[HarryKovert]

I'm now 5 months into a severe depression following on from a 2 month manic / hypomanic episode.

Classic symptoms - no pleasure in anything, difficulty speaking, not wanting to go outside.

My question for you wise folk is....when can I expect to feel improvement and is there anything I ought to be doing to improve my situation?

I'm on 1000mg of Lithium + 10mg Olanzapine.

I returned to work 2 months ago in the hope that it would improve things but it's one hell of a struggle.

Any help gratefully appreciated.

[boogiesmash]

I have good days and days I rather not speak of. It is all dependent on your meds and results. I do find and have heard dbt skills help a lot.

[markmcc21]

I applaud you on being able to work. I haven't worked in almost 2 years. There is no way to predict when the symptoms will end (unfortunately). Keep working. It helps!

[*Laurie*]

Hopefully you will feel better soon. I think working is a wise idea. Even though I understand that it's a struggle, I believe working will help you.

[Sunflower123]

Unfortunately there's no telling how long it will take. It's good that you continue to work. That's a positive sign. I hope you start feeling better soon. Best wishes.

[Unrigged64072835]

Talk to a psychiatrist. Maybe putting you on an AD would help. My IP pdoc did that and it helped for a while. Have to be careful though, not to swing back into mania.

There's no definite length to an episode. It's different for everybody. That being said, five months is long enough.

[HarryKovert]

Thank you for your kind responses.

This is the 4th episode I've had in 18 years - is there reason to believe that this episode will follow the same pattern as previous ones? My manic phases have all been of a similar length in duration as have the depressive ones.

Harvey

[bioChE]

Yes, if you see a pattern, it's likely to repeat itself. This is a conversation you should have with your doctor. There's a possibility a med change could break the cycle.