NoNoNorm

Close Depression Supporters

My wife has been treated for manic/depressive and bipolar disorder; also treatments for intractible headaches and epilepsy--all the symptoms seemed to emerge out of nowhere in 2001. Since then,we have been on a rollercoaster ride and are now trying to hold our marriage together. She has been misdiagnosed and fed all the wrong meds...experiencing all the bad side-effects including risky behavior and dependence on the drugs.

Treatments

Crying Working / Worked

both of us have cried rivers. her elevated moods (manic) are accompanied by an almost sociopathic disregard and disdain for my feelings. on the plus side, I'd say that continuing to express emotions is ultimately critical.

Music Considering

Music is very important to her. I shared songs with her that I listen to as part of my dealing with her infidelity. her response was very dramatic--she told me that it gave her an insight into just how deeply I was hurt by her actions. I believe it was an important step forward for both of us.

Patience Too Soon to Tell

Hard to do sometimes, but remarkably easy when I believe we are making progress. I equate her struggles and mine to be the same. I have to be patient to allow healing & solutions to be found. I don't see how progress can be made without patience.

Talking Working / Worked

This has been crucial to both of us. She understands my need to vent and I'm learning to better understand how devastating her illness has been to her.

Effexor Not Working

she seems to experience all the serious adverse reactions dependence being a key because it perpetuates an already bad situation. It is amazing to me that her doctor prescribed this for her and at the same time she is being treated for epilepsy. My feeling is that the onset of her disorders began as a seizure associated with headaches. The neurologists didnt consider initial episode which looked like she was experiencing a stroke. It took them two years before they considered epilesy.

Neurontin Working / Worked

prescribed for her seizures. she believes it helps. her depression and suicidal tendancies have increased but the mix of meds makes it difficult to say it is due to this drug.

Hydrocodone Working / Worked

works for the headaches but she became addicted. It tends to make her feel aggressive in a negative way.

Close Bipolar Disorder

My wife is suffering from a disorder that we still don't understand.. maybe Bipolar, may be AD/HD, may be combination.... I am here to support and offer insights from a spouse.