Hey, Dawn. Think I said hi on Intro. thread. Very sorry for ur struggles

Do u have bp1 or 2?

Generally, only a very few people w bipolar disorder can thrive off meds. Pretty rare. The problem is, the bipolar brain is profoundly abnormal even when euthymic. There is great difficulty handling life stressors without causing episodes. Actually. The longer u have it, the more likely little stresses cause massive flares.

Exercise is mandatory. It mitigates depression, thickens the brain, and allows damage to heal. Keep it up.

Meds that r very good and fairly wt.-neutral include Abilify and Geodon. Both good. Lithium is the gold standard and causes the brain to thicken and heal. If I were u, I wld start lithium and Abilify. Other people will have other thoughts

Gd. Luck 2 u!!

Hugs.[/QUOTE

Hey! Yes we said hi before

I'm BP 2 so it's "easier" but I've read if you've had hypomania more than a week it is technically mania? I had an episode that lasted 3 weeks and they were on the verge of hospitalise me.

I am scared of meds because I gain weight so easily. As I also have a muscle disease things in my body feels better with less weight on me. Like my acth is actually at a normal level and so is my prolactine.

But I've read a lot lately that things sets off easier the longer you have it. I've probably had it for a long time, but only been diagnosed a year and learning so much.

What is ablify?