Bipolar Type II Support Group

I haven't posted in a couple of weeks and I wanted to give everyone an update.I had posted previously that my pdoc had added Cymbalta to my mix (also on Lamictal and Imipramine). Well.. Cymbalta has made a significant impact on me. My mood has definitely been elevated. I have been feeling really good, and no signs of any hypomania.. at least not yet. You have no idea what great news this is for me!

On a few other notes... I started DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) three weeks ago for my BPD.. we are studying the art of Mindfulness.. i.e. staying in the present moment. It is very difficult. But I can tell you, that when I can actually do it.. it makes such a difference in my quality of life. I wish I would have tried this while I was still depressed, because I think this would have done a lot to elevate my mood, even without drugs. So.. it has been very beneficial, and I will be continuing on this course.

so.. all good. the only bad thing, is that I am experiencing some anxiety. It is directly related to something happening in my life right now, so I think it is actually appropriate anxiety, as it does have a root cause to it. So, I'm not too worried about it just yet. Once this current situation resolves itself.. then I will see if the anxiety disappears..

Anyway.. I've missed posting..

Great news, willowwisp. Anxiety is normal if it's situational, so try not to worry about it too much.

It's so great that you are feeling so good. I'm delighted to be so stable myself. Yay for us, right?

Wow, you sound great! I'm so happy the Cymbalta is helping you. Your mood being elevated is a great sign. You have been fighting this for so long, you deserve to get a break. I hope the anxiety goes away with your current situation. It's really good to see you post again. I'm glad the DBT is working well for you. I think it will do a lot of good for you and the borderline. Keep up the good work. You are doing just fine!

I'm so glad the Cymbalta is helping you, man that kicked in fast for you, that's great! I hope your anxiety goes away soon.

Hi willow

Glad to here your doing well on your meds, it does make a big difference when we get the right combo Good luck in therapy, I know it did wonders for me. I too worked on mindfulness, I kind of got it, and can do it most of the time but I have to work at it.

I wish you well in the coming days and hope everything keeps working for you

Sweet! It's so good to hear good news. Often we only post when we're suffering, which is okay, but it's nice to know you're improving. We can enjoy that with you as well.

Thanks everybody! The cymbalta DID kick in way fast.. but that's what my pdoc told me.. that this medication can start to make you feel better with in the first week.. and it truly did. I know not a lot of people like this med.. but it has been an important key in my 'cocktail' for sure. Plus, I think all the therapy I have had along the way has helped too. Now that the fog of depression is lifting, I can really see the changes that have occurred because of my therapy.. So, yes.. things are better.. I am prepared for set backs.. but right now it's good. and overall, it really only took 11 months from NO medication, to feeling significantly better.. not bad, in the scheme of things..

I'm so glad to hear the good news. I'm really glad the Cymbalta worked for you. It's always encouraging when you actually get a "winner". Your therapy sounds great. Where did you find a DBT therapist? It sounds really interesting. I would like to know more about it.

Yay! I'm so happy for you .

Hi Red... I found a DBT therapist by googling.. and also I asked one of my therapist who is well connected, if she knew of anyone who did it. Mine is actually a class.. there are only about 8 of us.. so it's quiet and private.. but it's good..