes along with it. It is easy to do because we know so little of the mind ..no one can refute the diagnosis. Anyway..thats how I feel about it and im not depressed.
Thank You anyone who reads this I guess i need to know is it just me ??..i need a realty check.
I should add ...I have to get my realty checks alot. So I can see if I am going overboard.
Thanks again
Posted by KayLen on June 12, 2006, at 18:30:40
In reply to Manic Depression / Bi-Polar, posted by KayLen on June 12, 2006, at 18:23:27
I realize I was in the wrong forum for my subject a little late ..i apologize. I am sure some of you have some thoughts on this do you?
Posted by heaven help me on June 12, 2006, at 22:34:23
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar » KayLen, posted by KayLen on June 12, 2006, at 18:30:40
Since I've been *diagnosed* as Bipolar 2 ( or maybe 3 - who knows) I do feel a little resentment at your post. But, I think that the mind is soooooo complex and that Dr.s are trying to label things that just can't be labeled. if ACCURATE labels could be given, we EACH would have a DIFFERENT one. It's a crap shoot, or a lousy game or something, everybody doing the best they can to figure things out but nobody getting it all exaclty right. God created the human mind to be perfect and we have been screwing it up for milleniums...There is no simple explanation or diagnosis....but, I'm ok with your post, and your thoughts.
blessings
mary
Posted by ramsea on June 14, 2006, at 0:11:31
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar » KayLen, posted by KayLen on June 12, 2006, at 18:30:40
I think some people have bipolar disorder more severely than others, as with any thing it is different per each person and per that person's cycle.
Bipolar disorder is not the equivalent of "insane" though the media uses it that way sometimes, increasing stigma.Many people with bipolar disorder lead productive lives and are useful, talented, fun people to have around. So I am told, haha and have seen for myself.
No one would wish to have any disorder (mild, moderate or severe), but this one does have treatments and many of us don't require being doomed to any twilight shuffle--I am certainly not shuffling about, in fact I exercise a couple of hours daily, go to the gym, enjoy family life, and work on various projects.
I have hardly any interventions from the outside and my meds (at the moment a low-dose anti-psychotic--though I am not psychotic) is working to keep me on the stable side, though I still have a wide range of emotions. If you feel oversedated, it could be you could talk with your pdoc about it and tweak something. No one needs to have that horrible oversedated feeling anymore, and that can lead to loss of self-esteem too. Wishing you luck, ramsea
Posted by B2chica on June 14, 2006, at 9:57:40
In reply to Manic Depression / Bi-Polar, posted by KayLen on June 12, 2006, at 18:23:27
i think there is this 'media induced' stigma as to what 'manic depression/bipolar' is. you think patty duke and spending $30,000 on a whim, buying cars or houses, then depth of despair the next day.
this is not what every person with a diagnosis of bipolar experiences. i even had a psychologist tell me (and i quote) "if you're not flying off to vegas or cheating on your husband i don't think you're bipolar".
quite frankly i was REALLY offended by that statement and never went back. not that i wanted to be bipolar, but i had a best friend who was diagnosed when we were 19 and she never flew off to vegas, though she was sexually active, once she settled on a guy she didn't cheat...so to pin such stereotypes on her were offensive.
i would consider her bipolar much more severe than mine, but i never experience true mania that wasn't drug induced. mine is more dysphoric mania...little more on psychosis side. if that means i'm not bipolar, then i'm not. i don't care. all i care is that the diagnosis given me helps me pay for the medications that DO work.
and allow me to continue living a healthy life both for me AND my family.however, i do believe that there are doctors out there that see a few symptoms and jump on the bipolar bandwagon (my first pdoc). fortunately the pdoc i now see had waited about a year to verify that diagnosis in me...he wasn't completely convinced untill he'd seen specific characteristics himself. THAT i agree with. i think some are making a decision too quickly.
i agree we all have general ups and downs and hopefully docs aren't tagging those with a label. most of the people i've talked to here do deal with more that typical "ups and downs".the problem in my eyes is that many people still think those who have bipolar are infact non functioning. they equate having a mental illness with "institution' and anything less then you must not have it.
the fact is bipolar IS a major mental illness but is also the most treatable of all the major mental illnesses.and i think reality checks are important (believe me...i need them). and i appreciate your comments. i think it's an important topic and i wish it was a little more discussed in the medical community as well.
thanks kaylen
b2c
Posted by heaven help me on June 14, 2006, at 10:26:24
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar, posted by ramsea on June 14, 2006, at 0:11:31
rmasea,
Please, will you share what meds you are on? I am trying to get onto the lowest dose of the best working AP I can find. geodon is it right now, but I am curious as to options. Will you tell me?
blessigns
mary
Posted by KayLen on June 14, 2006, at 11:39:57
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar » KayLen, posted by KayLen on June 12, 2006, at 18:30:40
Heaven help me
Thank You , you are a good example for me.
I need to be more thoughtful and kind. I appreciate your answer. I wasn't thinking about
how it may read from your point, I hope you have a long and healthy life with as little problems as a human can get by with.Thank you again
kaylen
Posted by KayLen on June 14, 2006, at 11:52:21
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar, posted by ramsea on June 14, 2006, at 0:11:31
> I think some people have bipolar disorder more severely than others, as with any thing it is different per each person and per that person's cycle.
> Bipolar disorder is not the equivalent of "insane" though the media uses it that way sometimes, increasing stigma.
>
> Many people with bipolar disorder lead productive lives and are useful, talented, fun people to have around. So I am told, haha and have seen for myself.
>
> No one would wish to have any disorder (mild, moderate or severe), but this one does have treatments and many of us don't require being doomed to any twilight shuffle--I am certainly not shuffling about, in fact I exercise a couple of hours daily, go to the gym, enjoy family life, and work on various projects.
>
> I have hardly any interventions from the outside and my meds (at the moment a low-dose anti-psychotic--though I am not psychotic) is working to keep me on the stable side, though I still have a wide range of emotions. If you feel oversedated, it could be you could talk with your pdoc about it and tweak something. No one needs to have that horrible oversedated feeling anymore, and that can lead to loss of self-esteem too. Wishing you luck, ramsearamsea,
I too am one that can live a full and happy life . it has improved with age too. Or I am learning how to handle it better. when I mentioned the twillite shuffle etc. I was speaking of scitzoprenia not bi/polar. I was under the impression that manic-depression was a simple chemical imbalance and when I discoverd that it was considerd one of the top four mental illnesses, I was shocked and I felt betrayed and hurt. I am not shy about telling anyone im manic ,Knowing what category im in now i just may begin to keep my condition a bit closer to the vest. thank you for posting
kaylen and I wish you all of the best
Posted by KayLen on June 14, 2006, at 12:02:56
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar, posted by B2chica on June 14, 2006, at 9:57:40
And I thank You for posting your post and others are helping me . Ive been bi/polar for quite a few years and I may not be where id like to be exactly , but i am happy and im getting better all the time thank you chica.
I wanted to add ...sometimes always the manic times I will get an unasked for reality check and it is almost always a very funny situation ive gotten into. Ive discoverd that Im like a child in the sense that I see things fresh and clear...{the same old things}...as if seeing them for the first time all over ..i feel forunate with that.
Posted by KayLen on June 14, 2006, at 12:17:10
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar » ramsea, posted by heaven help me on June 14, 2006, at 10:26:24
> rmasea,
> Please, will you share what meds you are on? I am trying to get onto the lowest dose of the best working AP I can find. geodon is it right now, but I am curious as to options. Will you tell me?
> blessigns
> mary
Sure Mary, I was given xanax and I was innocent at the time and didn't know how addicting it is.Although it hardley matters because it works for me and it helps me to get back to me for the most part im am manic so I only take a anti-depressant as a booster shot to get me up and out that has been prozac lately if needed ..but I would never again use it for a everyday med. I felt it changing not just my personality but my inner sense of right and wrong ..it seemed to numb all bad thoughts and I found myself doing things out of character for me and I quit ...but i do need it at times for a short time....OH and I always have onhand what my doc calls knock out pills ...to be taken on the third night that I havent been able to sleep..i dont like to take them so wait for sleep alot. It is a strong sleeping pill but i dont have the name handy.
If you like i can find out easy enough {still takes about three to put me to sleep *L*
hope that answers your post??
Posted by KayLen on June 14, 2006, at 12:22:01
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar » KayLen, posted by KayLen on June 14, 2006, at 11:39:57
I wrote this earlier and sent to the wrong spot i think..bear with me im impulsive and impatient.
Posted by KayLen on June 14, 2006, at 12:30:44
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar » heaven help me, posted by KayLen on June 14, 2006, at 12:17:10
I forgot to ask if you don't mind telling . What are your symtoms Mary? And how long have you been M/D?
Karen
Posted by CEK on June 14, 2006, at 19:02:05
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar Heaven Help Me » KayLen, posted by KayLen on June 14, 2006, at 12:30:44
I had been diagnosed as just having major depression for 6 years. No AD gave me much relief. I had mentioned to my doctor about the constant mood swings I would have daily since I was in high school and they dismissed it. I don't mean occaisional ups and downs for a reason, I mean several mood swings daily for no reason at all. There was never a truly normal time for me since I can remember. During the good mood swings I felt high. So elated. I had so much energy and talked non stop. I felt like I had the ability to concure all of my dreams. Then within an hour, for no reason, I would be in a dark depression. After six years of the ADs, Cymbalta being my last, I started to expirence real mania. Not very severe, but definitely not what I had ever felt. I would feel so euphoric and didn't worry about consiquences for my actions. I ran my mouth too much and said things that were better left unsaid, but I got started spending money like it was never going to run out. In one month on ebay, I spent $3000.00. Money that should've been spent on bills. I had no regard for anything but the spending. It felt so good. During these spells, I couldn't stop spending money. I ran up all of our credit cards, used all of our savings and now that my condition has literally disabled me, we are in the hole and I'm struggling to pay my bills and can't even afford to pay for the pdoc, psychiatrist or meds. I do it because I have to by robbing Peter to pay Paul. We are now having to sell our Tahoe which we love to try to pay off some bills so we can afford groceries ect. When my mania kicked in so did major compulsive eating. I would want to eat anything I could get my hands on and eat until I hurt even though I had been watching my weight for the last 3 years since I lost all of the weight I gained from having my 3 children. I went from a size 6 to a size 16 within 6 months. All my hard work down the drain. I have completely destroyed everything I have worked so hard to acheive by these uncontrollable actions. We went from high on the hog to the poor house in months. It wasn't until I saw my second pdoc that I was diagnosed as bipolar 2. I am now on a mood stablizer and it is helping the mania, but not the depression. I wish that my doctor years ago would've just guessed at me being bipolar and tried a different type of med and maybe I could've avoided all of this.
Posted by heaven help me on June 18, 2006, at 18:41:44
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar Heaven Help Me » KayLen, posted by KayLen on June 14, 2006, at 12:30:44
Hi, Just to answer your questions:
Symptoms:
INSOMNIA!!!!!
mood swings
Rage feelings that I would fight off
racing thoughts -can't get enough note paper to write all my ideas down
Anxiety and inability to "connect" with people I do not know wellPA DXd me as depressed but no ADs worked, only made things worse. So, we moved on to Mood Stabilizers and APs which now seem to work very well with very little EPS. I am happy! Becasue those things worked I was given a DX of BP2. Never really had mania, just maybe slight hypomania and depression
blessings
mary
Posted by KayLen on June 19, 2006, at 19:26:12
In reply to Kaylen..., posted by heaven help me on June 18, 2006, at 18:41:44
Hi Mary,
Im glad to hear your doing well. I am on the other side of the fence....i had mania big time but then i guess when i was depressed it was really bad also...just had more manic than down time. Thank You for answering . I feel the key to possible cures is finding out how all people feel and not to get locked in {like I was at first}on one or a few cases.
peace
Karen
Posted by KayLen on July 2, 2006, at 18:50:54
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar Heaven Help Me » KayLen, posted by CEK on June 14, 2006, at 19:02:05
Yikes, I have never heard of a case that would change from elated to depressed in one hour. That makes a rapid cycler seem slow.
Youve got alot to take care of but it sounds as if your family is sticking by you , thats great.I think it is vital to have the support of our loved ones and without that, well people would have a hard time of it. Our perspective on our conditions can make us or break us also. And we can be highly affected by the people we are closet to. I have discoverd with the help of my husband that even when manic if it is brought to my attention that my actions are out of proportion to any given situation , I can bring myself down to a bit more normal just by knowing that. He never embarasses me .....he will say something like "slow down a little"..just to me, and he will take a deep breath indicating that it may help me and it does. He is not always right ...being naturally easily excitable, ...so I just tell him im ok. there have been some embarrassing situations when it was brought to my attention. It seems as if I can't be embarrased any more. Which is just fine with me. Since having accepted my illness , it seems to have put everyone at ease about it. Having been through alot of fighting it and meds...and the second I gave up the fight ...everything imediately improved on all aspects. I don't use it for any excuses or crutches. One of my favorite sayings is "I am crazy....not stupid"... wishing for you a recovery beyond your dreams ..i wish that for all of us ...thank you for sharing CEK
PEACE
KAYLEN
ps. I discoverd that Anti-depressants took away my conscience...and any fear of repercussions not my mania.
Posted by CEK on July 3, 2006, at 11:16:02
In reply to Re: Manic Depression / Bi-Polar Heaven Help Me » CEK, posted by KayLen on July 2, 2006, at 18:50:54
> Yikes, I have never heard of a case that would change from elated to depressed in one hour. That makes a rapid cycler seem slow.
>
> Youve got alot to take care of but it sounds as if your family is sticking by you , thats great.I think it is vital to have the support of our loved ones and without that, well people would have a hard time of it. Our perspective on our conditions can make us or break us also. And we can be highly affected by the people we are closet to. I have discoverd with the help of my husband that even when manic if it is brought to my attention that my actions are out of proportion to any given situation , I can bring myself down to a bit more normal just by knowing that. He never embarasses me .....he will say something like "slow down a little"..just to me, and he will take a deep breath indicating that it may help me and it does. He is not always right ...being naturally easily excitable, ...so I just tell him im ok. there have been some embarrassing situations when it was brought to my attention. It seems as if I can't be embarrased any more. Which is just fine with me. Since having accepted my illness , it seems to have put everyone at ease about it. Having been through alot of fighting it and meds...and the second I gave up the fight ...everything imediately improved on all aspects. I don't use it for any excuses or crutches. One of my favorite sayings is "I am crazy....not stupid"... wishing for you a recovery beyond your dreams ..i wish that for all of us ...thank you for sharing CEK
> PEACE
> KAYLEN
> ps. I discoverd that Anti-depressants took away my conscience...and any fear of repercussions not my mania.Thank you KayLen. I wish you the same. Love,CEK
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.