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.

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Mental Health
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I'm New Here

seabreezy3
seabreezy3

I somehow stumbled upon this site while searching "remedies for lithium related hair loss" on the web. Im glad I did, I've been looking for a place to talk to people who actually relate to what life is like when you're bipolar. I kind of just need to rant. Last month I had one of my most severe manic episodes ever. I stopped sleeping for days and basically felt like I was god. Then a few weeks later I crashed and now I feel myself slowly going "up" again. It's exhausting. In this whole "pandemic" my routine is completely thrown off (im a student, gym every day, busy type of gal) and just being home all of the time sucks. Lithium is the only thing that has ever sort of worked for me but I feel as I am getting older, it isn't doing enough. I'm worried if my cycling moods get worse I could end up inpatient and eventually will have to resort to electro convulsive therapy again, has anyone here had it? I got a series of treatments 3 years ago, and I'm curious and anyone has had good results long-term. 


~Wishing you all good health and sending positive vibes~



Steph

Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
Hi and welcome. Lithium has been my miracle drug too. I still get really down but not so up anymore.
I hear you about your routine being messed up too. Just try to find a routine that still works forr you. it may take a few days but if you can stick to it, you may notice your mood perkks up
seabreezy3
seabreezy3
Hi, Nice to hear someone else has had luck with Lithium, I find that it helps with the highs better than the lows too. But at least it works for something. I agree, it would probably be a good idea to adjust my daily schedule to "home edition" the structure will help.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Welcome to the board seabreezy…… This is a good place to come..... I'm sorry that you've been cycling.... Maybe you need a med added?.... A lot of us here including me are on a med 'cocktail'

I'm glad that you've found us..... Big hug....xo
seabreezy3
seabreezy3
Hi SunCloud, so far this seems like a great place to talk. Everyone is so supportive. The cycling is rough, hopefully I’ll find the right combo of meds soon.
Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
I, personally, take an antidepressant and an anti psychotic with my lithium. But everyone is different. As far as meds go, it is a lot of trial and error.
DO you see a psychiatrist and a therapist as well?
OlderCPer
OlderCPer
I'm 30 years BiPolar was on Lithium for 15 years. I also did 3 months of ECT in 2010 when my BiPolar became med resistant. I've been fairly Stable on a Med Cocktail since then, I have Liver and Kidney disease (not caused by Lithium) so I had to stop using Lithium.

Welcome to the Board.
beckyp
beckyp
Welcome to the group. I took lithium years ago, but is did nothing for me except give me bad tremors in both hands. I'm on a 4 med cocktail that works wonders for me. It took years to find the right meds for me. I've never had ECT.
Cavini
Cavini
I am also new here. I honestly can relate to most everything you mentioned. I also take lithium along with Wellbutrin and abilify...does seem to help. I have not had a manic episode in over a year now. It’s nice to find a group who understands these medications and symptoms. I’m also used to going to the gym almost daily. I have not been for a month now and I literally have no energy or desire to do anything since the start of this pandemic. I literally sit in my room everyday watching tv or playing on my phone. I made myself do a few quick exercises today. I have no motivation or energy whatsoever.
seabreezy3
seabreezy3
OlderCPer- If you don't mind me asking, did you see significant improvement in your stability after the ECT and was the memory loss bad? I only had a few weeks of treatment and my memory was trashed for a while. Sorry to hear about your liver and kidney disease too.
seabreezy3
seabreezy3
Cavini- Hi, I'm also glad I found this group too. Happy to hear your meds are doing you good. I'm really missing my gym too. It's hard to get the motivation to work out at home or go outside and run. The amount of time I've been spending on my phone or watching netflix this month is crazy.
seabreezy3
seabreezy3
beckyp- Thanks for the welcome. Finding the right meds seems to be a process. Happy you found the ones that help :)
OlderCPer
OlderCPer
I had 39 ECT treatments and I did see significant improvement, my brain became medication reactive again,meaning my meds worked and I was not in a constant state of Suicidal Ideation.

I did not have a large memory loss or cognitive impact, but I did things to prepare for that before and during and continue to do things to keep my neurological health and brain function strong.
seabreezy3
seabreezy3
OlderCPer- Wow that's a lot, it's nice to hear a positive experience from someone. This makes me feel better knowing my outcome could be similar though if I have to get more treatments down the road.
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