@A MyDepressionTeam Member Just a thought..have you been manic? If you have been manic -medication is necessary or the mania won't stop. That's the way I think of it at least. I don't want to be manic so I take medicine that stops this from happening. Bipolar diagnosis' means that you need to find the medicine that stops the mania. At least that's what I think. I'm surprised your psychiatrist pulled you from work to get the right dose of medicine. I've never known that to happen. What are you supposed to be doing during the 4 week hiatus? Hope things are going ok. Check in with us when you have a chance. Thanks, Annie

Mentioned Users

A MyDepre...

Perfectly stated. We have to advocate for our mental Wellness.

Thank you for your responses. It helps to know I’m not the only one. I have had depression for like 20 years but within the past year my psychiatrist told me she’s diagnosing me as bi polar and manic depressive. She is putting me out of work for four weeks to try to get the meds right. She added something to my depression med and it had adverse reactions. I was even more depressed and had thoughts of suicide. It’s had seeing and hearing people so happy and then they look at me and ask what’s your problem.

@A MyDepressionTeam Member Hi. How long have you been diagnosed? I've been diagnosed for 32 years and I'm still in the figuring it all out stage. Nothing is easy when you are Bipolar. It's sometimes/oftentimes a very lonely road. Like when you are manic..... it's hard to explain but a lot of people figure "well she's not depressed....this manic thing seems preferable." It's not. Currently I am very depressed so I'm answering your question with that state of mind. What I find peculiar is that if you tell friends, relatives that you are depressed - most of them don't know what to do. Or what you are experiencing. They are clueless. I have my family in that category. Friends well it depends on who you ask. Out of my closest friends only 1 has a clue. Again why do you have to explain you'd rather be dead than to go what you are going through? If you are on that level of depression I hope you have a counselor, therapist to call. Most people don't know how to handle that. So does that leave me friendless? No cus I have MDT to "talk to" The counselor I have now I wouldn't dream of calling. Past therapists yes. That does say something about the current therapist. (See I'm learning something myself). Anyways I hope I answered maybe part of your question. I have friends but most of them are clueless. I'm going to up my doseage of Lithium back up to the higher dose tonite and we'll see how long it takes for me to be back in the land of the living. Annie. I had a friend who's name was Eileen - she died back in Sept(cancer). I hope that I helped a bit.

Mentioned Users

A MyDepre...

@A MyDepressionTeam Member
I do not pretend to have the answer, but when it comes to friends....
I see that it is hard on other people who are not bi-polar too because they do not have the stamina and excess energy to put out on keeping up with the expectations of the bi-polar person, especially when that person is in a manic phase. It seems to me that we can be very unrealistic in our expectations for others because we just aren't seeing things clearly, objectively or free from our own sufferings and need for relief. We need others to let go of some of their expectations for us, but guess what, they need the same courtesy from us! Most people have either found or are seeking the modus operandus that enables them to remain mentally able to cope. There is a delicate balance for each person!
We have to realize our own inherent (normal) narcissism is what everyone else needs us to change. I say this in all humility as I realize my own want and need. When a man lived with integrity, he attracts people who admire that quality. Living with mental illness is not very attractive. Yes, we must learn to love and accept ourselves, but we must stop placing expectations on others outside of being treated with courtesy, and having our human dignity and inherent given human rights that come from God respected. You probably already realize all of this. We all want to grow, contribute something good, bear good fruit, and experience fulfillment all the while causing no harm or distress to anyone else. First, be a friend to yourself, and go easy on your neighbor. Having friends is not the absolute necessary goal in life. It's okay to be different. Just seek to have a merciful heart for yourself and anyone else. I hope some of your sadness lifts soon.
May you find real Peace and solace.🙏🏼
Even in the storm.

Mentioned Users

A MyDepre...