Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
Hello,
I have struggled with severe anxiety, mainly health, and some depression for years. I definitely have some OCD traits. Now my primary care and psychologist consulted with a psychiatrist and said I have bipolar type 2. My father had type 1, but nobody has ever said anything about bipolar. I have been on a ton of antidepressants and they usually work for a couple of years, then stop working.They prescribed Lamictal and Seroquel, which I have not taken. I am currently on Pristiq. I really don't think I have bipolar and am scared to get a diagnosis like that and take such powerful medications. I am always thinking about death and I have had panic attacks. I'm always afraid I'm dying. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and thanks for listening.
That said, yes those are powerful medications. Have you considered seeking a second opinion? (They might not just have different ideas about a diagnosis, but also different ideas about medications or doses...)
As you know that you've struggled for many years with mental health issues and there is a previous history of bipolar already in the closest knit of your family line, then most likely you do have an increase risk of having it. Furthermore, it may help to know how others within your father's side of the family are dealing with mental health. And especially if he was clinically depressed you should pay special attention to the details surrounding your diagnosis, prognosis & the message of a proper treatment plan. It really was a good idea for your primary doctor to chat with your therapist & then consult with a psychiatrist though. And it's only natural to be in denial. No person wants to be mentally challenged. Though the tricky thing is that bipolar is hereditary; it's not like a contagious yet common cold or flu virus; this is in the reality of inheriting an undesirable family trait, which you have to work very hard to get through this lifetime struggle, but you can get through this & live a happy life.
I'm certain that you may have already heard this, but it takes weeks to months to possibly even years before finding therapeutic medications. Then you have to take time to think of the option of getting involved with good therapy sessions which may possibly guide you through the troubling thoughts of fear, death & dying, or possibly help with finding coping skills for those deepened & worrisome panic spells.
Amazingly, what worked for me was quite different. For me, I was never able to cope with strong medications or taking counsel from others persuading me to alter my life by man-made standards in which others determined what actions was best for me. I needed my own way of freedom, so I chose a less intimidating power to guide me, and this was my solace. It was processed by developing my spiritual self or through prayerful purification of my soul. I know that there is a Higher Power in force (God), and by changing my past actions for the better & accepting the Christian faith, I'm able to handle mental & emotional struggles independent of doctors & medicines.
However, you have to do what's in your own best interest & what is agreeable for your own health concerns. I'll leave you with a hopeful Bible passage: Philippians: 4: 6-7. Think about what's causing you fear & anxiety & pray about it, that is, if you are a believer, reneep. Nothing is too small for God to care about. No matter what you have to do for a healthier life, please don't carry your burdens alone. Give your burdens to God, as He works ahead of all doctors but do what brings you comfort by your own well-considered ideas. :-)
I hope for you a peaceful moment today!
Remiah })i({
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