Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Alphonsus 02/01/2008

My wife is extremely manic. She has been talking in a loud voice about everything she is reading on the internet, and has spent 20 minutes reading to me an article about an upcoming protest on Scientology.

Down to the core of my soul, I don't care about Scientology or any upcoming protest, which in the long run will end up just increasing Scientology's influence anyway. I don't care about WTF Tom Cruise is doing right now. Nevertheless, I try to engage in conversation with her for 19 minutes and 50 seconds.

The last 10 seconds I drew my attention to my computer screen to see if I had any new messages or hugs in this forum. The instantaneous result was that she got furious with me, said that I care more about the people on these forums than her...in fact, she says right now I care more about anyone than her.

I argued that I was paying attention to her blah blah blah. So then she's talking about looking for the "pokey" that she uses to cut. I'm ignoring her, laying in my bed typing this post. I am stressed and very tired. She's typing on the computer in the other room, so I don't think she's cutting. What the hell is my "healthy" response to this situation? She is bi-polar and probably borderline, and she recently took her lithium levels down. My stress levels are through the roof right now.

deleted_user 02/01/2008

will lithium levels get to go back up? why are they down? not such a good idea, that one.

Alphonsus 02/01/2008

Her lithium was too high...actually toxic. The doctor took it down. Her last reading showed it to be too low to be therapeutic. The doctor didn't seem worried about this. Why? I don't know.

deleted_user 02/01/2008

so, is her behavior reflecting this low lithium level. its powerful stuff, guy.

deleted_user 02/01/2008

I don't know too much about lithium except that its a common treatment for bi-polar disorder. I know that prolonged use of lithium, in some cases, can cause liver damage (correct me please if that's wrong). Is that the reason her levels had to be taken down? I'm not exactly sure what would make a doctor/psychiatrist do this. However, doctors tend to be less dependable about medication for mental illness. Not all of them are, but many are. My question is why were they brought down? I know that doesn't help with your immediate problem, but it may help me give you a better suggestion.

Alphonsus 02/01/2008

Her levels were toxic. She was shaking so bad she couldn't even hold a cup without spilling it. She couldn't even type on a computer. They took her down to two pills from three, which took her levels down from 16 to 7 (9-14 is the proper range -- don't ask me how many miligrams). I would have liked the doctor to put her on 2.5 pills.

Alphonsus 02/01/2008

Bump. Common guys. Anything?

deleted_user 02/01/2008

i hate to say this but i think she is a huge part of your issues. i think she needs to be with a better dr that realizes that she needs to be monitored much closer than that. you are a good man for dealing with that all the time and yes i realize you aren't perfect either but you do seem a hell of a lot more stable than she is. good luck and i hope i don't offend you with how i see this situation.

rainyangel 02/01/2008

I believe honesty and communication is the most important in any relationship and can prevent unneccessary hurt and confusion.. Sit down and talk to her and be totally honest that you do care but maybe you're just really not that interested in scientology, doesn't mean you don't love her. Just wanted to check out your own site for a bit. If she needs you right now and is feeling that bad, then be there for her. but if she expressed hurt and anger, don't just ignore her that just makes it worse. say you're sorry if you made her feel bad, you didn't mean to, you're just not intereseted in scientology, I don't know. But guys in my opinion tend to shut down instead of communicate and leaves a woman feel even more frustrated and ignored. total honesty is the key. she probably can't help how she feels at the moment and maybe just wants to feel like your there with her. good luck

Alphonsus 02/01/2008

It's virtually impossible to offend me. I think you are right, bmoney. It's just that right now she acts like she hates me and I really, really HATE being yelled at. I'm gonna call her doc tomorrow and see if I can get her to bump up her lithium. Thanks and goodnight.

Alphonsus 02/01/2008

And thank you, too, Aylarain. You, too, are correct. I tend to shut down. But I just SO hate getting yelled at. Being there for her and trying to be understanding is exhausting.

deleted_user 02/01/2008

aylarain has a point also...that plus talking to the dr will help. that is a tough place to be in for both of you...and i know the feeling of hating being yelled at. heard too much myself and loud noises still bug me out. again...good luck and just remind her you love her since it really does sound like you do and are just lost at how to help her and yourself.

deleted_user 02/01/2008

Sorry I missed you new friend.
Do I dare, oh what the Hell, it's late LMFAO - you are too funny!!! I just knew it!! But seriously, my daughter has bp & I can seriously relate.
Big hugs, Jazzi

deleted_user 02/01/2008

is there any kind of support group. Face to face you can go to. I really think you need to be around others with similiar problems. Sure this board helps. but i go to celebrate recovery and it it werent for those face to face meetings this board would only add to my isolation which is not good for me. But there is something around being in person with others not to mention the hugs you will get that feel real nice from people feeling the same pain. i feel badly for you. I will say a prayer for you an your wife. take care and hugs

deleted_user 02/01/2008

I am bipolar and whenever my hubby has concerns about my actions or meds...he tries to come to the docs with me. He has even called the doc without my knowlege. Any chance of you doing that and then he would know that things still arent stable with her yet?

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