[violinm9]

Hi everyone - lately, I have been all over the map. I have been diagnoseed with major depressive disorder. I have trouble concentrating lately. I never get anything done. It is a hugh effort to tackle any project - like preparing dinner, household or personal tasks. I have to start a task, stop it and then start it again several times. I don't feel very balanced. I have an appointment with a neurologist next week. I'm afraid he'll instead diagnose me with something else like bipolar. I am very impulsive. Sometimes I exhibit poor judgment. I am really worried about this. I don't want to have to go on something like Lithium. I have been on that before and it's awful. Any thoughts? Sometimes I make lists and there are so many things on it, I don't do anything. I get easily overwhelmed. I eat compulsively. unbelievable. please write back someone. I am worried.

Thank you.

[Detach]

Originally Posted by violinm9

Hi everyone - lately, I have been all over the map. I have been diagnoseed with major depressive disorder. I have trouble concentrating lately. I never get anything done. It is a hugh effort to tackle any project - like preparing dinner, household or personal tasks. I have to start a task, stop it and then start it again several times. I don't feel very balanced. I have an appointment with a neurologist next week. I'm afraid he'll instead diagnose me with something else like bipolar. I am very impulsive. Sometimes I exhibit poor judgment. I am really worried about this. I don't want to have to go on something like Lithium. I have been on that before and it's awful. Any thoughts? Sometimes I make lists and there are so many things on it, I don't do anything. I get easily overwhelmed. I eat compulsively. unbelievable. please write back someone. I am worried.

Thank you.

Well, the diagnosis really needs to be left to a Pdoc, that may not be what you want to hear but truly no one on this board can or should try to dx you. Has a pdoc ever dx you with hypomania or mania?

If you do have bipolar there are many other meds other then Lithium. I'm not on Lithium. Many people with BP are put a mood stabilizer and/or antipsychotics. Many have side effects, but you would just have to work with a pdoc to get you the most stable as possible with the least side effects as possible- it's a balancing act for sure.

[Miss Laura]

Hey Violinm9,

Welcome to the forum

I'm BP1 and am not on Lithium as Dljmart says there are loads of meds you can go on.

Hope you start to feel better soon

Hello violinm9, welcome to PC. There are many people who have Bipolar, like myself, who aren't on Lithium. There are so many medication options available, as mentioned by the posts above me.

That being said, the diagnosis itself isn't as important as focusing on the issues behind the diagnosis (although the diagnosis is still important). So although the Bipolar label may be a frightening thought, try to concentrate instead on tackling the issues you're struggling with. Remember, you are not a label.

[Charlie_J]

Hello, and welcome, and I hope you find what you need here.

As per the posts above, I am diagnosed bipolar, and I'm not on Lithium, so don't let that put you off finding out what it is. Better to know now than several years down the line. Besides, it may not even be any of the things you are worried about.

[sugahorse1]

I am BP II. I was on Lamotrigine and and AD, now am adding lithium. Will let you know how it goes.

Welcome to the forum. Well done on making the appointment to see a professional, and I hope he can help you. A title is not a terrible thing, and at least it gives you some direction on treating it and allowing you to live life again

Welcome to pc.. I am bipolar 1 I am on lithium and have been for five years, amongst other meds. Good luck, I hope you can get the help you need. This is a great place for support.

[BNLsMOM]

Welcome!

I am not on lithium either, although I did try it.. I was OK until my dose was raised. It just wasn't right for me.

[violinm9]

Thank you everyone for your input. I go tomorrow to a behavioral neurologist to get evaluated for ADD. I'm just thinking that he might diagnose me as bipolar - bipolar II - the less severe one - The closest thing I have had to mania is hypomania. Anyway, we'll see what happens. I just have to get more functional. I'm going to nursing school in January!! mid-life career change. Thanks again. keep writing.

[roads]

Let us know how the the appt goes, okay?