[Slick399]

This morning I am especially saddened at what I have gone through the last week with the hypomania and depression. It scared the living daylights out of me that I could go so low and so high. Both lows and highs were almost in the range of being totally out of control. The two things I learned this last week is that this illness is not my fault and that I cannot, I repeat cannot drink anything caffeinated or with alcohol in it as these two items just exacerbate whatever mood I am in at the moment. And there were lots of moments. How did I survive this episode...I don't know, just by sheer luck with a lot of positive thinking and by continuing to take my medications as prescribed and thankfully, also, for the Seroquel which put the breaks on the manic phase and dulled the pain of the depression.

Slick

[Amazonmom]

I'm sorry it's been so bad for you lately.

But you have gained some insight into what you should not drink. Imagine how healthy your body will be after avoiding alcohol and caffeine! I know it's so hard to find out yet another restriction to place on your life.

I was so tempted this morning to just junk the stupid Lithium and go it alone again. Especially since I have taken it faithfully and am just getting more depressed. But your post reminded me that I have to hold on even when everything seems hopeless and lost.

[Slick399]

Dear Amazonmom,

Thank you for your post. It has helped me. I am glad that you didn't stop the lithium. I also take lithium daily and have for about fifteen years. It literally has kept me going through the toughest parts of this illness. Hang in there. It will get better!

Slick399

[sillystef]

hey there!

yes, i find that drinking alcohol when i am even a little bit low is a really really baaaaad idea. but don't be sad at living a bipolar life! it can be really hard at times, but try not to focus on being just bipolar, and focus on everything else that you are!

[Slick399]

Thanks, sillystef. My focus on the bipolar life was just that, a focus based upon my recent cycling. Otherwise when I am feeling well, it is not the focus that it can get to be. Thanks for your support!

Slick