Lets all be anxious/depressed together.

starviewadams · 25-05-2011 11:22pm

I found it a bit crap for a good few weeks til I got used to it.

Am slightly glad that my psych said going to an actual meeting wasn't a good idea for me just yet, cos I was really worrying about going to one in the day or two before I said it to the psych.

Benny_Cake · 26-05-2011 9:13am

Back in work today for the first time in a couple of days (was on a course).Almost paralysed with fear,I'm just sick and tired of feeling like this.I've got the number of some CBT counsellors near my home so I'm going to give them a call.I'm at the stage where I'd try anything..

RubyXI · 26-05-2011 11:05am

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Back in work today for the first time in a couple of days (was on a course).Almost paralysed with fear,I'm just sick and tired of feeling like this.I've got the number of some CBT counsellors near my home so I'm going to give them a call.I'm at the stage where I'd try anything..

Good luck

Plumeria · 26-05-2011 12:44pm

My psychiatrist has just started me on Zispin 15mg. If anyone here has been on it, I'd be interested to hear how you find/found it.

starviewadams wrote: »

I found it a bit crap for a good few weeks til I got used to it.

Am slightly glad that my psych said going to an actual meeting wasn't a good idea for me just yet, cos I was really worrying about going to one in the day or two before I said it to the psych.

It's kinda nice to hear you got permission to preserve your sanity

.

It's hard to get the right balance between pushing myself and preserving myself. And it's hard to know in advance whether a situation is going to be just a bit uncomfortable, or overwhelming to the point where I just feel worse about myself and even less confident in my 'progress'.

It's an issue that bothers me sometimes, and people can, with the best of intentions, throw casual advice around about "pushing" yourself at every opportunity when actually it's not always the best thing for you. I've probably thrown the same advice at others myself.

Novella · 26-05-2011 1:23pm

Plumeria wrote: »

My psychiatrist has just started me on Zispin 15mg. If anyone here has been on it, I'd be interested to hear how you find/found it.

I was on it for a while. Made me feel dizzy, disorientated. I couldn't concentrate on anything in the beginning. Felt really tired basically. It seems to be a lot of trial and error when it comes to finding the right anti-d. I hope the Zispin is good for you though!

Plumeria · 26-05-2011 3:55pm

Novella wrote: »

I was on it for a while. Made me feel dizzy, disorientated. I couldn't concentrate on anything in the beginning. Felt really tired basically. It seems to be a lot of trial and error when it comes to finding the right anti-d. I hope the Zispin is good for you though!

Thanks Novella. I've only taken it twice so far and it's just making me slightly tired. These meds work so differently on everyone. Still hoping.

Benny_Cake · 26-05-2011 5:33pm

Well, I made the plunge and I've booked my first counselling session for one week from now. Was quite nervous about even dialling the number. Here hoping it goes well and I don't need to do it for too long, between that and meds it will cost a fair chunk of my income.

LegacyUser · 27-05-2011 7:22pm

I've no clue if this is in the right place or if this is even acceptable here so mods do what you will.

I have been suffering from anxiety for years and have gone down various different routes of trying to get the correct diagnosis.

When I was younger it was thought that I had mild depression and agoraphobia(I was put on fluxotine and valium but didn't want to take them), this then changed to emotionally unstable (someone came to this conclusion after taking to for 20 minutes after I had been experiencing a panic attack for four hours)- which apparently we're unfounded this time around and it was thought that I had a panic/anxiety disorder.

My life is just mistake after mistake due to fear. I have already dropped out of one college course and now due to a mistake in the referral process I am about to drop out of another. I've never had problems with work or when I was in school, but I keep having this feeling that all the lecturers are purely there to fail me. I'm so self concious I find it hard to leave the house, any social outing leads to weeks of going over every word that I've said when out analysing it again and again to make sure I wasn't rude or making a show of myself. This has led to panic attacks when I think i've been stupid or offensive. I've been self harming on and off since I was 16(this i believe is the only reason emotionally unstable traits were given, I was also hearing things being said about me that were unfounded at the time). I am in my early twenties now and this feeling that I am hated by everyone has never left me.

Two years ago I went through schema therapy for 6 months, it made little or no difference to my life. I was willing to give therapy a go instead of medication that time round.

I have an awful feeling that the medical profession are not taking me seriously. My usual doctor was not present when I went back to the doctors a few months ago, the doctor I did see made some quip about emotionally unstable people and about traits that I don't have as my information had been deleted from the system. He said that all they could do was refer me and he could only give me a doctors note for a week, he didn't even enquire what was wrong, I told him I wanted to get things sorted before **** really hit the fan again and I had ruined another year of education. He told me to call the place that I had attended for schema therapy myself and to just go back there, I then asked him to write me a referral letter as I was not sure that I could just ring up. There was an issue with printing out the doctors note so I was asked to call back later for it. When I went back to collect the doctors note he had written that I could not attend college due to "emotional issues". I was very offended by this and seen it as basically calling me nonsensical and hysterical.

So the next day I called the counciling service to be told that not only does a psychiatrist have to make the call for you. I was also in the wrong catchment area. Shouldn't the doctor have known this? This made me feel embarrassed and wondering why I should even bother.

This lead to a three month pinging between services till I was finally referred to appropriate place, another psychiatrist. All she had was my name and address, absolutely no other information had been provided from the doctor I seen or the councilling service I had attended. She thought that I had an anxiety/panic disorder with very very low self esteem and that the only emotionally unstable trait I have is acting impulsively when distressed thus leading to self harm. I expressed my disdain at the diagnosis of emotional unsuitability as I am not manipulative and thinking that I was made me feel far worse. I was told to come back in a week when college had completely finished to see if I would be more relaxed and we could discuss medication/councilling.

In the meantime I found out from the college that the doctors notes I did have were not enough and that i'd basically have to see each lecturer individually and plead my case (this is something I REALLY REALLY can't do). So I've come to the decision that I'm just going to drop out and try college in a few years time when I have finally gotten over all this fear/guilt/worry business. This has me feel much better as I don't have to worry about every going back there or seeing anyone from my class ever again. But I still feel guilty and unreal most of the time.

So I went back to the phycistrist a few days ago. She said that I seemed better, still very very nervous but the whole college thing being gone off my mind seemed to help and she didn't think I needed medication and referred me to their phycology department instead. I have to go back and see her in another few weeks to see how things have panned out.

So after all that heres my question!!

I found schema therapy to be no help at all and I am afraid that this time the therapy will be the same and will not help me at all further delaying me getting on with my life.

I wanted to try medication this time around as college may be gone but I still have obsessive thoughts over situations and a general fear/untrust of everyone bar my boyfriend. I didn't know how to say this at the last appointment and came out of there thinking that it was just one big plot to make me kill myself as I'm just wasting resources and taking time away from people who actually need help. (This stems for the visit to the doctor who fecked up the referral, that if I wasn't in a bad way would he have taken me seriously?)

I came home very upset that I wasn't even allowed give medication a try. My boyfriend completely lost the rag with me for the first time ever(he had an awful day himself that day) saying that every one hated life it wasn't just me. No one is happy and I should just take the councilling that I never do anything to help myself.

So what do I do?

Am I just negative and bring all of this on myself? How to I tell the psychiatrist that I do want help but I have a severe fear that councilling will just take more time from my life and not work and I would like medication?

starviewadams · 27-05-2011 8:49pm

Told my family that I've the flu to avoid going to a family re-union up in Galway,feel a bit ****ty about lying and skipping yet another family thing.

LegacyUser · 30-05-2011 9:56pm

I have been on an antidepressant for the past 10 years. First it was lustral then changed to lexapro. Last months haven't been great and the psych added a small dose of lithium to the mix. Lithium isnt there for bipolar I dont have bipolar - it is there to boost the antidepressant. Feel worse now and wondering is the lithium making me even worse. To the mods - I dont want advice on whether to stay or come off. I will be consulting with my psych re that.
Questions are
a. What are people's experience with lithium .
b. If this combo doesnt work I'm going to ask him to change from lexapro to another SSRI. Has anyone found that a SSRI like lexapro worked for a while then stopped working.
Thanks.

stupidusername · 30-05-2011 10:33pm

I feel like i'm just constantly low lately. a few things have happened over the past few days and well, i don't even want to say (type) the things i'm thinking. I feel like i'm stuck. I could try talk to my friend, and i know he would talk, but i'll get more upset, and i have to get up at 7am. and i've a stupid interview tomorrow, and i can't be tired for it.

Princess Peach · 30-05-2011 11:22pm

I only seem to post here when things are bad, so I'll break this cycle :P

Been doing really well lately. Think my last counselor was the best I've seen and really did help me to put a lot of things into perspective. Stopped seeing her about a month ago cause there wasn't much left to say, and have really taken on board what we worked on. My motivation is still low, can't seem to get things done, but I'm starting to think thats more due to laziness than mood.

Mood has been pretty steady lately too. Only had a few bad days, and I think maybe I make dramatics out of these days. One little thing goes wrong and I take to my bed. I know its easy to say now that I'm in a good mood and we'll see what happens the next little hiccup, but I do let things drag me down a lot more than they should, and there's no real reason for me to react as badly as I do. But even my bad days are a lot better than they used to be, and I recover a lot faster too.

Thinking a lot more rationally too, if that makes sense. Pretty embarrassed by a lot of my crazy behavior during my meltdowns over the past year or so. But sure can't change what happened so just trying to deal with it and move on. Lost a few people in my life, not sure if things can be fixed there but trying to focus on other people. Still a few worries on my mind, but trying not to dwell on them.

Pretty hopeful about the future, if I could get the motivation to get a few important things done! Haven't been thinking about coming off my meds, doctor said to give it till early next year before we discuss it again. Was a disaster the last time so just gonna stick with it and try not to think much, cause I know it will upset me.

Long post over!

starviewadams · 31-05-2011 12:26am

Was feeling okay and slightly positive for the first time in ages up until Friday,bumped into my ex's best friend and she was talking about how herself was getting on now,just raked up lots of bad/old feelings I spose.Have felt really low and negative over the past few days now,no motivation to do anything besides lie on my bed.

It's crap,everytime I'm just starting to feel okay something happens and knocks me back again,wish I could just function like a normal person and not constantly negatively over analyse every minute detail of my life.

stupidusername · 31-05-2011 8:56am

starviewadams wrote: »

Was feeling okay and slightly positive for the first time in ages up until Friday,bumped into my ex's best friend and she was talking about how herself was getting on now,just raked up lots of bad/old feelings I spose.Have felt really low and negative over the past few days now,no motivation to do anything besides lie on my bed.

It's crap,everytime I'm just starting to feel okay something happens and knocks me back again,wish I could just function like a normal person and not constantly negatively over analyse every minute detail of my life.

well that could be considered a significant downer ( and I don't mean that in the way other people use it). how's the new position working out for you?

I really wish people were more understanding about this. I mean even people on here call me attention seeking and dramatic, I just don't know what to do about it. One thing I know I'm not is attention seeking, I get how I come across as dramatic, though the reality is I can't help for now that I can't handle things. and it seems to be one thing after another lately. well for the past 6 months moreso.

I had a fairly bad night last night, and I still had to be up at 7 for work. and now my eyes are all puffed up, and that won't go away until tomorrow, but i have an interview today after work. and I look like ****. so i've probably ruined my chances of getting this job. but then i'm not even sure I want it. the thought of changing every thing again makes me very nervous. I'd probably be better if i just stuck to this job till it ends in a bit and try update my skills on the side. trouble is that takes motivation, and unfortunately boards has become my social life, as pathetic as that is. i'm just constantly stuck in a rut, because I don't make decisions.

starviewadams · 31-05-2011 6:06pm

I think anybody who has even a tiny bit of intelligence would see that you aren't an attention seeker or being dramatic,you can't help the way that you feel.

The idea of change makes me very anxious and I'm not getting on too well at all in my new place in work.

The actual work is fine,just filing and doing invoices and stuff,but the people who I work with don't seem too fond of me,they've all been working there for years and are very cliqish,throw in the fact that I'm very nervous around new people and always say the wrong things and it's kinda hell for me at the moment tbh.I'm glad that I still have a place to occupy me everyday and all,but I dread going in there every morning.Just feel quite hopeless at the moment,I'm seeing my psych again on Friday so hopefuly he'll have some suggestions to help me feel a bit better.

Plumeria · 31-05-2011 7:17pm

What should I do? wrote: »

So what do I do?

Am I just negative and bring all of this on myself? How to I tell the psychiatrist that I do want help but I have a severe fear that councilling will just take more time from my life and not work and I would like medication?

I'm sorry that I don't have much advice, but, regarding the lecturers - you won't have to plead with them. Your lecturers won't question a note from a doctor, no matter what specifics are written on it. You'd probably be surprised at how easily they'll accept your situation and find ways to accommodate you if at all possible.

Tell the psychiatrist everything you're worried about. Print your post out and hand it to her if that's easier for you. Obviously you have a really hard time trusting people, but try to trust the psychiatrist. Tell her as much as possible and try your best to trust/follow her advice.
I hope things start to look up.

Getting worse by the day myself. Zispin is helping me sleep at least.

Mars Bar · 31-05-2011 7:36pm

What should I do? wrote: »

I

In the meantime I found out from the college that the doctors notes I did have were not enough and that i'd basically have to see each lecturer individually and plead my case (this is something I REALLY REALLY can't do). So I've come to the decision that I'm just going to drop out and try college in a few years time when I have finally gotten over all this fear/guilt/worry business. This has me feel much better as I don't have to worry about every going back there or seeing anyone from my class ever again. But I still feel guilty and unreal most of the time.

That doesn't sit well with me at all. There is absolutely no reason you should have to explain yourself when you've got a doctors note.

When I went to one of my lecturers asking for an extension, I was a nervous wreck. I was at the point of tears and he said to me, "You don't need to explain it, I don't want to hear it. Take as much time as you need with the upcoming assignments."

I have only scanned over your post coz it's quite long

but I presume you've been seeing the college counsellor? That's the way to do it if the service is there. Through the college, I got a referral to a psychiatrist and was put on meds. I e-mailed the lecturers to let them no that I was on meds and would probably miss some amount of college (I slept a lot when I started on the meds!). I had the college counsellor email all of my lecturers saying that I was suffering from psychological trauma (after an accident in my case) and to give me the assistance I needed. I also had her send a letter to the head of department.

There was no details in the letter. It's none of their business as far as I'm concerned. It's between you and the counsellor.

I managed to defer my Final Year Project for the summer so I'm in the process of doing it at home, in an environment I'm comfortable with. Perhaps you can get something like this to ease some of the workload?

stupidusername · 31-05-2011 8:55pm

starviewadams wrote: »

I think anybody who has even a tiny bit of intelligence would see that you aren't an attention seeker or being dramatic,you can't help the way that you feel.

The idea of change makes me very anxious and I'm not getting on too well at all in my new place in work.

The actual work is fine,just filing and doing invoices and stuff,but the people who I work with don't seem too fond of me,they've all been working there for years and are very cliqish,throw in the fact that I'm very nervous around new people and always say the wrong things and it's kinda hell for me at the moment tbh.I'm glad that I still have a place to occupy me everyday and all,but I dread going in there every morning.Just feel quite hopeless at the moment,I'm seeing my psych again on Friday so hopefuly he'll have some suggestions to help me feel a bit better.

tbh I wish things would calm the **** down, sick of having so much to do all the time, things to worry about, i mean who looks for that!?

I get what you mean about the clique vibe. you said it was mostly girls there yeah? unfortunately I think that's how a group deals with insecurity, to make outsiders feel unwelcome so they feel more popular themselves, if you know what I'm trying to say.

I definitely get what you mean about having somewhere to go. I mean I was on the verge of quitting today, the only reason I didn't cry on the way out of the office was cause I knew I had to make my interview. my boss was a prick to me today. and he did it fully knowing what he was doing. every week he has a new tactic for making me stay on longer. but then thinking about what I'd be like without a job again, I really don't think that'd be good for me. I was thinking of asking for next week off, but now I really don't feel like i can.

oh and I called in about my supposed appointment for the psych. it's towards the end of the month. so much for sending me a frickin letter to let me know this :mad: but i suppose at least i have it. though this is only another consultation. and it'll be another attempt to convince me to go back on efexor. and triple it, like she was saying last time. i'm not doing it.

starviewadams · 31-05-2011 10:39pm

I don't really care what my psych gives me so long as it makes things like getting out of bed bearable,am on citalopram and lithium now plus sleeping pills for whenever I can't sleep.Said last time that he might up my dose of lithium again to boost the citalopram a bit.

Last time I was this down was around January/February,and I ended up cutting myself pretty badly and being put on anti-psychotics for a week to calm me down and I really don't want to end up like that again,still can't wear short sleeved t-shirts cos of the scars.

Cygni · 31-05-2011 10:42pm

I actually have a PD that's been annoying me since I was in 6th class. I guess for the first time in these years I'm actually going to get the courage and seek some medical help. In July, after my LC.

RubyXI · 01-06-2011 10:10am

I don't feel like talking to anyone. Probably just as well coz I have no-one to talk to. Don't feel like doing anything either. Which isn't so good coz I'm at work. Not a lot to be done though so I have to look busy. Ugh.

starviewadams · 01-06-2011 5:01pm

Another bad day today,made worse by the fact that I only got about an hours sleep lastnite and feel absolutely wrecked,brain was in overdrive and I just couldn't nod off,and it was too late to take my diazepam cos I wouldn't be able to wake up in time for work.

Plan on dragging myself out for a long walk later to tire myself out so that I'll actually sleep tonight!

14qgrctp8yfv60 · 01-06-2011 9:36pm

Is anyone using the anti depressant Lexapro I have just started taking it as I have been trying to deal with alot myself and it has come to the stage where I need to take mediciation.

Just wondering if anyone knows some of the side effects especially how it affects someone when exercising and taking part in competitive sport...

starviewadams · 01-06-2011 10:18pm

My dad found out I had depression when he found a box of my meds in the bathroom and read the leaflet,was expecting him to flip out,but he's actually been surprisingly supportive,which I didn't expect at all because he's from the country and always had a real macho attitude towards anything like that.

I wish I had brought it up sooner instead of hiding it and feeling ashamed.I'd just say try to sit down with your Mum and explain to her how you have been feeling and what the doctor said when he/she prescribed you your meds,she's your Mum and she cares about you,so I'm sure that she will understand and support you in getting better.

If you can't stand the idea of telling her face to face,then maybe write down how you're feeling and leave it somewhere only she will be able to find it.

Best of luck!

,mnb · 01-06-2011 10:32pm

Ye Ive been on it for a few years. Absolutely no problem playing sports with it. It worked well for me for years only now Im going through a bad spell and we might have to change to a different SSRI.

LegacyUser · 02-06-2011 4:58pm

Princess Peach wrote: »

I only seem to post here when things are bad, so I'll break this cycle :P

Been doing really well lately. Think my last counselor was the best I've seen and really did help me to put a lot of things into perspective. Stopped seeing her about a month ago cause there wasn't much left to say, and have really taken on board what we worked on. My motivation is still low, can't seem to get things done, but I'm starting to think thats more due to laziness than mood.

Mood has been pretty steady lately too. Only had a few bad days, and I think maybe I make dramatics out of these days. One little thing goes wrong and I take to my bed. I know its easy to say now that I'm in a good mood and we'll see what happens the next little hiccup, but I do let things drag me down a lot more than they should, and there's no real reason for me to react as badly as I do. But even my bad days are a lot better than they used to be, and I recover a lot faster too.

Thinking a lot more rationally too, if that makes sense. Pretty embarrassed by a lot of my crazy behavior during my meltdowns over the past year or so. But sure can't change what happened so just trying to deal with it and move on. Lost a few people in my life, not sure if things can be fixed there but trying to focus on other people. Still a few worries on my mind, but trying not to dwell on them.

Pretty hopeful about the future, if I could get the motivation to get a few important things done! Haven't been thinking about coming off my meds, doctor said to give it till early next year before we discuss it again. Was a disaster the last time so just gonna stick with it and try not to think much, cause I know it will upset me.

Long post over!

Well done Princess Peach! I felt like that too when I finished up with my counsellor - just ran out of things to say. I understand you're more rational thinking - my mind was the same. It's like you find your balance again, your brain snaps back and starts thinking "normally"...it's not stressed and blowing things out of proportion, and stressing more, etc,etc,etc.

Working on the bad days is ongoing. I find I tend to be at my most emotional around that time of the month, or coming up to it (sorry guys!). But at least it's recurring - at least I can say to myself that I feel bad because that's the time, and it'll be ok again in a couple of days. After that you just have to let it go and get on with it.

When you're used to being hypersensitive to how you feel all the time, it's hard to switch that off and it's an ongoing thing. But you sound like things are good for you and right now is all that matters.

summermemories · 02-06-2011 5:43pm

once or twice iv forgotten to take my antidepressants and i was really sick from it (dizzy spells, exhaustion, feeling sick etc).. Last weekend I ran out of them (had such a busy week i lost track) and as the chemist was closed I couldnt go to get any..Sunday and Monday I was just so sick, never been so dizzy or tired..was so emotional etc..The lady in chemist said I shouldnt feel that sick just because I only missed one, but Im just wondering has anyone ever had those side effects from forgetting to take one?im on venex xl..

Mars Bar · 02-06-2011 5:50pm

summermemories wrote: »

once or twice iv forgotten to take my antidepressants and i was really sick from it (dizzy spells, exhaustion, feeling sick etc).. Last weekend I ran out of them (had such a busy week i lost track) and as the chemist was closed I couldnt go to get any..Sunday and Monday I was just so sick, never been so dizzy or tired..was so emotional etc..The lady in chemist said I shouldnt feel that sick just because I only missed one, but Im just wondering has anyone ever had those side effects from forgetting to take one?im on venex xl..

Well she's clearly ill informed. I forgot to take mine one saturday and felt dizzy by saturday night and was sick and an emotional wreck by sunday! Took my sunday tablet and I was perfect again on Sunday night.

KnifeWRENCH · 03-06-2011 4:23am

Lexapro affects different people different ways. Like any other medication, really.

I haven't been taking mine at all recently; I know it's stupid to off them but I haven't really noticed a whole lot of difference. I had a mini meltdown about 2 weeks ago....and reflecting on that episode has kind of put everything in perspective a bit. I never want something like that to happen again; in a sense, it sort of scared me into concentrating more on getting better and I've been doing a lot better since. Yet I haven't taken my Lexapro for a few weeks now; bit of a contradiction, I know.

I'm definitely gonna start taking the medication again, because I'm wise enough to know that stopping medication suddenly like that isn't a good idea. I got out of the habit when I was sick in April and got distracted by having to take other medication for a while. Then, when May came, I got so distracted by exams that I almost forgot I was supposed to be taking meds and just neglected them completely.

I'm gonna talk to my doctor about all this when I see her next but in my experience I've never gotten the feeling nauseous or dizzy or any other side effects from not taking Lexapro.

Princess Peach · 03-06-2011 9:14am

summermemories wrote: »

once or twice iv forgotten to take my antidepressants and i was really sick from it (dizzy spells, exhaustion, feeling sick etc).. Last weekend I ran out of them (had such a busy week i lost track) and as the chemist was closed I couldnt go to get any..Sunday and Monday I was just so sick, never been so dizzy or tired..was so emotional etc..The lady in chemist said I shouldnt feel that sick just because I only missed one, but Im just wondering has anyone ever had those side effects from forgetting to take one?im on venex xl..

I take Lexapro and if I forget to take it a few days I get these awful headaches, like my head is going to explode. Dizzy and tired too. I tried to come off it last year and was lowering my dose very slowly, the only way to do it my doctor said. I would be a little sick for a day or 2 coming on the lower dose.

You're chemist is an idiot. My doctor warned me not to stop taking it suddenly the first day she gave me the prescription. Even missing one can do that to you if you're on a high dose.

KnifeWRENCH · 05-06-2011 3:30am

I just did two online self-assessment thingy's that told me it's quite possible I may be bipolar. I know those things aren't definitive or anything, but it's something I often wonder. In one way it would make a lot of sense. But then I worry I'm just trying to exaggerate my problems and pin myself with an illness I don't have just to make excuses for myself or something.

The definitive characteristic of bipolar seems to be "manic" episodes; I don't think I've ever had one, which would suggest I'm not bipolar. Then again, I convinced myself for ages I wasn't depressed before I went to a doctor, so maybe I have and just didn't recognise it?

How the hell do you, or your doctor, truly know where the line between unipolar and bipolar lies? I've finished counselling (because college is over) but have a therapist appointment Wednesday. I figure I should mention all this but I'm afraid I won't get taken seriously or just get dismissed.

mdan · 05-06-2011 1:53pm

Hate going away from the normal routine incase something happens (the usual mad thoughts!!) but have to say went for walk on the beach and it really did help - I actually forgot about things for a few hours

going again today - please sun stay it makes life a bit clearer

Naikon · 05-06-2011 2:56pm

KnifeWRENCH wrote: »

How the hell do you, or your doctor, truly know where the line between unipolar and bipolar lies?

Simple. They can't. At least not in a scientific manner. Doctors are prescribing medications based on unproven chemical assumptions about what causes Depression. The data is flaky.

Research the "chemical imbalance" theory by pouring over some real academic jorunals like the New England Journal of Medicine. I am sorry, but they know far less than what they claim to know about what causes Depression. Still, Depression is a major problem these days.

There is interesting research out there to assert that these drugs work only marginally better than a placebo substance for the most part. Mind yourself, but don't place too much faith into these Doctors. Not that they can't help, but drugs tend not to be as effective as claimed. Take a look at the mean weighted overall effect size in figure 3B: Doctoring of results.

06-06-2011 2:36am

In recent weeks I've reverted to just ticking over, not doing anything except working, eating and sleeping. Got a slap of reality that pubs and clubs really aren't my thing, a Peruvian acquaintance of mine even suggested I should emigrate as a result!

On another forum I saw a thread titled "What is your opinion of YOU?" Which got me thinking...

Not particularly good, I consider myself uninteresting to others, in fact I think a lot about what I believe others think of me. I'm also terribly ashamed of my own creativity. I used to think I was unattractive but at least I don't think that anymore.

On a brighter note, last night I was walking home and crossing O'Connell Bridge when I tripped on the footpath and fell over. Any other time I would have been terribly embarrassed and upset but I just brushed myself off and carried on. I think the difference was that I was listening to music so couldn't hear if anyone laughed or passed judgement.

Plumeria · 06-06-2011 12:32pm

Naikon wrote: »

Simple. They can't. At least not in a scientific manner. Doctors are prescribing medications based on unproven chemical assumptions about what causes Depression. The data is flaky.

Research the "chemical imbalance" theory by pouring over some real academic jorunals like the New England Journal of Medicine. I am sorry, but they know far less than what they claim to know about what causes Depression. Still, Depression is a major problem these days.

There is interesting research out there to assert that these drugs work only marginally better than a placebo substance for the most part. Mind yourself, but don't place too much faith into these Doctors. Not that they can't help, but drugs tend not to be as effective as claimed. Take a look at the mean weighted overall effect size in figure 3B: Doctoring of results.

Coming onto a thread where some people may be very unwell, and may be at their lowest point, and telling them not to put much faith in their doctors, is reckless imo.

i_feel??? · 06-06-2011 2:54pm

Apparently I'm Bipolar. Really finding it hard to comes to terms with it.
My Ex even dumped me when I went through my first Manic phase in February/March. Of course, it freaked him out. So the heartbreak on top of this is crappy.

At the moment, I've been in a really low phase. Well, for the past 6 days. No motivation. No positivity. Just wanna sleep my days away. Feel terrible really.

One of the reasons is, I've been on Olanzapine 5mg(Zyprexa) for the last 7-8 weeks. I needed it for the mania. However, I've gained 2 stone...so suddenly :-(
So I just dont want anyone to see me so heavy, and I'm feeling lethargic.

Is Lithium a better option for less weight gain? I just want to hear other peoples personal experiences on Lithium and/or Olanzapine(Zyprexa). I'm hoping that if I change to Lithium, that my weight won't be such an issue.
I've tried to loose weight the past 3-4weeks, and I haven't lost a pound at all. Very disheartening.

Anything would be nice, I'm feeling so down about everything. Tearful a lot.
I'm female and 25. Not working since February. I think being on benefits and not working is also bringing me down.

sam34 · 06-06-2011 4:41pm

naikon, this is not the thread for that type of post. please don't post here in that manner again.

starviewadams · 06-06-2011 5:28pm

I gained about a stone when I started on Lithium before Christmas,I was tired and really hungry and thirsty all the time and I was just constantly snacking on junk food and drinking sugary drinks,told doc about the weight gain and he said to drink lots of water instead when I feel hungry,and to just watch what I eat a bit more closely,which I've been doing since January and I haven't gained any more.

I also try to get out of the house everyday and go for a walk in the park or somewhere and I find that helps too,even when I dont feel like going I force myself out the door and I usually feel much better after it.

Hope this helps,took me a while to get used to the idea that I'm bi-polar too!

stupidusername · 06-06-2011 6:26pm

Having a very down day. seems to be happening more and more often. maybe the meds were doing something. or...maybe not.

back in bed for the night now. the thoughts of going to work tomorrow is the most uncomfortable feeling. but i can't take it off. i wish i could just leave.

Naikon · 06-06-2011 6:36pm

sam34 wrote: »

naikon, this is not the thread for that type of post. please don't post here in that manner again.

Feel free to have it removed if you deem it wholly unacceptable. I thought it would be an interesting reference point for people who find the drugs aren't working.

I will not post here again.

i_feel??? · 06-06-2011 6:47pm

Thanks Starviewadams

Anything helps.
I'm just so afraid of switching to lithium from olanzapine.
I'm only really doing it to help my weight gain.
I heard staying on olanzapine long term is not a great idea. And lithium is better for longer term.

It's good to hear it from someone with bipolar. I just find that there's not many out there with bipolar. I could be wrong. But i really like to hear other peoples experiences with bipolar. Helps me feel good or a bit better.

Starviewadams, just a question...do u hold down a job okay with ur diagnosis? I'm curious. I had to stop working in February cuz of it.
And how long have you been diagnosed?

I was doing okay until 6 days ago...now i feel constantly blue and dont wanna leave the house. And i'd hate to think that i need to add an antidepressant to lithium. Taking tablets...is a struggle for me. Even pain killers, let alone, anti psychotic/mood stabilisers..

starviewadams · 06-06-2011 7:43pm

Makes me feel slightly better that somebody else in my age group has the same diagnosis too for some reason,nearly all the people in the clinic that I go to are at least in their forty's!

I was diagnosed in November or December last year after I ended up in hospital during a bad manic episode that I don't remember too much about that apart from being freaked being in the hospital,I just about hold down a job but it's a huge struggle for me being honest,and it's not hard work either,just filing and doing invoices and stuff,I just feel really drained most of the time.

I'm on Lithium and a small dose of Citalopram and seem to be doing okay on it,I felt really down last week but I had a good chat with my psychologist on Friday which kinda cheered me up a bit,and I haven't had a manic episode in age's either but they always come when I least expect it,but I do feel a bit dopey for a few hours after I take the tablets,that and I'm always really thirsty too.

mdan · 06-06-2011 11:35pm

does anyone have this problem - as well as the panic attacks I am constantly thinking there is something wrong with me - like pain in the head is brain tumour - pain in arm - Im going to have a heart attack - constantly checking myself for lumps and bumps and thinking I have cancer - it is so draining I swear and I am starting to feel that my doctor is throwing his eyes up to heaven when he sees me. I got another blood count done the other day (to try and help me stop) and it was normal again thank god - but it didnt help me stop....
anyway just glad to be able to post here to talk to you guys who understand
thanks for that
xx

06-06-2011 11:56pm

mdan wrote: »

does anyone have this problem - as well as the panic attacks I am constantly thinking there is something wrong with me - like pain in the head is brain tumour - pain in arm - Im going to have a heart attack - constantly checking myself for lumps and bumps and thinking I have cancer - it is so draining I swear and I am starting to feel that my doctor is throwing his eyes up to heaven when he sees me. I got another blood count done the other day (to try and help me stop) and it was normal again thank god - but it didnt help me stop....
anyway just glad to be able to post here to talk to you guys who understand
thanks for that
xx

I can be the same and often have to force myself not to worry about them. About 2 years ago I was experiencing occasional skipped heartbeats and was really worried I had a heart problem, yet an ECG came back normal.

Even now, I've had a feeling inside my throat for the last week or two that's making me think there's something dodgy in there.

stupidusername · 07-06-2011 9:28pm

i'm not sure if this online support group is a good thing for me. it's like focussing on what i'm thinking and how i'm feeling, and hearing other peoples stories gets to me. i think i'm going to try force myself to go to an aware group therapy thing soon.

i hate work, i hate it!

starviewadams · 07-06-2011 9:58pm

Hearing other peoples story's on it is pretty difficult for me too,especially if they are really bad ones,ends up making me feel guilty about feeling so bad about myself without having as legitimate a reason as they do,if that makes any sense.

LegacyUser · 07-06-2011 11:05pm

I've suffered depression, panic attacks and social anxiety for about ten years now. Lately my GP referred me to the local day hospital as she feels a psychiatrist would be better able to tweak my meds for me etc. Today I met with the consultant psychiatrist there. He told me I had atypical depression and that it can be a predictor of bipolar disorder. (That was a bit scary as my aunt has manic depression.) When I went home and read up about atypical depression, I couldn't believe what I was reading. The psych was right on the money! In a funny way I feel relieved that I have a definite diagnosis, even though I'm a bit cagey about being pigeon-holed. I was amazed by the connection with thyroid function as I also have hypothyroidism. Interesting too the suggestion about taking chromium to stave off cravings for carbs, which is a big problem for me!

Anyways he wants me to change my meds from anti-depressants to mood-stabilisers. He recommended Lamotrigine (Lamictal) or lithium. I thought that was a bit radical and a lot to take in so I'll make the decision when I meet him again in a month. Reading up about lithium proved scary. But the Lamictal might not be so bad. Anyone else taking Lamictal?

KnifeWRENCH · 08-06-2011 2:53am

Naikon wrote: »

Feel free to have it removed if you deem it wholly unacceptable. I thought it would be an interesting reference point for people who find the drugs aren't working.

I will not post here again.

Hey, just wanted to say I didn't have any issue with your post (since it was a reply to me), I actually did find it quite interesting but the whole "time and a place" rule applies, I guess.

Anyway sorry if that was off-topic, I just wanted to clarify that.

superbad50 · 08-06-2011 11:16am

hi guys,

have been suffering from anxiety/depression for as long as i remember.just wondering to what extent do taking anti-depressants effect your memory and learning ability. I went back to college last year as i could not find employment , to be honest i was trying for jobs but in the back of my head i was thinking how can i get a job feeling like this. i was afraid and felt so worthless in myself , my confidence was gone and really felt incapable of working. i have a mortgage etc etc. these thoughts i know are a big part of anxiety in general but really take a lot of effort to control . i have just finished the maher social anxiety group and in the process of putting what i learned in place.

LegacyUser · 08-06-2011 1:32pm

Superbad I had the same worries as you as regards taking anti-depressants and mental sharpness. I definitely found over the years that I hadn't the same mental acuity on the drugs than off. But then this year I returned to college and against all my expectations, I found that actually I could study and concentrate very well, and aced my exams! I was delighted! Partly it's a question of getting back into it; the more you study, the more your concentration and ability to retain info will improve. By the time exams/assignments come along you'll be well in the swing of it. I found fish oil capsules helped me enormously - I'm definitely a lot sharper for taking them every day.

Think of it this way too - if you weren't on the meds, you wouldn't be able to do the course, most likely. So they're enabling you to get out there and do it. And even if you don't do as well on the course as you would have before your diagnosis, well feckit, the fact you are doing the course and getting through it is kudos to you.

Hope this helps xx

Lets all be anxious/depressed together.

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