[MissMay1977]

Hi. I am fairly new to this forum but would appreciate some input just the same. I am diagnosed bipolar II and take Geodon and Cymbalta. I was very sick with depression for a week about a week ago. I was taking sleeping pills all day so I could stay asleep and escape the depression. Well last Wednesday, my elderly mom got very sick and my sister dropped her off here for me to take care of her. I had to force myself to be up and take care of her the first few days. It appears that taking care of my mom has pulled me out of the deepest depression but I am still feeling a little bit depressed. My doctor accepts walk ins every morning at 8 am. Should I go in the morning and try to get a med tweak to prevent another deep depression? What do you think?

[MissMay1977]

Originally Posted by MissMay1977

Hi. I am fairly new to this forum but would appreciate some input just the same. I am diagnosed bipolar II and take Geodon and Cymbalta. I was very sick with depression for a week about a week ago. I was taking sleeping pills all day so I could stay asleep and escape the depression. Well last Wednesday, my elderly mom got very sick and my sister dropped her off here for me to take care of her. I had to force myself to be up and take care of her the first few days. It appears that taking care of my mom has pulled me out of the deepest depression but I am still feeling a little bit depressed. My doctor accepts walk ins every morning at 8 am. Should I go in the morning and try to get a med tweak to prevent another deep depression? What do you think?

Would appreciate your input. Thanks.

[Moose72]

I would. If only to run it by your dr.

[blueoctober]

I hope you're mom is doing better.

I think it's worth it to discuss with your pdoc. Meds are important part of the equation for managing the bipolar, but they're other things that a person can do to help with their moods. Some of the things I do that seem to help include exercising, using a SAD lamp, eating properly and going to therapy.

[kitty004567]

I think it's certainly something worth discussing. Even if you and your pdoc decide not to change your meds at this time at least you know. I hope you and your mother are feeling better.

[Eloise42]

Taking care of other people tends to work for me too. Excersize was also a great suggestion, endorphines are awesome. In general yes, you totally deserve to feel good, you do not deserve to feel depressed, repeat that to yourself as often as necessary. Go see the doctor.

[sugahorse1]

it sounds like there's no reason not to see your doc. If you did slip into depression, it implies your meds are no longer working like they should
While I too find that distraction helps me when I'm depressed, I'd be concerned that something could trigger me.

[Kymaro]

Did you make it in to see your pdoc today? It would be a good idea to see him, although there is a important lesson here, forcing yourself to care for you mother got you out of bed and active. Whether its to care for someone else or yourself, its important weapon against depression to force yourself up and active.

[MissMay1977]

Thanks for the replies. My mom is doing better and after going to the doctor today, she should be going home. I didn't go see my pdoc this morning but I am thinking about going in the morning. I need to nip this depression in the bud. I am very proactive about my mental health. I practice a healthy lifestyle and also practice biblotherapy ( book therapy) I will update this post once I see my pdoc.
This has certainly been a great lesson for me. That when I am depressed and feel like doing nothing, I need to push myself to do something so I feel better. It is just so hard when I get that depressed.

[thinker22]

MissMay

Take good care and definitely see or talk to your doc about your depression.