Need advice for handling apathy

Feb 20, 2016 at 07:15 PM

So... I slipped into a pretty bad depression 15 days ago. I was crying uncontrollably for no reason, and I had several angry outbursts (including destroying my own cell phone). I called my pdoc (on my house phone), who was kind enough to increase my dose of Latuda to help me through this depression.

Although an increased Latuda dosage has helped, I still feel depressed. The sadness has gone away, but I feel very apathetic. I find that I can't enjoy things very much and I tend to be a little snappy at times. If I could describe my mood in one word, it would be "meh".

My pdoc said to give it 10 more days before he considers putting me on Lamictal.

In the mean time, I'm still struggling. I don't know what to do with myself. As I said, I can't enjoy things very much, so it's very hard to distract myself. My concentration is also very poor, so I can't concentrate on things for extended periods of time.

What can I do to help myself? Any suggestions?

Victoria'smom · Feb 20, 2016 at 07:43 PM

Have you tried watching comidies? I know it sounds stupid but it can help.

BlueInanna · Feb 20, 2016 at 07:49 PM

Does doc understand about the irritability going on? Is your mind spinning? Could be a mixed episode. Lexapro makes some bp ppl go hypo/manic. Not fun.

pirilin · Feb 20, 2016 at 09:16 PM

I feel your pain. Keep active and watch your weight.
All I was doing was sitting in the computer and losing weight.
Now I look like a prune. And there is no turning back from that.

gina_re · Feb 20, 2016 at 10:37 PM

These are my exact feelings lately. Everything I used to like doesn't intrigued me anymore. I'm a donut addict and passed by dunkin donuts the other day and didn't even feel compelled to stop and get a few. I feel 'meh' as well. I have days at wor where I cannot concentrate and just start looking at random websites instead. I was given the green light to increase my Lamictal to 150mgs to help. We'll see if that does anything.
I'm right there in the struggle with you. But I know it will get better. I'm trying to patient. But I know stability is possible, so I'm just trying to wait it out. In the mean time I'm keeping my sleep regular and watching my diet, and all the other things to keep me well. Good luck to you, the patience is the hardest part of bipolar disorder.

Feb 21, 2016 at 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

Have you tried watching comidies? I know it sounds stupid but it can help.

Sometimes they help a little bit, but I just can't laugh at them I guess.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueInanna

Does doc understand about the irritability going on? Is your mind spinning? Could be a mixed episode. Lexapro makes some bp ppl go hypo/manic. Not fun.

I don't think it's a mixed episode, but I suppose it's possible. I'm getting 13 hours of sleep a night, I feel agitated/irritable, and I have anxiety.

My pdoc does know about the irritability, but I tend to get irritable whether I'm depressed or hypo/manic. Oddly enough, I tend to be more irritable when I'm depressed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gina_re

These are my exact feelings lately. Everything I used to like doesn't intrigued me anymore. I'm a donut addict and passed by dunkin donuts the other day and didn't even feel compelled to stop and get a few. I feel 'meh' as well. I have days at wor where I cannot concentrate and just start looking at random websites instead. I was given the green light to increase my Lamictal to 150mgs to help. We'll see if that does anything.
I'm right there in the struggle with you. But I know it will get better. I'm trying to patient. But I know stability is possible, so I'm just trying to wait it out. In the mean time I'm keeping my sleep regular and watching my diet, and all the other things to keep me well. Good luck to you, the patience is the hardest part of bipolar disorder.

Yeah, I hope the increase in Lamictal helps you out. I do the same thing at work where I start looking at random websites because I can't concentrate. It's frustrating. :/

My pdoc did mention that keeping your sleep regular is a very good thing. I've been trying to do that, but I get drowsy during the day and sometimes I take a nap in the afternoon.

Ocean Swimmer · Feb 21, 2016 at 10:30 AM

Are you getting enough Vitamin D?
Or sunshine or a lightbox.

Your condition sounds a little like black mania. That's a mixed state my support group uses that slang. You are depressed but have negative energy that's making you feel agitated.
Or anxiety.

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Victoria'smom Legendary Member Since Apr 2012 Location: Earth Posts: 15,298 (SuperPoster!) 12 5,618 hugs given	Feb 20, 2016 at 07:43 PM #2 Have you tried watching comidies? I know it sounds stupid but it can help. __________________ Dx: Me- SzA Husband- Bipolar 1 Daughter- mood disorder+ Comfortable broken and happy "So I don't know why I'm tongue tied At the wrong time when I need this."- P!nk My blog
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BlueInanna Grand Magnate Member Since Dec 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 4,624 12 3,238 hugs given	Feb 20, 2016 at 07:49 PM #3 Does doc understand about the irritability going on? Is your mind spinning? Could be a mixed episode. Lexapro makes some bp ppl go hypo/manic. Not fun.
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pirilin SUPERMAN Member Since Feb 2016 Location: Metropolis Posts: 3,679 8 2,698 hugs given	Feb 20, 2016 at 09:16 PM #4 I feel your pain. Keep active and watch your weight. All I was doing was sitting in the computer and losing weight. Now I look like a prune. And there is no turning back from that.
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