Topic : Bipolar Disorder

You're going to try again. It is hard to manage bipolar but you will find that your life improves once you get control of it. You may have to change meds until you find the right ones but it is really worth it. Please let us know how you are doing; we really care. There is a whole bunch of nice people who post on this site who are reading the posts, they are just not able to post right now due to various issues. But they've been reading and keeping up and will be happy to talk with you later.  

I know the weight gain is an issue. I gained 40 lbs.; of course I started out at 99 pounds! I keep my weight at 140 and live with it. I'd rather be a little plump than a lot crazy. Nothing could get me off my meds now that I know how much better life is--in fact, I had to go off in '99 because I developed an allergy to my med and I spent the next weeks while we found a new med wondering how I ever lived without them. Keep us up to date about how you are doing. All of us care. 

Hello, 

I am new at this site. How do you check to see if anyone replied to our postings? I had an arguement with my husband last night. I wanted to discussion his drinking problem. I said some things which weren't very nice. He knew I was serious on my belief. Once during our conservation, he told me I was having an episode regarding my illness. Which wasn't fair to me since I knew actually what I was talking about and wanting him to see it from my point of view.  My mood is better today. I called churches checking out some bible studies hoping to find some extra support outside the family.  What advise does anyone have for me with my depressive mood and trying to see the positives in life?  

Hi I am from Canada, so I am not sure if your medications are the same as ours. I too went through what you are going through. I posted another message on the board (ct02hz) about my experience. I  STRONGLY recommend the book " The Bipolar Child" by Demitri and Janice Papolos (ISBN# 0-7679-0316-1). Read the book yourself THEN give it to your son's therapist. It is a very down to earth book with practical information for both parents AND physicians. 

    My son went through numerous placements and spent several months in a youth detention centre to 'stay safe' while waiting for a placement to get treatment. We finally gained the help of a wonderful Psychiatrist who was very patient and supportive to BOTH my son and me. For us, after many experiments with various cocktails, we found one that works. While my son will never be totally functional (he has many other conditions as well), he is happy and is living semi-independently in a group home for Psych patients. For us, Risperadol started to bring him under control, until we found the right mood stabilizer. Unfortunately, this med has ALOT of side effects; my son gained over 100 pounds, so it was not a long term prospect for our treatment plan. We have found that Topamax  ( an newer anti-seizure drug) was a God send for us. Not everyone can use it, as some people have problems with the side effects, however if the patient can stand it, it is great. We also use Prozac (co-morbid OCD),  Nozinan,  and RitalinSR (ADHD). This combo has left my son pretty functional and not as sedated as some of the meds made him. I recommended trying this med to a bi-polar friend of mine and it has also helped her alot. She slept all day previously and had a poor quality of life. She is now starting to do much better after 4 months on Topamax. Hopefully, this may be an option for American patients. I do warn however, it is more expensive than many other treatments , however it is worth it. 

I would just like to give others some hope. 

I developed bipolar diorder 12 1/2 years ago at the age of 42. I was diagnosed with a serious form, bipolar one, mixed, with psychosis. I found it hard to accept at first, but joined DBSA, a peer-run support group, educated myself about the illness, got a good therapist, an excellent psychiatrist who would work with me (not all of them do), and took my medications religiously. Through my own research, I found out that lithium , which I was on, was not the best mood stabilizer for mixed episodes. I now take Trileptal, Effexor, clonazepam, and Abilify (only 2mg), and I have been in remission for almost three years. 

The 9 + years before that were a series of mania, hypomania, and deep depressions. However I did manage to start college, and get a degree during this time. My husband and I almost split up 3 times. Everytime I was manic, I would want a divorce, then when I was in depression, I would want him back. It was hell for him and the family, and especially for me. I cannot begin to describe the amount of suffering one goes through. No one who has not experienced it can begin to comprehend the emotional or psychic pain a person with bipolar disorder can have. 

After being on the new medication, Trileptal, which I had researched and asked to be put on, 

I have felt peace for the past 2 1/2 years. Everyone has a different reaction to drugs, but if one does not work well, ask to try another. 

I would like to tell others that there is hope...don't give up. Keep advocating for yourself, take the best care of yourself you can, and ask for help when you need it. 

I would also like to state my own personal opinion of the show on bipolar. I didn't find it to be an accurate picture of the illness...the highs and the lows...the pain of depression and possible suicidal ideation. Also there is the embarrasment one feels and has to live with after doing things when manic that you would never do otherwise. I hurt my husband very much, and am so thankful that he is educated about the illness also, and is able to forgive me. Without him, I don't know what would have happened to me. 

I wish that another show would be done on bipolar, with a more accurate picture given, and also someone who has been ill, but is now in remission....to give others hope, as they did with the show on schizophrenia. I'm an advocate for those with bipolar disorder, have been a support group facilitator, and I view this show as having once again caused more stigma for those with our illness.