[fluffycat]

Hi all

I was diagnosed with Bipolar II, hypomania with mixed episodes a few weeks back now and have been on Depokate and just started on Zoloft (for anxiety/depression). The pdoc said I would need to be on these long term. How long is long term? A lifetime? Just curious and wondered if anyone with Bipolar II had succeeded in being stable and drug free.

I suppose it very much depends on lifestyle, life stressors etc. I have a 10 yr old autistic son to care for and life can be pretty hard.

[DaveyJones]

Though this disease is different for everyone, I think you should begin to accept the possibility that you will be on medication for it for your lifetime, just like a diabetic takes insulin. Be aware, too, that you may have to change meds from time to time to stay stable.

Again, though, nothing about bipolar is written in stone...I know one gentleman afflicted with SEVERE Bipolar I who has learned to manage his condition through diet, excercise and other healthy habits.

I hope this helps, and I wish you good luck!

DJ

[darkeyes]

I've been there, and learned to weigh on a scale, stability vs worrying about life long meds. or not.
If without, equals misery, instability,depression and/or mania, I prefer to be on meds . . . even if it is for an eternity. I have grown to value life,living, no matter how crappy it is at times, and I have grown out of denial, so if it be meds, then meds it shall be.
It's your choice, misery,depression,uncertainty,etc. or give meds and therapy a honest try, even if it takes time.
Just my take on this, for I have been there, and done that.
Letting my pride go, and be open to help, has made all the difference, and all the therapy,meds, etc. has made a huge positive change in my life. Because of that,my son and family still have me here on earth, and all the work,tears,meds, have been all well worth it.
Again, that is my personal take on this.
Having Bipolar disorder is no pic nic, but it also is not a life sentence, there is help, and success, just takes time and effort.
I wish you well with all of this.
Take care now,
DE

[fluffycat]

Thanks all. I guess its very much early days for me. I am still getting my head round the diagnosis and all, coping with new meds going through my system too. Some days I say to myself "yes I know I have to be on these to be well and keep well" and then other days it totally sucks!

Anyhow, hopefully through the support of counselling and family I can learn to be a better and more balanced person in my life.

Take care all and thanks again for your kindness and insight.

[DaveyJones]

One of the keys to successful drug therapy is that when they are not working...TELL YOUR PDOC. They can't help if they don't know...

Don't worry, things will get better!

DJ

[MartheH]

one more thing...what ever you do ...do not suddenly just stop taking medication on your own. If you feel you must stop taking medication do so with your doctors supervision. MartheH

[DaveyJones]