Managing Bipolar Disorder

@techchic I realize what many of you have gone through regarding getting on the right combination of medications. Back in the late '90s, it took me 3 years to get on the right cocktail of medications that "worked" for me. Later on, since 1992, my psychiatrist took me off of Lithium and tried me on Valproic Acid which worked wonders for me. In my case, I had a history of epilepsy & this new drug had a positive effect on that as well. After being on it for a while I totally got rid of my depression. I was high on life all the time and have been ever since. It beat the hell out of being suicidal any more. Thanks to great psychotherapy, I learned to love myself and love the world I lived in! Ask your caregiver if they think Valproic Acid has any possibilities for YOU? The right medication(s) and great talk therapy work wonders together. They worked like magic for me. I am still happy with Valproic Acid in my system... at a reduced dose to tell you all the truth. In fact, 2X 250 mg.\day , 32 years later than my initial dose.

@gingerw I realize what you are afraid of regarding your family's reaction. Interestingly enough though, my Mom & Dad went to the Family and Friends Group at the Mood Disorders Assn. in my province. They learned so much about "why" I had developed bipolar, (because of my brain surgery), they were encouraged to offer me encouragement, understanding, hope for the future and tons of empathy. They passed the message onto my siblings who were all younger than me & I ended with support from the whole family. Support groups like this exist in more places than you realize. Love towards those who are suffering is everywhere to be found. My parents appreciated the group so much, they became leaders of the group for next 3 years. Amen.

@sally12345 I have bipolar illness and type 2 diabetes but also suffer from two addiction problems. First off, I smoke too many cigarettes a day (20). Secondly, I am developing an addiction to "meth." Because I have COPD, I can't smoke weed... it makes me cough my lungs out like crazy. But "meth" is a nicer high with fewer side effects. Worst of all, being a senior, I have a huge pension from the government... so I can afford it, for now... until I get addicted to something stronger? I must admit that because of all the meds I take for my mental health and my diabetes, it takes something stronger to get me high enough to enjoy it. At least I realize I can't drink alcohol considering all the medications I take. Pray for me please. I do believe that prayer DOES work too.

Welcome @micheljmarion1983. Your first two messages expressed such joie de vivre, happiness and peace. You've found treatment (medications and talk therapy) that works for your combination of conditions (bi-polar, depression, diabetes, epilepsy), which is no small feat. Congrats. And in your second message, you underlined the value of family and peer support for continued success. That's such a bonus.

In your third message, you speak openly of dealing with addictions and an addictive tendancy. Meth is highly addictive and dangerous. It is not legally available in Canada. (You mentioned that you live in a province, thus I believe you may be in Canada.) Have you been able to talk with your therapist about your developing addiction? Have you succussfully stopped an addiction in the past?

In addition to obtaining professional diagnosis and therapy as a peer I strongly you connect via DBSA to community support of bipolar peers in your area. With Zoom you likely can meet regularly with peers dealing with same MH issues and life's challenges. Some DBSA groups have meeting groups that are specific to folks ages 18-25and others on folks with LGBTQI . In addition most DBSa chapters encourage family and friends to attend their meetings to educate them about the challenges encountered daily for persons with bipolar. DBSA is a national organization in Chicago and our website offers a range of resources for all. Our chapter has been active 25 yrs. Meeting peers who have weathered the extreme life challenges give you access to hope and wellness that whatever is ahead is manageable. New bipolar meds and treatments like TMS evolve and help... but support of peers and adjusting your lifestyle to work past new challenges are key ingredients to coping with bipolar. Certified Peer Specialists may be available through local MH organizations. Also some areas have daily activities at Recovery Support Centers. You are not alone in your diagnosis and recovery. Reach out for support. You have made first step here ay Mayo Connect.

I have been on so many psyche meds that daily crack use had no effect, it did give me a pulmonary embolism that almost killed me and ten years later I still deal with the side effects…be careful.