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Wander · Sep 17, 2019, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Christina

I certainly understand your wanting to cut down on meds but maybe it’s not a good idea right now ?? Do you have trouble in general when the seasons change ? Maybe just bad timing ?

I think holding Lithium at this dose for a while is smart. It’s unlikely that your in any kinda of therapeutic level , but as I shared it was hell for me getting off it

As for burning people out. When I was diagnosed every waking moment for me was consumed by Bipolar , I burned numerous friends out for sure. I didn’t realize what I was doing at the time. But I did quickly learn that I can’t expect people with out Bipolar to understand it and it’s just overwhelming, most people’s brains run so slow compared to ours.

So ...I stopped really discussing my Bipolar unless it was here on PC and my Therapist.

I thank DocJohn for creating this safe place for people to find our “birds of a feather” support.

Thanks. Since Lithium has already messed with my thyroid and the Bipolar has been calm I decided it is time to get off it before it does anymore damage. Unfortunately it does help me by controlling dangerous impulsivity, and dulling extreme emotions so it was a carefully considered call. As I have a tonne of coping skills and a good professional support network my pdoc and I decided it was worth a go. I am hoping this turmoil is just a phase and I will be well soon.

As for coming off other meds I am planning to start coming off benzodiazepines once I’m stable off Lithium. I hate how addicted I am to them (ten years on them this time), and what they do to my memory and cognition. I’m in no rush though. Ziprasidone (Geodon) has worked wonders for me so I will stay on that.

And yes I have a bee in my bonnet about meds and would rather be on none. Still, I am trying to do this rationally and safely. I want my brain back.

My episodes don’t follow a seasonal pattern so it’s not that. I’m sure coming off of Lithium has tipped the balance in my brain temporarily. I can get through this. It is just painful feeling so deeply again; in good and bad ways. I see my T shortly so will discuss all this with him. Thanks again for your support.