Bipolar Support Group

My name is Jane im 40 years old. i have struggled with depression and anxiety for about 10 years. ive been on every med out there. i was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder in October of 2008. since then i havent been to a therapist but i wonder how much it can help. i normally stay in bed with the curtains pulled and not associating with anyone. this is causing problems with my marriage and interacting with my kids. i just saw mt nurse practitioner this morning she uped my dose of seroquel to 600mg and she put me on 20mg of lexapro. has anyone out there been on these meds/

helpless

Hello Jane and welcome. I'm sorry to hear you aren't feeling very well. When i'm feeling down, i do the same as you and go in my room under the covers in bed and don't want to speak or see anyone. That is a very dark place for me to be in and i'm grateful I don't get that way very often these days.

I've gone to therapists periodically over the yrs only when I needed it like stressful times. They were able to help me cope with the bipolar symptoms that I was suffering with. I highly recommend you seeing one if that is at all possible.

You see a nurse practioner, are there no psyciatrists (pdoc) where you live? Do you see a pdoc and have you ever? You'd be better off going to a specialist dr to treat you. Sounds like maybe your meds may need to be adjusted more since you are suffering a depression this bad, and you are a Mom and have kids and a husband to care for and i'm sure you would like to be well enough to do that.

Everyone here are so awesome and I've learned so much about bipolar and myself since joining, keep reading here and post whereever you feel like it. I really hope things do get better for you.

Post edited by: Dit, at: 06/27/2009 01:19 PM

Thank u so much for your message, its nice to know that there is others out there in my same position. Its hard when your family members cant relate it just pushes you farther away from them.

Welcome Jane. I am glad you will be joining us. I personally am not in therapy, nor do I take those particular medications, but there are those here who do. You might post these questions in the General forum. I am sure you will get responses there. Feel free to post there or anywhere else. Again, welcome.

Welcome to the group Jane. Considering your symptoms you listed, I would highly recomment you see a psychiatrist first. You may have to shop around to find one you trust. They will be able to get you on a medication regimen that works specifically for you. This regimen will change several times before you and the psychiatrist are happy with the results, so don't let the constant changes get under your skin. It's perfectly normal. I don't take the meds you're on, but a nurse practitioner isn't going to cut it at all. They really do not understand the severity of bipolar disorder and how to treat all the receptors in your brain for chemical assistance.

As far as a therpist goes, I am working weekly with a psychologist to learn new techniques for coping with my bipolar disorder. SHe has been a godsend. I see her weekly, and she is a major provider in my mental health team.

It is very important you start building your team so you know where to turn when things go awry. Your family (husband, parents, siblings, friends) are also good team members. Talk to them about being part of your team. Only they can decide how involved they want to be, so let them make that decision or you could easily overwhelm them. Everyone on your team is crucial, and they will help you get out of your slump more often because you know your team is there to help. It might take some time, but you will begin to make progress. Just take one step at a time. Life as you once new it will begin again.

Jane - Are you sure that you aren't my long lost twin? Just kidding.

I say that because I am 40, was diagnosed with bipolar in October 2008 and was misdiagnosed for many years.

I agree with the comments above. Please find a psychiatrist, preferably one experienced in bipolar disorder. Your symptoms are severe and you could quickly suffer a sudden downturn that is dangerous to you. I speak from experience.

It's good to meet you. This group is great and has helped me immensely.

Take care.

Post edited by: YorkieLove, at: 06/28/2009 11:15 AM

thanks for sending me a message. and thank for the advice

just wanted to let u know what meds im on

seroquel 600mg @ bed

lexapro 20mg 1xday

thanks for the advice, i look to chatting with u

thanks for your message, i look forward to chatting with u. i have a few medical problems that require many differant meds. i have a problem with my meds because they tend to counteract each other. i have crohns disease, fibromyalgia, and bipolar disorder and arthritis in my ankle, both knees, and in my lower back. there are days when i cant get out of bed and my husband has to pull me up. i get down in the dumps and i have good and bad days. there are days when i can do some house work and like today i spend most of my day in bed. todays a down day just laying in bed and i just took 2 vicodin and im going to take it easy the rest of the day...

Post edited by: jane246, at: 06/28/2009 02:14 PM