[Blue_Bird]

Originally Posted by Cornucopia

I just discovered your blog- nice drawing and you write in a way that is really easy reading- nice flow in the writings

How much Seroquel are you on?
I used to be on that- I had to sleep for atleast 9 hours to not be tired like h… the next day. But I did okay if I just slept enough.
I was only on 400-600 mg, though.

I had to take it about 3-4 hours before going to bed. Even though sometimes I got so sleepy after taking it I fall asleep after an hour or so.

It’s a special kind of sleepy- so if it is affecting your days I would consider asking for a different medication. You get like really drowsy, and it is sooo hard to stay awake and alert. (I got that way if I didn’t sleep enough- and it’s not fun at all)

Thank you! 😃

I take 600mg of seroquel. Not sure if it's that, the vraylar , or all of my meds combined including the moodstabilizer and the antidepressants. Kind of hard to tell since they all have sleepiness as a side effect but I'm leaning towards it being the seroquel since it was increased a month ago. When I sleep a good amount I feel better but lately I've only been getting 4-6 hours a night.

I'm kind of torn because I don't want to screw up my stability. I'm cutting way back on caffeine though so I'm going to see if that makes a difference over the next couple weeks

[Ezrigirl]

Possible trigger:

I still feel depressed

[Cornucopia]

Blue_Bird:
Yeah, I can understand that you don’t want to risk stability. My experience is that Seroquel requires a lot of sleep to avoid the sleepiness hangover next day. I was only on Seroquel so I know it was the cause. But- as we all know, it’s different for different people. What works/doesn’t work for me, is not the same that works/doesn’t work for you.

Hope you get some sleep, it’s hard when sleep is not on our side.

Yeah- have bookmarked your blog and will be reading more later

[Cornucopia]

Ezrigirl: I am sorry you are still depressed. I know how hard that is, I have just spent several months in that state waiting for the pole to shift.

Hope you feel better soon

Originally Posted by Cornucopia

Finally some nice days
Have you ever felt rude for saying that?
I don’t think anyone thinks I’m rude, just feels that way. I know that even when I’m down I am happy to read when you are fine. But when I am fine and write it, it feels unfair- when so many struggle.

I guess I am just very prone to feeling guilty.
Guilty when depressed, guilty when not. Working on it, though.

Oh PLEASE don't feel bad about having good things to report, Cornucopia!! I love to read about when things are going well! And you know from your own experience how that is. It's the same for you. We love reading about the good things that happen for YOU too!!

Also, it's a helpful reminder that things *can* be better when it's feeling like they never can. (Been there!) So I'm going to say THANK YOU for sharing the good!

Originally Posted by Cornucopia

My H said yes to going in group therapy with other couples- one of them having bipolar disorder. It’s both education and therapy. So, I think he will learn more about this disorder and see how other people deal with it. I think it will be good in our communication.
We have a healthy relationsship most of the time, but when I get depressed or manic- it is hard for him to respond in ways that don’t make me even worse.

Anyways, doing pretty good. I like the increased dosage in my lamictal. Did well on Seroquel (for a while), but think I might like lamictal better. Need something to sleep on, though- gotta ask the next time I’m going to my doc.

Finally some nice days
Have you ever felt rude for saying that?
I don’t think anyone thinks I’m rude, just feels that way. I know that even when I’m down I am happy to read when you are fine. But when I am fine and write it, it feels unfair- when so many struggle.

I guess I am just very prone to feeling guilty.
Guilty when depressed, guilty when not. Working on it, though.

I'm very happy to read that you are doing well, Cornucopia. I wish everyone better days. It's very important to see that relief and stability do return.

I'm glad your H agreed to the group therapy. Positive step!

[Sunflower123]

Having a quiet day at home. Feeling somewhat better. Hopefully, the Vraylar is kicking in. M leaves in a week to head back to college so that will be the real test.

Going to Atlanta in the next few weeks so I’ll see her soon. We get a hotel room overlooking the airport and watch the planes come and go. Very soothing and yet fascinating at the same time; especially the jumbo jets coming in from overseas. We’ll do other stuff as well but are going primarily for that.

My life coach asked me to check in with her every day. She also asked me to do a few things including setting 5-10 year goals. That’s a daunting task for someone who is trying to make it day to day. I have 1 and 2 year goals but I’ll really have to think about the other. Still going good so far.

Warm wishes and hugs to all who are struggling.

[fern46]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

Oh PLEASE don't feel bad about having good things to report, Cornucopia!! I love to read about when things are going well! And you know from your own experience how that is. It's the same for you. We love reading about the good things that happen for YOU too!!

Also, it's a helpful reminder that things *can* be better when it's feeling like they never can. (Been there!) So I'm going to say THANK YOU for sharing the good!

Agreed. I love to hear when things are going well. We all go through so much and sharing our successes reminds us all that the pendulum swings to good eventually.

[Moose72]

Tired. Ate junk today- had granola and fruit in milk, but since then, I've had cold kraft mac n cheese and ice cream. Go me! (Yeah right....) I'm listening to my new CD - it's enjoyable, but I still want another nap. I just want to stay home but I know I'll have to go out to get N3 at some point.

[Nevvy]

Had my interview thing... my coach thinks it went well. Everyone I talk to is saying (they even hinted it) that I would get it and get called in for the second meeting.... But I've failed so many times, heard that some story before... And it always ended with "we picked someone else, thanks"

I should be positive, but it's so hard after so many years of no's.....I just don't think I'm good enough.

I was so nervous, I was talking to the table most of the time, shaking.... I didn't take any pills in preparation, I always do this and I am sitting at 0/150 or so because of that. I guess I'll find out sometime next week, just gotta get my head out of this negative mess.

I'm always like this about just about everything and I can't stop it... I can't be happy for myself or be positive....

This is a running thing with me... Oh well, maybe getting this(?) will break that? That would be cool.

[sadveiledbride]

Had a bad night, am better now. Hopefully, this will be an okay day.

[Blueberrybook]

So tired today, just want to crawl in bed and sleep. Depressed too...5 weeks since my last iron infusion, and 0 improvement in energy and forgetfulness...sigh.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Ezrigirl

Possible trigger:

I still feel depressed

Possible trigger:

Alcohol is a depressant .

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

I have an annual checkup with my doctor in less than 2 hours. I'm not looking forward to it. The only reason I go is to get my Lipitor prescription renewed, nothing else. And even then, it's not like I get my blood tested. She just prescribes the med and moves on.


Otherwise, doing okay. I'm working from home today because of the doctor appt. I'm probably going to get back into reading a book at some point because I miss reading. I have a Kindle, physical books, and Audible audiobooks that I haven't touched in a while or haven't touched at all.


I did hear some voices this morning, though. And I "heard" my alarm clock go off (it has a very specific tone), but it wasn't going off. It was coming from the inside of my head. I kept hitting the off button and even unplugged it, but still heard it clear as day. It is times like this where I feel very alone in my struggles, but I know that a lot of you here just "get it."

Why does your Doctor not do routine labs ?? Your on a statin and it’s necessary to check cholesterol to see if the medication is working.

I know you had trouble a short while ago that happened during your cycle. I think it would be wise to get that checked out, could certainly be a issue.

Maybe call the office tomorrow and request they send an order to the lab so you can get it checked out??

I hope your alarm clock audible hallucinations just freaking stop!!!!!

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

Wander, I'm glad that your therapist is aware of your situation. I'm so sorry that you are feeling so unwell. Thank you for sharing an update on your appointment. I hope that between your therapist and psychiatrist that you are able to avoid any hospitalization. We are here to support you always.

Christina and Wild Coyote, I do hope your pain eases soon.

bluebicycle, that's curious that your doctor does not order blood work even once per year. I suppose I don't blame you for not wanting to go, given that fact. I do hope the voices and alarm sound you hear stop. Perhaps reading your book will help.

I didn't tell my husband, but this morning I officially quit my private French classes. The French instructor has caused me great stress over the past months, and has been pressuring me to schedule the next lesson. I've talked about this decision with my therapist at length, and she agrees that stopping the classes is best, at this time. This may sound horrible, but I'm not sure if I'll tell my husband the truth about the French classes, if he asks. I may just say I'm attending the last ones, and just not. I am not a person who lies, but I am not totally opposed to fibs that do more good than harm. I told my therapist that it is even possible that I may study French more on my own, at this time, than with classes scheduled. I mentioned here before that the stress of the classes made me freeze from even picking up the book. I'm just too stressed right now to add more stress. I'll consider group (not private) lessons in September. If the French instructor contacts me again, I may just not respond. My email to him was meant to be final, though of course it was friendly (if that's the right word). I didn't have it in me to write the email in French. Plus, such an email must be written effectively. His English is poor, but his wife's isn't.

Today is my first day home totally alone. After my pet died, my husband worked from home, and then we left for vacation together. I can spend the day unpacking from the trip. I also need to go to the grocery store and briefly visit my neighbor.

I think you did the right thing by quitting your French class. I know it’s just been causing you a lot of stress. I think I would honestly just tell my husband I have had my last lesson. I think sometimes it does make life easier to use a white lie.

You have gone through so much in a short time. I’m so sorry.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Moose72

Saw my case manager this morning. She said to get on a regular sleep schedule and stick with it. She also said to take Seroquel earlier in the evening. She seemed to think everything else with me is hunky dorey, brainwise, anyway. Just need to exercise more.

It’s so difficult to stick to a specific sleep schedule. So okay taking Seroquil earlier makes perfect sense. But what are you suppose to do when you need to go out late to pick up your son??

Yes sleep and exercise sounds like fantastic plan but life sometimes doesn’t color inside the lines.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Cornucopia

My H said yes to going in group therapy with other couples- one of them having bipolar disorder. It’s both education and therapy. So, I think he will learn more about this disorder and see how other people deal with it. I think it will be good in our communication.

We have a healthy relationsship most of the time, but when I get depressed or manic- it is hard for him to respond in ways that don’t make me even worse.


Anyways, doing pretty good. I like the increased dosage in my lamictal. Did well on Seroquel (for a while), but think I might like lamictal better. Need something to sleep on, though- gotta ask the next time I’m going to my doc.


Finally some nice days

Have you ever felt rude for saying that?

I don’t think anyone thinks I’m rude, just feels that way. I know that even when I’m down I am happy to read when you are fine. But when I am fine and write it, it feels unfair- when so many struggle.


I guess I am just very prone to feeling guilty.

Guilty when depressed, guilty when not. Working on it, though.

I think it’s wonderful he has agreed to do this !!! Yes our partners often don’t know how to act when we struggle.

Please NEVER feel bad about posting a positive post and feeling good. I personally love reading about people doing well if I’m struggling because it reminds me things are going to get better. Keep it up

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

ED setback, feel disappointed in myself but moving forward. Also wondering if I should get off seroquel, I'm tired constantly no matter what. I exercise, get outside, take showers to try and wake myself up but I still feel on the verge of falling asleep

I’m sorry about your ED I also suffer, it can be a real monster at times.

Can your dose be lowered?

[Wild Coyote]

It's only Wednesday and I feel like I have had enough stress for a year just in the last 3 days.

I am not at liberty to write/share about any of it in a public forum at this time, which feels additionally stressful for some reason. It's more of the same and then some.

I am losing time and often feel lost in space.

I'd injured my foot somehow and cannot see Ortho for a week. They have me on a cancellation list, as well. Hobbled around the house with the aid of a crutch.

Saw pdoc today and we are hoping some symptoms abate with rest.

I feel like I am getting heavier by the day on this Seroquel. I've only had to take it because of the situation that is not going away any time soon.

I am thoroughly exhausted. Wiped out.

However, my concern and love for my friends here is undying.

[Blue_Bird]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

I’m sorry about your ED I also suffer, it can be a real monster at times.

Can your dose be lowered?

I'm sorry you deal with it too

I'm not sure, the last dose I was on was 400mg and I was not sleeping for days still and the lack of sleep made the hallucinations more intense, so it was upped, I seem to only be able to get some sleep on the 600 for some reason. I think I'll give it a few more weeks and if things don't improve with the tiredness I'll speak to my doctor about what to do

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

Having a quiet day at home. Feeling somewhat better. Hopefully, the Vraylar is kicking in. M leaves in a week to head back to college so that will be the real test.


Going to Atlanta in the next few weeks so I’ll see her soon. We get a hotel room overlooking the airport and watch the planes come and go. Very soothing and yet fascinating at the same time; especially the jumbo jets coming in from overseas. We’ll do other stuff as well but are going primarily for that.


My life coach asked me to check in with her every day. She also asked me to do a few things including setting 5-10 year goals. That’s a daunting task for someone who is trying to make it day to day. I have 1 and 2 year goals but I’ll really have to think about the other. Still going good so far.


Warm wishes and hugs to all who are struggling.

Im really happy you will be seeing her soon.

Years ago I took my daughter and her friends to Warped tour in Atlanta and I stayed at a hotel right next to the airport, at first I thought it might get on my nerves but I also found it fascinating just watching the coming and going.

Oh long term goals ?????? I have tried to wrap my head around that too.

For me being on disability is so difficult to mentally accept. All my life I worked often 2-3 jobs at once. It’s not just Bipolar for me I have numerous chronic pain problems that are part of my inability to work.

My husband is also on disability for severe neuropathy in feet and legs and beginning on his fingers, emphysema and needs oxygen at night.

We have no savings to fall back on, our 401k was needed to keep us a float. The future really scares me.

But I have picked apart our budget time and time again, there’s just not enough to save more than maybe 50 a month. It’s very distressing.

I hope your able to come up with some workable ideas.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

I have an annual checkup with my doctor in less than 2 hours. I'm not looking forward to it. The only reason I go is to get my Lipitor prescription renewed, nothing else. And even then, it's not like I get my blood tested. She just prescribes the med and moves on.

Otherwise, doing okay. I'm working from home today because of the doctor appt. I'm probably going to get back into reading a book at some point because I miss reading. I have a Kindle, physical books, and Audible audiobooks that I haven't touched in a while or haven't touched at all.

I did hear some voices this morning, though. And I "heard" my alarm clock go off (it has a very specific tone), but it wasn't going off. It was coming from the inside of my head. I kept hitting the off button and even unplugged it, but still heard it clear as day. It is times like this where I feel very alone in my struggles, but I know that a lot of you here just "get it."

Hey there Blue!

I am sorry you are still experiencing voices/sounds.
I hope you get a long break.

Thank you so much for the info you have taken the time to send to me on PM. It's brilliant! You are brilliant! I will have more time in the next few days to read up again and see what transpires. I will get back to you via PM.

It breaks my heart that you have times of feeling alone.

Please do know I am always here for you.

You are very loved here at PC!

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Moose72

Tired. Ate junk today- had granola and fruit in milk, but since then, I've had cold kraft mac n cheese and ice cream. Go me! (Yeah right....) I'm listening to my new CD - it's enjoyable, but I still want another nap. I just want to stay home but I know I'll have to go out to get N3 at some point.

Ok I can’t eat Kraft Mac and cheese hot or anytime, to me it’s a nope ... OMG I can’t imagine it cold LOL. does it actually taste better that way ???

Glad you are enjoying your CD !

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

It's only Wednesday and I feel like I have had enough stress for a year just in the last 3 days.


I am not at liberty to write/share about any of it in a public forum at this time, which feels additionally stressful for some reason. It's more of the same and then some.


I am losing time and often feel lost in space.


I'd injured my foot somehow and cannot see Ortho for a week. They have me on a cancellation list, as well. Hobbled around the house with the aid of a crutch.


Saw pdoc today and we are hoping some symptoms abate with rest.


I feel like I am getting heavier by the day on this Seroquel. I've only had to take it because of the situation that is not going away any time soon.


I am thoroughly exhausted. Wiped out.


However, my concern and love for my friends here is undying.

Oh hun

I’m just going to wrap you up in a big hug.. I’m always here for you

((((( WC)))))

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Blueberrybook

So tired today, just want to crawl in bed and sleep. Depressed too...5 weeks since my last iron infusion, and 0 improvement in energy and forgetfulness...sigh.

I am sorry you are not feeling as well as you had anticipated.

Are you being well treated for depression at this time?

I hope you feel a lift soon.
Keep us posted.