Bipolar Disorder ask a question/discussion thread

nesf

pickarooney wrote: »

Do you find that, when on medication, a part of the real you is missing or do you find yourself constantly wonder which is the real you?

No, not at all. You don't experience the same swings and might miss some of the highs in some ways but equally you don't experience the lows and the nastiness of mixed states so that counterbalances the sense of loss.

It's only mood though, not "personality" per se. My moods are less volatile and less extreme than several years ago but am I genuinely a different person because of the drugs? Not really. I've changed sure, but I've changed for the same reasons everyone else changes by changes in experience etc.

bob50

Flamed Diving wrote: »

If I am reading you correctly, you are only seeing your GP and not a psychiatrist of any kind? If that is the case, my advice would be to see a psychiatrist because GPs know very little about the subject.

If your GP won't refer you to one, go to a different GP, or go private.

If I am wrong about the above, then I don't really know what advice to give. From the literature I have been reading would suggest that the ideal thing to do is not rely on medication alone but to complement them with counselling/psychotherapy. Talk to your GP about this, maybe.

Hi Flamed Diving

i was talking to my gp last week about this and he said to me psychs are medical therfore they will only treat you with medicines / drugs
and that seen as hes a doc he can treat me the same as psychiarst

what got me thinking about going into st pats was i know a guy who suffers who is bi polar

and he said to me to go in there it might help as you get different ways of approching treating depression i would just love to get off the meds the other thing is seen as im paying private health insurance they would pick up the tab

LegacyUser

Hi nesf,
how you find coping with the bi-polar?
does anyone know if this can recur if one is believed to be clear of it or is that even possible? I'm anon on this as too many people know me. Looking back my counsillor explained the bi-polar without diagnosis. Until a later stage at which point, I buried myself in my head and refused help from anyone so was never diagnosed.
Kind of hoping it's non recurring as I'm on the slip a little too long again.
Thanks,
dgcp

Graces7

Reading this with interest.

I was misdiagnosed for some 30 years with almost every mental illness there is. And on medication etc.

This was in the Uk and finally they wrote me off as being simply... useless.
And left me with a major addiction to meds which I got rid of in a long painful process.

At last I found that it was M.E all the time.

The point here is that many of the symptoms you all speak of do occur with some of the auto-immune illnesses like M.E and sometimes they get misdiagnosed, especially when there is no deifinitive physical diagnosis.

eg mood swings; now I recognise them as tiredness FOR ME WITH ME, which is totally unlike tiredness in a healthy person, and/or low blood sugar and thus retreat to bed and eat.

If it is ignored then panic and acute anxiety result. Of physical cause as rest and food correct this. I have learned to ignore how I feel and not act on it.

Were I to see a dr re this I have no doubt he would diagnose depression.

So I rarely go near a GP.

The borderline between the physical and the mental is so narrow and of course each specialist will see their speciality in you. I was once in hospital for tests. The rheumaotologist said I had fibromyalgia and prescribed accordingly. The gynae said it was hormones and prescribed accordingly.. The psych opined depression... and prescribed accordingly.. and the phsyician said chronic fatigue and nothing he could do.

I left the Uk after I finally got my medical records corrected.

And am very very wary of drs now. I use little meds and tell them what I need...

My lifestyle is very very limited and often difficuly and painful; but as so many here know, there is an art and a peace in accepting what you are and have and learning to live within the limits of that.

Just now the M.E has decided to hit hard and I am weak and weepy. But it will pass.

Please though; make sure that all physical possibiliites, especially the more esoteric ones like M.E and MS etc are ruled out.

I lost decades to wrong diagnosis etc.

Blessings and peace

Flamed Diving

bob50 wrote: »

I was talking to my gp last week about this and he said to me psychs are medical therfore they will only treat you with medicines / drugs and that seen as hes a doc he can treat me the same as psychiarst

But he isn't a psychiatrist, whether or not they both prescribe drugs, he has little or no formal training in treating psychiatric illnesses. It is as simple as that. I can't believe he would say something like that. Look, I don't know the full story, so maybe the best thing is to go to him and say what I just said or simply go to a different GP. I wouldn't mind if you were someone who was just newly diagnosed but this has been going on for a long time, I'm really surprised by this.

bob50 wrote: »

what got me thinking about going into st pats was i know a guy who suffers who is bi polar

and he said to me to go in there it might help as you get different ways of approching treating depression i would just love to get off the meds the other thing is seen as im paying private health insurance they would pick up the tab

I would still say that you need to see a psychiatrist before you consider going into hospital, but I am just some guy on the internet, right? But since you have insurance, surely one visit to a private psych cannot hurt? The typical first visit is at least an hour long and they really try get at the heart of your symptoms, it is quite unlike a GP visit, in that respect.

I would give this step some serious consideration, and the psych would know better than your GP whether or not you should be referred to hospital.

bob50

Flamed Diving wrote: »

But he isn't a psychiatrist, whether or not they both prescribe drugs, he has little or no formal training in treating psychiatric illnesses. It is as simple as that. I can't believe he would say something like that. Look, I don't know the full story, so maybe the best thing is to go to him and say what I just said or simply go to a different GP. I wouldn't mind if you were someone who was just newly diagnosed but this has been going on for a long time, I'm really surprised by this.



I would still say that you need to see a psychiatrist before you consider going into hospital, but I am just some guy on the internet, right? But since you have insurance, surely one visit to a private psych cannot hurt? The typical first visit is at least an hour long and they really try get at the heart of your symptoms, it is quite unlike a GP visit, in that respect.

I would give this step some serious consideration, and the psych would know better than your GP whether or not you should be referred to hospital.

Thanks very much Flamed Diving the Gp in fact did say that to me that they are both the same

I will try & book an appointment with a psych

Flamed Diving

bob50 wrote: »

Thanks very much Flamed Diving the Gp in fact did say that to me that they are both the same

I will try & book an appointment with a psych

No problem, let us know how it goes.

Gremlinertia

Hi, i'm a first time poster, so apologies if i'm jumping in here, i can't see any sort of intro forum not that concentration is great at the moment.. I am looking for advice on the psychiatry/counselling side of things, i'm not currently on any medication, however thats mainly due to my own stubborness and the added complication of a chronic pain problem sustained in an accident a number of years ago. I was diagnosed and approx two years later had accident, so pain meds and diagnosis seemed to take priority for a few years. I'm based in west of ireland (galway area). Any input would be appreciated, sorry if this is rambling a bit, concentration is not so good..

G

zimovain

How do/did people find Zyprexa? I have been put on it recently and looking for personal opinions, cheers!

Flamed Diving

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Hi, i'm a first time poster, so apologies if i'm jumping in here, i can't see any sort of intro forum not that concentration is great at the moment.. I am looking for advice on the psychiatry/counselling side of things, i'm not currently on any medication, however thats mainly due to my own stubborness and the added complication of a chronic pain problem sustained in an accident a number of years ago. I was diagnosed and approx two years later had accident, so pain meds and diagnosis seemed to take priority for a few years. I'm based in west of ireland (galway area). Any input would be appreciated, sorry if this is rambling a bit, concentration is not so good..

G

You were diagnosed with Bipolar disorder?

Flamed Diving

zimovain wrote: »

How do/did people find Zyprexa? I have been put on it recently and looking for personal opinions, cheers!

I haven't been on it myself but you should be informed that people have varying reactions to different medications, so personal opinions aren't really any good to you. For example, Person A might take Zyprexa and find that it makes them feel stable, with little or no side effects. Person B might find that it works, but makes them feel nauseous. Person C might find it works with no side effects, but doesn't like the numbing feeling.

Whose personal opinion do you believe? Unfortunately, there is no objectivity with psychiatric medication, it really depends on the person taking it and when you are doubtful yourself you are more likely to believe the negative feedback only. Just be wary of what you read on the internet, like Wikipedia, you never know who the author is! Therefore, the most important personal opinion that you should rely on is a good psychiatrist.

Have you been diagnosed with Bipolar?

nesf

zimovain wrote: »

How do/did people find Zyprexa? I have been put on it recently and looking for personal opinions, cheers!

I'd echo what Flamed Diving has said. Personally I suffered from a dramatically increased appetite and weight gain (I gained 3 stone, not just a few pounds) on Zyprexa, however; many people don't find this on the drug and personal opinions can be misleading! The drug didn't agree with me but some sister drugs of it did agree with me, so really keep an open mind about it and don't let personal stories convince you to stop taking the drug! You could be one of those for whom the drug works well with minimal side effects!

zimovain

So far I find it ok, my mind is much calmer but i feel hungry and tired after taking it, not a diagnosed Bi-polar patient but am on it for racing thoughts, being unable to shut down etc

I am feeling much better in myself bar the hunger and tiredness. Thanks for the replies!

Flamed Diving

Go to the Food & Drink forum and find healthy things to snack on, it might help.

zimovain

I excercise and eat well so I am doing ok with it, once again thanks for the replies, good to hear other peoples views and stories!

flyswatter

The Zyprexa has helped me to recover no doubt but at the cost of weight gain and sedation. I also suffered from urinary retention for a spell. I'd recommend exercising regularly to combat the weight gain.

That's just my opinion taken from my experiences, it's going to be different for other people on the same drug.

Gremlinertia

Flamed Diving wrote: »

You were diagnosed with Bipolar disorder?

Yeah, well pretty sure it was still referred to as manic depression at time (12 years ago or so) but i was stubborn about it, i'm assuming refusing to believe i had a mental illness i suppose. Anyway not so long after i had an accident and the severity and pain levels associated meant the bipolar diagnosis just kinda got pushed away while the physical injury got treated. Kinda made a mess of things really so have a lot of work to do mentally and no idea where to start. By the way, thanks for replying, sorry for just crash landing on the thread..

G

nesf

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Yeah, well pretty sure it was still referred to as manic depression at time (12 years ago or so) but i was stubborn about it, i'm assuming refusing to believe i had a mental illness i suppose. Anyway not so long after i had an accident and the severity and pain levels associated meant the bipolar diagnosis just kinda got pushed away while the physical injury got treated. Kinda made a mess of things really so have a lot of work to do mentally and no idea where to start. By the way, thanks for replying, sorry for just crash landing on the thread..

G

The place to start is your GP. They can refer you to a psychiatrist. They may also be able to refer you to a councillor or psychologist but it depends on what services are available in your area and whether you can afford to go private etc.

It's not uncommon for someone with bipolar to think they don't need treatment, indeed it is a serious issue with the illness since such thinking often results in a bipolar sufferer stopping to take their medication with generally predictable results of a lapse back into mania or depression.

Gremlinertia

nesf wrote: »

The place to start is your GP. They can refer you to a psychiatrist. They may also be able to refer you to a councillor or psychologist but it depends on what services are available in your area and whether you can afford to go private etc.

It's not uncommon for someone with bipolar to think they don't need treatment, indeed it is a serious issue with the illness since such thinking often results in a bipolar sufferer stopping to take their medication with generally predictable results of a lapse back into mania or depression.

Thanks nesf, just needed someone else to say these things i suppose, although my gp seems to be having a hard time seperating my pain problem from my mental issues, to be honest i found it an easier route to believe that myself.. However i've now painted myself into such a tight corner that i've no choice but confront things, thanks again, will try make an appointment with my doc later.

Flamed Diving

I would very much recommend this book, especially for those struggling to come to terms with the illness.



http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?id=1919&type=book&cn=4

nesf

Flamed Diving wrote: »

I would very much recommend this book, especially for those struggling to come to terms with the illness.



http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?id=1919&type=book&cn=4

I also found this one good: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bipolar-Disorder-Ultimate-Sarah-Owen/dp/1851686045/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c

Gremlinertia

I've read 'An Unquiet Mind' it was a useful if slightly scary read, especially since the book was given to me (a bit of hint hint going on maybe?) I'll probably pick up one or both of those suggested books, thanks to you both.. What i really need now is to get my act together enough to cal doc an make a long appointment, for some reason, rather than being a frightening or daunting prospect, i'm finding myself feeling very much like i'm "giving in" in fact i'm pretty angry to be honest, anyone else have a similar experience?.

Flamed Diving

Gremlinertia wrote: »

I've read 'An Unquiet Mind' it was a useful if slightly scary read, especially since the book was given to me (a bit of hint hint going on maybe?) I'll probably pick up one or both of those suggested books, thanks to you both.. What i really need now is to get my act together enough to cal doc an make a long appointment, for some reason, rather than being a frightening or daunting prospect, i'm finding myself feeling very much like i'm "giving in" in fact i'm pretty angry to be honest, anyone else have a similar experience?.

You mean that going to a doctor and possibly taking medication is an act of weakness? If so, it is nothing of the sort. If you had diabetes, would you consider taking insulin and seeing doctors a weakness? An illness is an illness, even those of the mind. The strength is in recognising this. The weakness is getting angry at you seeking help.

Would you care to tease out why you are angry?

Gremlinertia

Flamed Diving wrote: »

You mean that going to a doctor and possibly taking medication is an act of weakness? If so, it is nothing of the sort. If you had diabetes, would you consider taking insulin and seeing doctors a weakness? An illness is an illness, even those of the mind. The strength is in recognising this. The weakness is getting angry at you seeking help.

Would you care to tease out why you are angry?

I agree with you about it being a valid illness, or at least i think i do.. Then i get confused and don't want to do anything about anything - an issue with admitting weakness is behind the anger at a guess. From a very 'old school' background i can't dispel the little voice in my head telling me i can snap out of it, if that makes sense? Thanks for your patience, i'm just trying to muddle through the confusion so i have something relatively coherent to write down for doctor..

Flamed Diving

Gremlinertia wrote: »

I agree with you about it being a valid illness, or at least i think i do.. Then i get confused and don't want to do anything about anything - an issue with admitting weakness is behind the anger at a guess. From a very 'old school' background i can't dispel the little voice in my head telling me i can snap out of it, if that makes sense? Thanks for your patience, i'm just trying to muddle through the confusion so i have something relatively coherent to write down for doctor..

Well, I see it like this. If you are Bipolar, and it has a negative impact to your life, in that you cannot lead a normal existence where there are no manic highs, no depressive crashes, no "recurring incidents" that don't seem to happen to your friends, abnormal sleep patterns, etc, then you need to make a simple choice. Do you want to continue like this forever, and pretend that you are going to snap out of it, even you have been following that strategy for at least 12 years? Or do you want to take proactive steps, even it means some medication?

I spent years denying that I had a problem, long before I knew what it was. Deep down I knew my behaviour was messed up, but I figured I would sort itself out, but it just kept changing form, becoming increasingly destructive, over time. Now, after about 15 months of actually taking this illness seriously (well, really only 8 since I stopped drinking) I now feel like I have something of a normal, productive life.

I know nothing of your story, bar a few posts. But it would seem like, bar the accident, you have been waiting around for years for this to go away. But it never does. What harm can a psychiatrist appt do? They can't force you to take medication.

Flamed Diving

I have never been to a hospital, nearly was at one stage, can't remember why I didn't go.

Anyway, I presume you will just see a psychiatrist, same as any other. The actual session will take around 60mins, and they will probably open with "Well, what's been bothering you?". After you deliver your opening salvo he will direct from that point forward, just asking you fairly short questions, mainly about your experience of everyday kind of things, and he will try to pick more questions to ask, based on your reactions. Don't worry, he won't be holding up cards and asking what you see or anything! It's just like an extended GP visit, with more personal details required. He is likely to ask about you childhood and your family, but not with a Freudian slant, it's just to check the boxes. He is likely to check whether there is a history of mental illness in your family, so it might be worth your while investigating this with your parents.

Any other questions?

Flamed Diving

Well, your GP has little or no training in psychiatry, so rather than thinking of him fobbing you off, maybe he simply has nothing more to offer than Lexapro, or whatever. My GP was the same.

CrystalShip

Hello All,

So, I was just diagnosed. I've declined treatment for a few weeks as I come to terms with it and assess the options.

The only thing that separates me from previous comments is that my moods are always mixed and can appear as rapid changing. I also have generalised anxiety which pre-dates the bipolar I think and the psych says I have a touch of ADD- lucky me. When she thought I was just ADD, she put me on ritalin which left me constantly in mania but a controlled one- which actually was a nicer state than being low, but I was too emotional which, as a bloke- I didn't want!

Anyway, I am usually low (90%), subdued but can then get a day or half a day of being hyper, full of energy, engaging and happy, then the next day I wake up back in the pits. I occasionally (once a year) experience a day or two of complete calm & control and I wish I could bottle it.

The best thing is that even before I was diagnosed, I learned to identify when I was in a mood and not act when in it. It's hard but I wait until the worst has passed.

So does this sound like anyone else, and if so, what helps you?
Here's a list of what I experience:

Random/unprovoked anger and irritability (and later I think"what was that about?")
I'm often completely wrecked tired, even when I've slept well
I'm hyper sensitive to noise and unpredictable/changing situations- this makes me anxious
I have a crap memory and awful concentration!
I try to avoid going out to social events, even answering the phone- it puts me on edge
I contemplate suicide but I know I don't want to die and it will pass
I have poor speech fluidity- I think that's an anxiety side effect
Events can temporarily jolt my mood- an event/success at work/an unexpected dramatic situation. It clicks a reset button or perhaps releases a hormone that counteracts the others floating around and makes me feel calm.
I actually feel more relaxed in a situation of chaos, like I can take a day off from being anxious cos everyone else is for a change. Ha.
Oh, I don't take risky behaviour but I've been irresponsible with money.
I don't have addictions but smoke occasionally.

Actually having a diagnosis and being able to talk to people with a similar problem feels great... For years I've been looking for medical problems (pre senile dementia etc) and ignoring the mood swings as just part of my personality, even though it's screwed up my work and love life.

I sometimes think I should go live on my own in the countryside or by the sea! That way I can't upset people and people can't upset me!

Thanks for reading.

C.S.

Flamed Diving

CrystalShip wrote: »

Hello All,

So, I was just diagnosed. I've declined treatment for a few weeks as I come to terms with it and assess the options.

The only thing that separates me from previous comments is that my moods are always mixed and can appear as rapid changing. I also have generalised anxiety which pre-dates the bipolar I think and the psych says I have a touch of ADD- lucky me. When she thought I was just ADD, she put me on ritalin which left me constantly in mania but a controlled one- which actually was a nicer state than being low, but I was too emotional which, as a bloke- I didn't want!

Anyway, I am usually low (90%), subdued but can then get a day or half a day of being hyper, full of energy, engaging and happy, then the next day I wake up back in the pits. I occasionally (once a year) experience a day or two of complete calm & control and I wish I could bottle it.

The best thing is that even before I was diagnosed, I learned to identify when I was in a mood and not act when in it. It's hard but I wait until the worst has passed.

So does this sound like anyone else, and if so, what helps you?

Yes, except I am 90% manic, but I am rapid cycling bipolar. Firstly, I stopped drinking and in order to do that, I had to let a LOT of people go in my life. I began to realise that most of the friends that I had ever made were due to me being drunk and manic. They were friends with that guy. That guy is gone. Secondly, medication has helped me, a LOT. It took a while to get the balance right, but I am in a decent position now.

CrystalShip wrote: »

I sometimes think I should go live on my own in the countryside or by the sea! That way I can't upset people and people can't upset me!

Me too.

CrystalShip

Thanks so much FD, that really made me laugh.

I think I'd prefer to be manic, I'd be way more fun that way. Ha. I've had years of people walking up to me saying "hey are you ok? You look pissed off" and I'd be thinking- "er, I'm grand what are you talking about??". At least people think you're a laugh I bet.

Is it unusual to have such rapid cycles?

I too have dropped a few people from my life, it feels so much better.

My Dad had a drinking prob so I was never interested in it bar a social one or two.

Thanks again!!!