Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
I am going off of my medication (7 years now) to try and identify if side effects are causing escalations in my health. Problem is, while during the day I am fine (partly because I can do things to support good mental state) at night I end up quite a mess. So I need some support and people don't tend to be up at 2am. Oh, and the few people who are either wouldn't understand or I don't feel comfortable sharing with.
A bit more context? I suffer from PTSD, Bipolar II, fibromyalgia, celiac, severe menorrhagia and have damage in my back and shoulder from a car accident. I'm 26 (almost... 3 days) and live with a close friend/roommate who currently is out of province. So I am alone, at 2am, considering my regrets and reminding myself that any suisidal thoughts I have are chemical based. Oh, and the fact I suffer from chronic pain so it's a way my brain daydreams about not being in pain anymore. I know this and try to accept that thinking about dying is probably normal for me, for the rest of my life and I can't act on it since, logically, it's not what I 'truely' want.
That doesn't make is any easier. Add to it the fact I've let my mind wander to the past drama or my ex and a massively abusive childhood. Going to sleep is evading me.
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Hey All...I hope that you have a lovely, peaceful beginning of your weekI have a bunch of chores that need doing but may put them off til tomorrow and just hang out with my landlord/roomie todayWhat about you?...Anything special going on?Have a great day and take good care of you!!..Xo
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Once again I've had a fever today. I'm not going to the hospital because that's a huge waste of time but I did schedule a dr appointment for Wednesday afternoon.
Don't be surprised if coming off meds triggers an episode which you can't get back under control. That you already have suicidal thoughts isn't a good sign - they could obviously get worse.
Bipolar meds usually don't cause suicidal ideation - some of the anti-psychotic might, and some anti-depressants can do this but a better strategy is to simply change them.
What meds are you on?
The stress about possibly having an episode isn't helping I'm sure. Suicidal thoughts sadly comes with the territory and are expected.
The main two are lamotrigine and cymbalta.
I have, but avoid use of seroquel and ativan... Along with painkillers of a variety and other drugs for medical issues.
Currently nights are just crummy.
Let's see if anyone is up at the time you need.
Getting off medication is hard but it sounds like you are going about it in the right way.
I had to go off of
Lamictal in one shot due to the rash and had no problem
Your doctor's should be able to tell you though what side effects and drug interactions are possible without you going through this
Not very many people can be off of medication ongoing as its a chronic illness that cycles unfortunately
Big hug for you and a blessing
I have a lot of other issues which makes this a bit more necessary even though we know the side effects... That's the thing... Because it's likely side effects are making things worse we are pulling me off it. The risks are outweighing the benefits so to speak.
(Thanks for the support too everyone.)
The other thing that made it worse was the great grandfather I took care of passed away a week after I started tapering. Means some of my emotions can be considered "normal" and others I'm not sure about.
On top of just trying to function normally. I work. I take a few courses in college (partly because college has a benefits plan and work doesn't). I'm in the process of starting a part-time business and have a job interview process ongoing.
Trust me... This is NOT the situation I was planning. More just people called me back five months later (dream job type thing) and stuff happens.