Anti-depressants have made me feel worse. My new therapist doesn't know me well enough to know for sure if I am bipolar or if my mood is mostly an emotional problem. We know I have emotional problems (childhood abuse and adult PTSD), but bipolar is still suspected. There are several just in my immediate family with bipolar. I've experienced hypomania, racing thoughts, and mixed states, but never straightforward mania.

Last P-doc started me on Lamictal but I had an allergic reaction. I don't have a P-doc anymore and have to pay out of pocket for MH treatment.

My PCP is trying to treat my MH issues, so I was thinking of asking her for a trial of bipolar medication. I don't feel sad but lack motivation and energy and have major concentration and memory problems. Therapy hasn't helped with this. I've always had anxiety, which therapy seems to help. Psychotherapy helps with many other things, but not my mood so much.

Have you ever found out if you had a bipolar depression after failed trials of various antidepressants and/or other treatments? What mood stabilizer worked for you the first time? How long did it take to notice a positive effect? How many did you try before one worked?

I am really struggling right now but feel overwhelmed about this. Treating some medical problems didn't give me the improvements I expected (which is why I took a break from psych meds), so I think I need to treat this more aggressively. Trials of supplements haven't helped much either. Maybe it's just that I've been in denial about needing BP treatment. I'm afraid to try Lithium because of risk of thyroid problems and kidney damage to name a few.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Maybe it would be better to post this in the bipolar forum?

[jesusplay]

let the doctors worry about the meds/diagnosis.

just show up and take what they give you.

bipolar/depression treatment is pretty much try this or that until you find what works for you.

[venusss]

Originally Posted by jesusplay

let the doctors worry about the meds/diagnosis.

just show up and take what they give you.

bipolar/depression treatment is pretty much try this or that until you find what works for you.

doctors are not gonna experience the side effects... letting them "worry" about it and taking it unquestionably iskinda bad idea.

you need to address your PTSD (therapy and coping, pills don't touch the core issues) and see how other issues go.

[sewerrats]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

doctors are not gonna experience the side effects... letting them "worry" about it and taking it unquestionably iskinda bad idea.

you need to address your PTSD (therapy and coping, pills don't touch the core issues) and see how other issues go.

Venus what if pills do nuke the core issue into submission: what is your illness , and why so angry all the time are you lonely ,a genuine question

[venusss]

I not angry.

Just cause I don't take **** to nuke me into submission (seriously WTF?) doesn't mean, I am angry or lonely. I have friends, I have cats... and like myself. The only place I like "submission" is sexy times.

I was saying, that if one has PTSD issues, that needs to be addressed (and NOT! by nuking it chemically into "submission". Trauma cannot be cured with pills anyways. Chemistry can help sympoms but unless you help yourself, it will come back with vegence... and pretty much "nuke" you, leaving Hiroshima in your soul).

[sewerrats]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

I not angry.

Just cause I don't take **** to nuke me into submission (seriously WTF?) doesn't mean, I am angry or lonely. I have friends, I have cats... and like myself. The only place I like "submission" is sexy times.

I was saying, that if one has PTSD issues, that needs to be addressed (and NOT! by nuking it chemically into "submission". Trauma cannot be cured with pills anyways. Chemistry can help sympoms but unless you help yourself, it will come back with vegence... and pretty much "nuke" you, leaving Hiroshima in your soul).

thanks that answered nothing, but told me a lot. and I said nuke the depression not ones self .

[venusss]

even the biggest pill optimist out there will know what is not how those thing work. And OP's issues are nowhere being near of being "nuked". And, I repeat, there is no way you can "nuke" PTSD chemically.

[sewerrats]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

even the biggest pill optimist out there will know what is not how those thing work. And OP's issues are nowhere being near of being "nuked". And, I repeat, there is no way you can "nuke" PTSD chemically.

I think you can you think you cannot , I raised a family , held down a job, raised my kids. all helped by meds. I am pretty sure I would have been dead long ago without them. Now tell me what not taking them has done for you.

[venusss]

YOU raised your family, not a pill box. YOU worked, not the pills. You might be dead without them, you may not, but give yourself and others some credit. And if your issue were "nuked" why you are posting on MH community?

Not taking meds done for me... eh, I am an MA and work as translator. Done great deal of volunteering home and abroad. I think I am doing pretty well. But that is not the point.

My point is... our issues are too complex to believe you can deal with them entirely with a chemical substance. That is kinda dangerous approach to promote.

[marmaduke]

Bi polar is a possibility, and sometimes meds can work wonders.
Would your doctor try you on a anti-psychotic? because anti-depressants do not help bi polar.

[sewerrats]

I need them I dont take them for the fun of it I take them to live, It is a life time illness and I didn't take meds for half of it ,I near died from alcohol self medication. and brain sezuries to the point of flat line. I am on the forum to help people I am in this for the long haul , I don't tell people not to take meds and I don't tell them to take them if there problems are simple , so why are you on hear again. the end

[venusss]

I am *here* cause I have issues and to share my experience and to pass some wisdom and advice.

Originally Posted by sewerrats

I need them I dont take them for the fun of it I take them to live, It is a life time illness and I didn't take meds for half of it ,I near died from alcohol self medication. and brain sezuries to the point of flat line. I am on the forum to help people I am in this for the long haul , I don't tell people not to take meds and I don't tell them to take them if there problems are simple , so why are you on hear again. the end

-->so why are you on hear again. --<

Why the question? It suggests being on the forum means she should prefer to rely on drugs. Is this a drug only forum?

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[sewerrats]

Originally Posted by Michanne

-->so why are you on hear again. --<

Why the question? It suggests being on the forum means she should prefer to rely on drugs. Is this a drug only forum?

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of course not and there are lots on hear that take them that should not and I tell them that if you read my posts , Lots of posters are on hear because the didn't stick out a normal slight depression ,and jumped on the med go round and now cannot get off. These are the ones that want off all meds because they were never chronically ill in the first place. Then there are the people who are and may need a change of med and want to know about a certain meds if they have never tried it so they ask if anyone on the forum has. Don't put me down has 100% pro meds I say 50-50 ,but to be on this forum and be 100% against meds you should not be on the forum. If you believe god, Budda or any other religion is going to cure you ,why did they give you the illness in the first place. herbs are more dangerous that MEDS do to there varying strength from plant to plan that is not monitored on packing

[venusss]

Herbs are not more dangerous. I have books on herbology that over hundert years old (and they compose wisdom of thousand years). When a med has millenia long trial, we can talk.

(btw, do you know that basil, rosemary, oregano, ginger... and other things you put on food actually have psychotropic potential? That foods can affects your hormone levels, hence work to a degree as medicine? Less potent for sure, but it is there.)

[sewerrats]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

doctors are not gonna experience the side effects... letting them "worry" about it and taking it unquestionably iskinda bad idea.

you need to address your PTSD (therapy and coping, pills don't touch the core issues) and see how other issues go.

In an 8-week trial involving 340 patients diagnosed with major depression, St. John's wort was compared to a common SSRI and a placebo (sugar pill). The trial found that St. John's wort was no more effective than the placebo in treating major depression.31 However, use of St. John's wort for minor or moderate depression may be more effective. Its use in the treatment of depression remains under study.
herbs are just not strong enough for major depression fact. that and there ability to interact with every real med , rules them all out unless you have a mild headache, and take nothing else . ONLY flower children still stuck in the 60tis believe this toss , and that why there never used by the real shrinks only quacks , how about a few leechs on your neck sucking out the depression.

[venusss]

How about some *respect* to others and other ways of addressing issues then pill from a bottle?

St. John's wort is used by many and works for many. It has other health benefits as well. Yes, interactions are pesky, but if one doesn't take other things (and believe it or not, there *are* people out there that are not on several meds), why not? The worst it caused in me was photosensitivity and that has been resolved by taking it in form of tincture.

I maybe flower child, but I rather believe in that and in myself than believing in pills "nuking" your core issues, leaving you cured or whatever are you implying.

[A Red Panda]

Sewarrat: It's great that meds are helping you and that you are alright with using them for the rest of your life. That doesn't mean it's the only solution.

And Venus has a point - PTSD has underlying issues that you can't erase with medication. The medication helps with the symptoms that show up due to the PTSD, but there is a lot involved, particularly with PTSD which is not biological as it's caused by trauma... there's more underneath that needs help. Medications can help to an extent, but they can't erase the issue.

And sewer... you're being rather rude and judgemental in here. You aren't being supportive at all.

[sewerrats]

Originally Posted by A Red Panda

Sewarrat: It's great that meds are helping you and that you are alright with using them for the rest of your life. That doesn't mean it's the only solution.

And Venus has a point - PTSD has underlying issues that you can't erase with medication. The medication helps with the symptoms that show up due to the PTSD, but there is a lot involved, particularly with PTSD which is not biological as it's caused by trauma... there's more underneath that needs help. Medications can help to an extent, but they can't erase the issue.

And sewer... you're being rather rude and judgemental in here. You aren't being supportive at all.

TRUE but I am always getting the same answer that I am a med freak , I am not 100% med freak I am 50-50 if you read my posts, I don't dismiss them all like some people that are on this thread , I don't take them and love being fat and my sex life being dulled because I like it They work for me enough to stay on this planet with my family.. nothing else does I have tried everything for over 40 years. PTSD has a good result with ECT nothing like forgetting the past targeting the brain that carries the memory , loose some memory gain some peace worth a try I would do it if I needed it. I don't shut the door on modern medications nor old medication only on things that don't work. And if you only have slight depression keep clear of all meds because you will be in big trouble .

[venusss]

wrong. No memories are worse than bad memories (apparently, the soviet army tried to mess with "erasing" memories. Found out the only way to do is to wipe all there was in brain leaving the person utterly crazy).

The only way to deal with trauma is to deal with it. You can use things to numben you for a while, but medicine... or freaking ECT is not undo your trauma.

The worst kind of memories are repressed ones. And most dangerous.

Originally Posted by sewerrats

TRUE but I am always getting the same answer that I am a med freak , I am not 100% med freak I am 50-50 if you read my posts, I don't dismiss them all like some people that are on this thread , I don't take them and love being fat and my sex life being dulled because I like it They work for me enough to stay on this planet with my family.. nothing else does I have tried everything for over 40 years. PTSD has a good result with ECT nothing like forgetting the past targeting the brain that carries the memory , loose some memory gain some peace worth a try I would do it if I needed it. I don't shut the door on modern medications nor old medication only on things that don't work. And if you only have slight depression keep clear of all meds because you will be in big trouble .

I think you miss the point. I don't see anybody dismissing drugs. The problem is the "push" of meds over everything else. Many, many alternative treatments can either be done safely at the same time or could be tried first before meds. In many cases alternative treatments are safer. I am not talking about people in crisis btw. Those people do need fast intervention which usually means some sort of med. I am referring to people with moderate to mild disorders or people that have stabilized.

There is also more research out there than you implied in an earlier post. You have to hunt for some studies because they don't get the same sort of news coverage as big pharma backed research. 1000's of years of anecdotal and aryuvedic documentation should not be dismissed as irrelevant. I'll take that over 5 years FDA required trials any day. In fact how often do results change after approval? A lot. In fact anti depressants studies can't be replicated. There are several theories including some that don't point to the efficacy of the drugs. It does raise questions however.

Alternative treatments aren't for all. I think we all agree. I think there should be a more balanced "push" for people to use alternatives especially when they are safe in conjunction to what they are already doing. Things like st johns wart or chamomile should be information that is at least readily available as an option. In fact they shouldn't even be called "alternative"! When people make a point to talk alternative it seems like they always end up in the defensive. That is just not how it should be.

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It has been my experience that medication helps me get to a place that is normal enough to work on issues with a therapist. The meds provide stability and security, THEN I can discuss emotional issues.

[nowaitaminute]

Originally Posted by Autumn Skies

Anti-depressants have made me feel worse. My new therapist doesn't know me well enough to know for sure if I am bipolar or if my mood is mostly an emotional problem. We know I have emotional problems (childhood abuse and adult PTSD), but bipolar is still suspected. There are several just in my immediate family with bipolar. I've experienced hypomania, racing thoughts, and mixed states, but never straightforward mania.

Last P-doc started me on Lamictal but I had an allergic reaction. I don't have a P-doc anymore and have to pay out of pocket for MH treatment.

My PCP is trying to treat my MH issues, so I was thinking of asking her for a trial of bipolar medication. I don't feel sad but lack motivation and energy and have major concentration and memory problems. Therapy hasn't helped with this. I've always had anxiety, which therapy seems to help. Psychotherapy helps with many other things, but not my mood so much.

Have you ever found out if you had a bipolar depression after failed trials of various antidepressants and/or other treatments? What mood stabilizer worked for you the first time? How long did it take to notice a positive effect? How many did you try before one worked?

I am really struggling right now but feel overwhelmed about this. Treating some medical problems didn't give me the improvements I expected (which is why I took a break from psych meds), so I think I need to treat this more aggressively. Trials of supplements haven't helped much either. Maybe it's just that I've been in denial about needing BP treatment. I'm afraid to try Lithium because of risk of thyroid problems and kidney damage to name a few.

Thanks for any suggestions.

You are very vulnerable right now. I don't want to frighten you, I want to empower you.
1.) Take a really close, honest look at your diet. I know this from experience, and if I were a physician, I wouldn't even attempt a psychiatric diagnosis without a year's worth of metabolic analysis. Fish (Omega fatty oils), leafy greens (brussel sprouts, kale, spinach), complex carbos, (especially oats, beans and legumes) are very important. Do everything you can to 'level' off your blood sugar.
2.) Get out and get a little exercise and sunlight whenever you can (vitamin D shortage can really mess you up).
3.) Take an honest look at your sleep schedule; extremes are bad for the bipolar brain-it thrives in structure.
4.) Let your GP know how you're feeling about care of yourself; you should be working as partners. I've had trouble with a provider not listening properly when I've had other ailments, due to the fact that they were too transfixed on "a history of bipolar disorder". Only you know how you are feeling inside, don't let anyone fill that in for you. We are all individuals, not merely 'bipolars'.
5.) The point of treatment is improvement, not the treatment itself, getting used or caught in the process. Watch out for providers or practitioners who are just insurance jockeys, or wanting you to ride SSI.
6.) Be watchful that you do not get confused in your relationship with your therapist; this is not your friend, this is a hired professional. Relate to this person like a doctor. Exposing too much of yourself can inadvertently result in degradation or loss of self-esteem. Even co-dependence, highly destructive.
Afterall, a therapist can do nothing, realistically, to change the circumstances of your life.
7.) Look forward, not backward. We can not change the past.
8.) Look up! You were created for a special purpose, uniquely yours...you decide what kind of person you respect, and want to become. Your mind is fine, your appliance is 'tricky'. By appliance, I mean your brain.
You just need to figure out the right combination for your 'appliance'.
It's your body, it's your brain, it's your life, it's your time! In other words, you will be the only person accountable for it. Take charge of yourself.
9) Do you like the idea of yourself as a loving, friendly person? Focus on that. Express kindness, it's very affirming. When you're feeling down, think, "I'm not the only one, there's someone who could use a friend today." Reach out, be the friend you wish you had. Love and peace are never a wrong mindset. Don't let it hurt you if you don't always get a positive response.
9.) Barriers are okay. If someone can not respect that, they aren't really your friend.
10.) Best wishes, and healing to you! Focus on healing.

[sewerrats]

Originally Posted by Michanne

-->so why are you on hear again. --<

Why the question? It suggests being on the forum means she should prefer to rely on drugs. Is this a drug only forum?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

actually YES its the med part of the forum your answering