Hi all,

I posted this on another forum but thought I'd get your thoughts too...

For the past couple of weeks I have been cycling really rapidly. Like every couple of hours. From hypomania (that's as high as I get) to the most extreme depression; add in a (un)healthy dose of anxiety coupled with anger.

Zyprexa is literally the only thing that helps (in addition to the sizable cocktail I already take - lithium, lurasidone, valdoxan, Pristiq, lamotrigine).

Problem is, since Zyprexa is my 'emergency' go to that I no longer take often, my body is not used to it. I get knocked out and / or get zombified on 5mg for about a day and a half so it's not practical whilst working full-time (2.5mg is next to useless). Also I live with my parents. They don't like it when I 'sleep in' when taking zyprexa (as if I do it willingly!) so I generally feel discouraged to take it. I don't like taking it either given that it makes me a zombie, so that's another factor.

I've had a major life change recently (just changed jobs) and I guess I have been 'helping' a friend through a really tough time...I think the stress is getting to me...

I need a practical way to manage this. Going in to see a psychologist is not my first choice but I'm willing to try that again. Logistics need to be sorted - the appointment has been made but I need to sort out the mental health plan paperwork for Medicare rebates (AUS)

While I'm twiddling thumbs waiting for the paperwork etc, I'd be grateful for advice and suggestions to cope.

Thanks for reading 🙂