[germanized1]

I would have been described as a worst case scenario Bipolar some years ago. Repeated attempts at suicide. Incredible manic indulgences. A slashed left arm, still bearing the scars of both the psychic and physical pain of the trauma of my disorder.

After 30 years of treatment, I am able to walk away from the illness. I am no longer consumed by it, medicated for it, advised about it, or feared because of it. How did this happen?

1. Compliance for 30 years
2. Medical treatment by Doctors
3. Treatment by therapists, both private and group
4. Support of family and friends
5. Personal determination to make a difference

Every one of those listed items was crucial to where I am today. I only take one medication to get me to sleep at night,. Otherwise, I'm done.

There can be no question that time itself also plays a role, with manic episodes having lessened over the years. The important thing now is to watch for signs of depression. But one must be vigilant. And no one is more careful than I. I also keep a close lifeline of support should I even remotely begin to see the possibility of slippage. However, in the past 2 years, not a single sign of the return of symptoms.

Perhaps I'm one of the lucky ones. I cannot say. I can only say that I worked a strategy and the result was a normalizing of mood and behavior such as I have not been able to experience in all of the prior years. I think it is possible to stabilize without a cabinet full of medications. But all factors must be considered. But I would only say, NEVER GIVE UP! It can be done.

[avoice]

Welcome to pc glad yore here. Keep. Coming back to post.

[Yoda]

Welcome to psychcentral

That is interesting. Did your doctor tell you that you were healed or in submission? Do you still see a doctor for assessment?

What do you mean when you say you worked a strategy?

[Skully]

I am very interested to hear more on this...please continue to post, this could help many.

[nirmal]

Hello germanised,

BRAVO!!!

I, too, have a system set up in case of any slippege. It has now ben one full YEAR(!!!) that I haven´t been hospiitalised, after the past few years
of going to hospital every 3-4 months! I have yet experienced a change in mood.

GOOD LUCK!!!
nirmal


I would have been described as a worst case scenario Bipolar some years ago. Repeated attempts at suicide. Incredible manic indulgences. A slashed left arm, still bearing the scars of both the psychic and physical pain of the trauma of my disorder.

After 30 years of treatment, I am able to walk away from the illness. I am no longer consumed by it, medicated for it, advised about it, or feared because of it. How did this happen?

1. Compliance for 30 years
2. Medical treatment by Doctors
3. Treatment by therapists, both private and group
4. Support of family and friends
5. Personal determination to make a difference

Every one of those listed items was crucial to where I am today. I only take one medication to get me to sleep at night,. Otherwise, I'm done.

There can be no question that time itself also plays a role, with manic episodes having lessened over the years. The important thing now is to watch for signs of depression. But one must be vigilant. And no one is more careful than I. I also keep a close lifeline of support should I even remotely begin to see the possibility of slippage. However, in the past 2 years, not a single sign of the return of symptoms.

Perhaps I'm one of the lucky ones. I cannot say. I can only say that I worked a strategy and the result was a normalizing of mood and behavior such as I have not been able to experience in all of the prior years. I think it is possible to stabilize without a cabinet full of medications. But all factors must be considered. But I would only say, NEVER GIVE UP! It can be done.[/quote]

[musikcrazy]

Your message is very inspiring

[Dave255]

Hi. Nice to hear that your managing your illness extremely well. As opposed to the opposite which often happens, when the illness is managing us.

I have issues with depression, when you detect an episode on the horizon what do you do to minimize it?

[nirmal]

Dave,
I would get to my pdoc right away. He may want to adjust your medications, or try another anti-D.

Sorry you are having a tough time. Keep the faith!

nirmal

Hi. Nice to hear that your managing your illness extremely well. As opposed to the opposite which often happens, when the illness is managing us.

I have issues with depression, when you detect an episode on the horizon what do you do to minimize it?[/quote]