Posted by Karen_kay on March 25, 2004, at 19:45:30
In reply to I'm a newbie:wondering about suicide?, posted by firstglazegirl on March 25, 2004, at 11:47:15
I too am dx with Bipolar Disorder. And I've tried to commit suicide on two different occassions. And I'm 24 years old. And it took me about 4 years of antidepressant treatment before a doctor finally realized that I was Bipolar. Then, the routine of lithium and lamictal and lexapro and the various antipsychotics and other mood stabilizer, ADs, therapy and side effects. BUT!!!!! Now I take ONE COUNT it ONE mood stabilizer that works for me. And I feel UN-fricken-BELIEVABLE!
So, you asked if meds can help! I say ABSOLUTELY! The trick is finding the meds that work for you. It's a long, hard process. And I'm not going to lie to you and say it's easy. But I will tell you that it's worth it. SO WORTH IT! My life has changed so much since finding the meds that work for me, you wouldn't believe it. My depression has lifted (and I had to quit the med I'm taking for a while and could tell the difference) and the hypomania sometimes rears its head every once in a while. It's corrected relatively easily by upping my topamax just a bit. Meds have changed my life, with the help of a wonderful and talented therapist as well (not to mention my witty and great personality on top of everything else).
Don't give up on things. I know it's rough. And sometimes things still are rough for me as well. But, my Prine Charming med has given me the ability to fight my own personal demons head on. Keep posting on Babble. We'll help prop you up. I honestly can't say enough how much meds have changed my life. It's just a matter of finding the right one that works for you. Luckily I had a doctor that worked well with me and listened to my suggestions. He worked from his own personal knowledge and listened to me when I told him something wasn't working. I'm lucky to have a great team of experts. Just please, don't give up! We're here listening to you! And meds can make a difference. It really did in my life. I went from not being able to shower to being a full functioning human once again. Hey, I might even say I'm rather smart. Once again, DON'T GIVE UP! It just takes time!!!!!
I'd say to talk to your doctor (and do you see a therapist by the way?) and let him/her know that you aren't seeing relief from your current meds (what are you on????).... Talk about your options. Are you BipolarI or II? Are you taking a mood stabilizer? I'm taking topamax but I KNOW it doesn't work for many people and the side effects for many people are horrible. I'm lucky in that I can tolerate meds very well. If you need to talk dear, please feel free to email me at karen_kay12 at yahoo dot com... And, in case you haven't checked out this book, there's a very good book called "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide"
Hang in there, ok...
poster:Karen_kay
thread:328199
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040324/msgs/328452.html