[littleblackdog]

First I was told I just have to wait for the lithium to work. Then it was "we need to change your AD so you have to wait for the new one to work" followed by two more changes of AD.
I have already been "just waiting" for 18 months for one drug or another to work.

It sounds so reasonable when they say it but how am I supposed to keep on getting out of bed and getting through another day at work when it takes everything I have. It's too hard, and I'm not even sure why I bother any more

I'm sorry for how you feel. Meds only helped me a bit in my life but I had to wait and see if they worked, too. I'm sure its hard to get to work and takes all your energy. I hope things get better for you.

[Nike007]

I’m sorry that you have to keep struggling. I’m in the same boat as you. I am changing my AD for the fifth time, hoping that this will work. And I’m really frustrated too.

I’m told that I need to be patient but my patience is running thin. Really thin. I hate that I can’t be like I normally am. I can barely function in society. I just hope that things will change. I don’t have much of a choice anyways.

It is such a hard process, but when you get that good combo it is so worth it.

[Sunflower123]

I agree with TheSadGirl. It’s hard to put one foot in front of the other when you’re waiting it out but it really is worth it when you find the right med and it kicks in. Hang in there.

[littleblackdog]

Originally Posted by TheSadGirl

It is such a hard process, but when you get that good combo it is so worth it.

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

it really is worth it when you find the right med and it kicks in. Hang in there.

This is what I have to keep telling myself, but I have tried 11 different ADs, either alone or in combination and nothing has worked. Plus I also have the side effects to contend with as well as the depression/anxiety.

It doesn't help that I really hate taking lithium, because of the nausea and vile taste in my mouth all the time

[Teddy Bear]

You're doing good if you can still work through some med changes

[MickeyCheeky]

Sorry you have to deal with all of this. It must be very hard and tiring...

[Wild Coyote]

I hope you find a helpful med soon!

WC

[puzzclar]

Maybe therapy will help too. For me I have been through lots of med changes. It takes to freaking long to find the right combo. I just have to keep holding on. I know it's tough to hold on but it is possible!

[Sunflower123]

I’m sorry you are having a tough time. You are not alone. I hope you find the right medication soon. Sending big hugs.

[littleblackdog]

Originally Posted by Teddy Bear

You're doing good if you can still work through some med changes

I can't do anything other than keep going - carrying on as normal and pretending that everything's fine is my coping strategy (though I have had to take a few days off work because of side effects or withdrawal effects)

Originally Posted by puzzclar

Maybe therapy will help too. For me I have been through lots of med changes. It takes to freaking long to find the right combo. I just have to keep holding on. I know it's tough to hold on but it is possible!

My psychiatrist is referring me for some sort of psychological intervention (whatever that means). I have tried CBT last year which didn't help at all and that seems to be pretty much the only therapy available (I am in the UK and rely on the NHS for treatment). I don't even know what she is referring me for as she has previously talked about distress management and social inclusion, but I suspect it will be which is cheapest

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

I’m sorry you are having a tough time. You are not alone. I hope you find the right medication soon. Sending big hugs.

Thank you

[puzzclar]

Distress tolerance is a part of DBT