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.
Let me just begin by saying that I believe in psychiatric illness and the need for it to be treated.
Let me continue by saying that I find professions in psychiatry to be a crock. Sure, there are plenty of scientific studies and clinical trials to back up the use of all these meds that pdocs put us on. I'm very happy to hear that some beepers even find a combo of meds that actually works for them.
Mood stabilizers, anti-depressants, anti-depressants w/ anti-anxiety properties, anti-psychotics, benzos, sleep meds....all these different meds....and all the different meds within each category. How many different combos have you tried? I've tried damn near all of them.
I'm not saying pdocs don't know anything. Pdocs, on the whole, are very intelligent and understanding. They know which meds have been tested and "proven" to treat whatever symptoms. That's a lot to know. Of course, it's all guessing. Does anyone else notice how pdocs say "I think" before they prescribe a new med? As in, "I think this will work for you." There's never an "I know" moment. We're adults, we trust that our pdoc knows what he/she is talking about, and we consent to whatever treatment the pdoc suggests. Who knows? Maybe THIS TIME it'll work.
I won't even get started on what I think of talk or group therapy. Yes, I'm "resistant to treatment". Not b/c I don't try. Now though, I get to put my 9 year old son through this whole ordeal. He needs treatment.... no doubt about it. There are only 2 mood stabilizers approved for children his age. Am I surprised in the least that neither of them have worked for him? Or that he had to go through finding out that the first one didn't work?
It's all trial and error....and in my experience, more error than anything.
Let me continue by saying that I find professions in psychiatry to be a crock. Sure, there are plenty of scientific studies and clinical trials to back up the use of all these meds that pdocs put us on. I'm very happy to hear that some beepers even find a combo of meds that actually works for them.
Mood stabilizers, anti-depressants, anti-depressants w/ anti-anxiety properties, anti-psychotics, benzos, sleep meds....all these different meds....and all the different meds within each category. How many different combos have you tried? I've tried damn near all of them.
I'm not saying pdocs don't know anything. Pdocs, on the whole, are very intelligent and understanding. They know which meds have been tested and "proven" to treat whatever symptoms. That's a lot to know. Of course, it's all guessing. Does anyone else notice how pdocs say "I think" before they prescribe a new med? As in, "I think this will work for you." There's never an "I know" moment. We're adults, we trust that our pdoc knows what he/she is talking about, and we consent to whatever treatment the pdoc suggests. Who knows? Maybe THIS TIME it'll work.
I won't even get started on what I think of talk or group therapy. Yes, I'm "resistant to treatment". Not b/c I don't try. Now though, I get to put my 9 year old son through this whole ordeal. He needs treatment.... no doubt about it. There are only 2 mood stabilizers approved for children his age. Am I surprised in the least that neither of them have worked for him? Or that he had to go through finding out that the first one didn't work?
It's all trial and error....and in my experience, more error than anything.
My father wasn't raised with any religion. His parents were Jewish. When he met my Mother he was borderline born-again. I was 4 when Mom and Dad split, so I don't remember my Dad as anything but a long haired hippie. At some point when I was a teenager, he told me he was a Witch. I laughed, then he explained a little more. He and my Step-Mother (Wiccan High Priestess) started the Long Island Beltaine celebration which is now being run by some big Pagan organization since my Father's death. At the Pagan Pride Parade in NYC in 2003 they created a scholarship in my Father's name for 1 Pagan student per year. I'm proud of him, and glad that I could share that with someone who would understand what I'm talking about.