Treatment Plans

Thought of the Day.

I’m gonna come at this strong and fast before even starting: Judgement can be kept at the door on this one. I am going to relate it to my personal life, and I’m not going to argue what is best for me with those who do not know me. The purpose of this thread is to discuss the forms in which treatment can take. I’m honestly interested if there are times in your life where maybe you fit my mentality and needs. I’ve had issue in the past with overreaching of others or absolute mischaracterizations and I’m just not here for that. Please respect the topic.

That said, if you’re still reading – this is where I am. I’ve been on a lot of different meds and I’ve yet to find a cocktail that really works for me. I’ve not had my medicine in a long while and I have been known to go bouts with out. I do not condone going off meds without medical supervision and approval nor do I think it’s something to play around with. However, while I have much more, intense, and prolonged times of turmoil without my medicine… I honestly feel I do better without it, because it’s the *wrong* medicine. My psychiatrist has made it pretty clear the last I saw him that I’ve been through the gamut of meds and he’s kinda thinking it’s best we just try again. I don’t know how I feel about that. I’m really pessimistic about having to try to find a medicine to help. I am Bipolar II, which isn’t said to diminish my affliction – but I do live with my mother, and most reckless behavior is curbed by that fact.

Why am I bringing this up? I was just wondering – is there ever a treatment plan put into place that may not emphasize the use of medicine for a bipolar patient? In my case – it sucks, and the medicine has been known to help flatten and shorten those moments of turmoil, but the effects in general are not tolerated well. My natural cycle is rough, and sometimes it’s worse than others but I do wonder if it’s just not a better alternative, to suffer through it. I mean hell – my whole life has been with that motto – just suffer through it. For me, for now, this seems to be better than dealing with the issues that come from taking meds. We’ve all seen my intense highs and lows lately, and I am not denying them by any means – but I do feel at least like it’s me. That said, the right cocktail could prove beneficial but I just don’t want to look anymore. How do you solve a problem like MarcusAurelius? haha

Back to the point, and while I do not mind if you make any non-judgemental comments towards my personal experience above, the question is – has there been a time in your life, or a current treatment plan, that has minimized the need for medicine and using other facets as stronger supports? Just curious to your experiences.

Thanks for reading

MarcusAurelius

I think how difficult / anxious / sleep deprived your life is definitely affects how well meds work. I was fortunate enough to get a job close to home with flexible hours which helped me tremendously. I also was able to shake unhealthy coping skills in alcohol. The lifestyle changes helped the meds help me feel better. Not perfect but not terrible.

I've had a lot of unhelpful experiences with meds. One med did help for a while... not very much though. Now I'm allergic to all the meds I try. I definitely prefer alternative approaches. I haven't found anything very effective for me though, I would start with finding a non judgmental therapist (or even a friend).. I have not found a therapist with listening ears, or useful advice. I live in an out of the way forest (things are about 30 years behind with MH issues here. They label for their expedience and their agenda, they do not care if the label is accurate. (not always but in the more ''difficult cases'' like me they do).. They do not have the time. I think my worst ''episodes'' are reduced as I live with my husband (who hates anger or anything out of ''control'' so I have to stuff it somehow)

I was going through the same situation - poor response to any and all meds I tried. Eventually I decided to give ECT a go. That has made a tremendous difference for me. Is that a possibility for you? Would you consider it?

Med compliance is touch and go for me. The only thing that has really stuck kinda is the injection. I still have symptoms and we deal with them as they come. I've never had a T willing to risk me completely unmedicated for long time.

Hey @MarcusAurelius:

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcusAurelius Thought of the Day. I’m gonna come at this strong and fast before even starting: Judgement can be kept at the door on this one. I am going to relate it to my personal life, and I’m not going to argue what is best for me with those who do not know me. The purpose of this thread is to discuss the forms in which treatment can take. I’m honestly interested if there are times in your life where maybe you fit my mentality and needs. I’ve had issue in the past with overreaching of others or absolute mischaracterizations and I’m just not here for that. Please respect the topic. That said, if you’re still reading – this is where I am. I’ve been on a lot of different meds and I’ve yet to find a cocktail that really works for me. I’ve not had my medicine in a long while and I have been known to go bouts with out. I do not condone going off meds without medical supervision and approval nor do I think it’s something to play around with. However, while I have much more, intense, and prolonged times of turmoil without my medicine… I honestly feel I do better without it, because it’s the *wrong* medicine. My psychiatrist has made it pretty clear the last I saw him that I’ve been through the gamut of meds and he’s kinda thinking it’s best we just try again. I don’t know how I feel about that. I’m really pessimistic about having to try to find a medicine to help. I am Bipolar II, which isn’t said to diminish my affliction – but I do live with my mother, and most reckless behavior is curbed by that fact. Why am I bringing this up? I was just wondering – is there ever a treatment plan put into place that may not emphasize the use of medicine for a bipolar patient? In my case – it sucks, and the medicine has been known to help flatten and shorten those moments of turmoil, but the effects in general are not tolerated well. My natural cycle is rough, and sometimes it’s worse than others but I do wonder if it’s just not a better alternative, to suffer through it. I mean hell – my whole life has been with that motto – just suffer through it. For me, for now, this seems to be better than dealing with the issues that come from taking meds. We’ve all seen my intense highs and lows lately, and I am not denying them by any means – but I do feel at least like it’s me. That said, the right cocktail could prove beneficial but I just don’t want to look anymore. How do you solve a problem like MarcusAurelius? haha Back to the point, and while I do not mind if you make any non-judgemental comments towards my personal experience above, the question is – has there been a time in your life, or a current treatment plan, that has minimized the need for medicine and using other facets as stronger supports? Just curious to your experiences. Thanks for reading MarcusAurelius

I understand what it is like to be frustrated with meds. I want to validate you and let you know that you are not alone. I know for me it was a cocktail that helped but it was years of trying this med and that med and all the trial and error bs that was so difficult. There is nothing wrong with wanting to try another way.