Posted by polarbear206 on May 15, 2010, at 12:39:11
In reply to Re: How long can this thing last?, posted by hansi555 on May 15, 2010, at 5:23:34
> I tend to see my situation and solutions as 2 alternatives:
>
> 1) I am (still) stressing myself too much in terms of hours spend on all sorts of things, including work and even things in my spare time.
> I go to bed too late, forget to take some breaks during my work days, my weeks are too busy.
> I need to work less, take care of bedtimes and make exercise on a more regular basis.
> Stress => depressed periods directly.
>
> I am even suspecting that the meds are not really helping me as I have these none-controllable mood swings that can happen at all times - also when on vacations, in weekends etc.
>
> or
>
> 2) I am bipolar II in some kind of way, not the typical one, and I need to add some mood stabilizer, could be lithium or lacmital.
> I have done enough in terms of reducing my work load and I sleep enough already as it is (7-8 hours). It is a chemical problem in my brain and I need to change my meds.
>
>Just want you to know that I am not a classic bipolar case either. There is a broad specturm. Never had classic hypomania. Shows up with increased energy goal oriented activity, etc... Still sleep, but less, about 5-6 hours. It can manifest with increaseed anxiety and aggitation.My lows were sleeping too much and everything was an effort. Concentration was off and felt as if I was walking around in a fog. It is very misunderstood and often a diagnosis is missed for years and you wonder why your depression isin't getting better. Another red flag is that you have trialed multiple AD's and have some relief, only to have your symptoms return and thus cycles start to emerge. Most people associate bipolar with the classic form of mania and deep depressions. I highly reccomend you get the book, "Why Your Depression Isn't Getting Better" I didn't get relief until I started on lamictal in combo with another AD. And hogwash to one of the posters who states people don't have long-term success with Lamictal. I work in psyche and am an RN. You wouldn't believe all the patients who have benefitted from this drug. I'm talking 5 plus years. I've been on it for over 10 years. 200mg with Effexor. No side effects for me. I felt drugged on other mood stabilizers I trialed. That being Lithium and depakote. I'm not saying it works for everyone, but it has an excellent track record. There are other sites where people rate drugs who have been on them long term. Revolution Health is one of them. Please don't rely only on this site for all of your info. Educate yourself and come to your own conclusion. That's what I did. I acturally diagnosed myself. Subtypes of bipolar are missed and often treated as MDD and anxiety disorders. Good luck and I pray you will be well soon. Never give up hope. It is just around the corner. Be well. :)
poster:polarbear206
thread:947322
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100514/msgs/947497.html