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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cass on August 6, 1999, at 20:30:13
I am 32. I suffer from severe and suicidal depressions. Lately, I have been extremely moody. I get depressed and paranoid. Then in the span of, say, four or so hours the depression will break and I'll feel unaturally high and emotionally buyont. This has been occuring severely for over the past four months. The last AD I tried was Remeron, which did not seem to help and also seemed to make me gain weight. I have been so depressed lately that speaking is difficult and my cognitive skills seem to be impaired. My memory is extremely poor. I also feel weak and lose my balance easily. Today I cut my leg pretty badly as a result. I also have lupus which adds to my symptoms. I have three very uncertain explanations for what I've been going through. One being that I may be bipolar. I plan on asking my doctor about Lithium on my next visit. However, I am a little worried about that because I tend to become dehydrated. Lithium, being a salt might add to that problem. Second, I'm wondering if the mood swings are caused by hormonal imbalances. Although, to a degree, I have always had moodiness. It has just become much more severe recently. Third, my dealing with some resurfaced family problems may be responsible for this. I went through a childhood full of parental rejection and oher kinds of emotional abuse. My father has been in jail (not for a crime against me). Appeals and publicity about the case bring back unpleasant memories and issues.
I know that no one can make a diagnosis from the information in one paragraph. I just want positive feed-back of any kind. Got any?
Posted by Racer on August 6, 1999, at 20:46:44
In reply to Severely depressed and wanting feed-back, posted by Cass on August 6, 1999, at 20:30:13
With so much going on, it hardly matters what the root cause of your mood swings is, what matters is that you give yourself space and permission to be upset by it all. Don't pressure yourself to be level and perfect through all of this. That's what jumped out at me from your story.
Other than that, I'd say that you could do worse than talking to your doctor about whether you might be bipolar, in which case there are newer mood stabilizers out there now that might help you without the drawbacks of lithium. I think some of them also lack the weight gain tendencies in lithium, as well. Talk to your doctor about ADs and mood stabilizers, and see what comes of it. You may have to try a few different combinations to find what works best for you.
Also, don't let your rapid cycling make you believe that you're bipolar without other sources of diagnosis. If you are like me, your depression may lift for a short time, and you may feel during that time as though you're bouncing off the walls, but to the rest of the world you're still well within normal limits. Remember, when you're sinking into the pit of depression, mildly blue still feels manic!
Good luck to you, there's so much going on for your now, but you can do it! We're all rooting for you!
Posted by Chris A. on August 7, 1999, at 0:53:45
In reply to Severely depressed and wanting feed-back, posted by Cass on August 6, 1999, at 20:30:13
Dear Cass,
I am sorry to hear you are in such a dark place. You are always so sensitive and compassionate. I have appreciated that in the past when I've been scraping bottom. Revisiting the rountine physical exam is never a bad idea (to rule out thyroid, blood glucose or any other factors that might be influencing mood). I identify strongly with your description of your rapidly shifting moods. Regardless of the diagnosis, an unstable mood disorder can often benefit from mood stabilizers. I am diagnosed as bipolar and antidepressants, with, and particularly without mood stabilizers tend to make my cylcling and mixed states worse. There are a growing number of alternatives to lithium, so I wouldn't limit your inquiry. There are at least six anticonvulsants, three or four calcium channel blockers and other various approaches to mood stabilization. What is right for one person doesn't necessarily work out for the next. Please keeping working to find the combo that helps you feel better. We are all so complex and unique.Blessings,
Chris A.
Posted by anna on August 9, 1999, at 9:15:25
In reply to Severely depressed and wanting feed-back, posted by Cass on August 6, 1999, at 20:30:13
>Dear Cass,
Firstly remember that the darkness always passes.
Let your doctor check everything out and try some different meds. There is sure to be something. Cognitive therapy is also very useful to help with negative thinking such as paranoia.i used to be just like that and although i still suffer from depression, i am not paranoid anymore and have amuch more positive frame of mind. I still have things to work on -self esteem- but the most important thing is recognising how you feel and letting people help you, because they DO want to.
Let go of the past, nothing can change it so dont let it ruin the rest of your life. I hope these responses help and that you are now feeling happier. Keep Well,
anna
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