New and looking for support

Hello. This is my first time on the board and just reading posts
is helping me realize I am not alone.

I am bipolar and just started seeing a therapist and taking meds in late
November. I was in a manic state for almost 2 months and loving life, having tons of energy, happy thoughts, losing weight and all the symptoms that come with it.

Just in the last few days I am in the low of lows. When I was up I never
thought I would come down and how hard it would be. I am
feeling that everything is a chore, guilt, hoplessness, I can go on and on.
I am on the verge of tears all the time.

Just want to know if anyone can relate and how you get through
the depression. What meds that might have helped. I have called
my therapist but have not got through yet. My next appt. is Weds.

Thanks for reading.
Helene

Welcome Helene

You are defiantly not alone. The low after the high always seems to be worse for me.

As for how I get through the depression... talking to people who are ready to listen. Looking for at least one thing each day that is good, even if I have to convince my self, and don't truly believe it at the moment.

The meds that have so far worked the best for me is a combination of Wellburin XL 450 mg, and 200 mg Seroquel. It is not perfect, and the last week I have been in a low that I am still trying to get through. Another thing that has helped this week in particular has been some good advice from people right here. Speaking up was the best thing I did this week.

List the reasons why you feel guilt, helpless and on and on. Be objective and specific, and you will find that most are based in false thinking. (it may be hard to see it, but it is true)

As far as your seeing a therapist, good for you. Be honest with your doc's and don't hold back. They can help you better if you are up front. I know that it is difficult, but you will feel better. Keep on your meds, and keep your appointments. I like many others thought that I was better when my meds started working, only to make things worse. I can relate to the tears, as I have been in that place this week.

One other thing that has helped with the depression was getting and using a light box. They can be expensive, but It helps me. I also find that music helps me. For me listening to Phish shows from what was a few memorable tours that I went on and was a part of, reminds me that I have felt good.

I hope this helps

hi helene, and welcome to pc!!! i'm bipolar also so i could so relate to what you are going thru. what was explained to me was that for every high i had, i would experience an equal low. so this will pass as your meds do their work and you have a more stable mood.
kudos to you for taking charge and geting a t!! calling your t was great too cause you aren't just sitting around waiting for "it' to change on itself. i say this cause they may need to adjust your meds, i call it tweaking, til they find the best doseages, etc. it takes a while sometimes so please try not to get discouraged. now that they've found what works for me i've been on basically the same type of meds for over 10 years. when i have a mood swing , i call, and they usually tweak my meds til i get through the episode.
what you can do in the meantime and thereafter...EXERCISE...jumpstarts your brain giving you the "good" chemicals we sometimes lack. gives you more energy, drains the anxiety, helps you sleep better, combats the depression,etc.
so hope this helps you and once again i'm glad you found us. we care about how you are feeling. -jan

Welcome--you mentioned a therapist, but are you seeing a psychiatrist as well? You should be seeing a specialist to see if you should be on medication, especially at the beginning. Sometimes medication is needed to help you think straight so the therapy is effective (at least it was necessary for me). I had very extreme depression with suicide attempts so medication was necessary to bring me around. Good luck.--Suzy