[mentalmom]

I'm new to this forum so hello to everyone.

I have bipolar disorder I and have been diagnosed for about 12 years now. This past year I have really struggled with serious depression. I was hospitalized 3 times in this past year. Currently I am really struggling with some serious depression and am going to see if I can get into see my psychiatrist tomorrow or the next day.

My thinking has really gotten bad and it's scaring me. I thought that I'd try out this forum to see if there were any like souls out there who struggle in the same way. I really don't want to end up in the hospital again. In fact, I'm hesitant to even tell my husband about how poor my thinking is because (1) I don't want him to worry and (2) I would feel like I'm dumping a huge burden on him again after all that we've been through with the previous 3 hospitalizations.

I could really use any encouragement anyone has. Thanks.

[Pughead]

{{{{mentalmom}}}} <- that means hug.

You've come to the right place. There are many souls who share similar struggles so know that you are not alone.

I have only been hanging out at these forums for a couple months, but I can tell you that it has helped me a lot. This is truly a great community.

I wish you the best!

[darkchocolate]

I hope it goes well with your pscyhiatrist. The fact that you're reaching out and aware you're at a point you need help bodes well. It's great to be so self-aware. Depression sucks, you have my sympathy and encouragement.

Hold on tight.

I have bipolar 1 & have gone through some depressions even though I'm on a lot of meds. One time the doc added Wellbutrin to the mix, which helped. It was a winter depression & I was able to get off it in the spring.

I recently went through 5 mos. of hypo mania (& didn't tell the doc--felt so good & I didn't realize the lack of sleep--3 hours a night was setting me up for a descent into depression). I flipped into a depression suddenly & ODed (trip to the ER when my husband determined what I had done) so my doc increased my Lamictal & added Trazodone & klonopin to get me sleeping again. Plus the
Trazodone has anti-depressant effects, as well.

I'm doing better, but still have some residual depression that can "breakthrough" & start me crying or thinking neg. things about myself, but I'm confident I will improve & get stable again. Are you going to therapy?

I just started back after my episode. We have been where you are & care about you & can offer some hope that you will be able to get a good quality of life. Sometimes it takes a while to get the meds just right (took a year for me).--Suzy