Bipolar Depression

Hello! I am recently diagnosed with mixed bipolar with rapid cycling mostly depression.I don't have these "highs" that I keep reading about.I just get many days with lots of energy. I have read a lot of different stories of peoples bipolar and I cannot relate to anyone. My mind just goes from being depressed to feeling fine to being angry or something else, just like that and then back again. I know I'm not the only one out there like this but I'm very frustrated. If anyone can offer advise on how to deal with this on a daily basis. Yes, I see a LMHC & a Dr and I am on meds.

Hi, Samy. You'll be relieved to know that most of us are depressed most of the time and very rarely experience that wacky and wild joyride we all read about.

Mania gets all the attention, but depression is our reality. The reason you have bipolar depression rather than unipolar (or clinical) depression is that you cycle up into states of feeling normal with apparently energized states.

I strongly urge you attend a support group in your area (check out the DBSA website for one nearest you). There you will find a lot of people you can relate to . Hope this helps ...

Samy - I cycle very rapidly, but Lamictal for me has done a great job of leveling my cycles.

Do you keep a mood chart? There's several good ones on-line, or drop me a message or email and I'd be happy to send you the one I use. It helps me significantly to be able to evaluate my moods and track them. Understanding and anticipating your swings is a huge step in being able to effectively work with them.

Keep in mind your "manias" and swings may take many different forms. When I feel a high energy or "hypomanic" episode coming on, I position myself to accomplish a lot at work, or in my writing or web design, or other things. On the downside, I have a particular problem with anger. When I go off, it's not pretty. If I see that coming on, I make a conscious effort to keep from upsetting the people around me. For depressions, well, I'm still trying to find an effective coping mechanism. It's not easy for any of us.

I understand your frustration, we all share it from time to time. John's suggestion of a support group is excellent. They have been invaluable to myself, and to my wife in knowing how to work with me.

Greg

This message has been edited. Last edited by: GJ Gregory,

Hi, Sammy. There's a brand new book out, "Why AM I Still Depressed?" by Jim Phelps MD that perfectly explains your situation. Dr Pehlps also has an excellent website devoted to bipolar II and "soft" bipolar at wwww.psycheducation.org.

I highly recommend both the book and website. I'll be reviewing the book in a future blog.

Don't panic about your diagnosis - you are above all yourself and that is who you need to get to know. I know that I have very few "highs" but if I start cleaning and baking in the middle of the night that is a danger sign for me. My partner has totally different symptoms (but equally few highs). The diagnosis is really just a help for the psychiatrists to know how best to try and help you. Think about what affects your mood - write it down in a notebook or something then keep an eye on what is happening. Maybe on a daily basis to start with, I just tend to keep a weekly overview now and I try not to panic for at least 3 days if things seem to be changing. It can be too easy to ascribe normal mood changes (like everyone gets) to symptoms of highs or lows. Don't let yourself stop the meds if you feel fine - that way lies devastation either high or low. See them as essential nutrients which will help keep your mind in trim. Don't panic if they don't work brilliantly to start with - there are other combinations of things that may work better for you. Don't be afraid to talk to the Dr about changing things if you feel you have given them a fair try and they still aren't working. Take his/her advice about what constitutes a fair try though. I have lived with this illness for over 20 years now and although it has taken me a long time and a lot of heartache to get to the place where I am now I promise it is possible to live a (nearly) normal life with it as long as you learn how to take care of yourself. You will be different from anyone else who has ever had the illness so take the bits of information that seem to apply to you and use them to your benefit. Read as much as you can and take advice from that too and keep on talking online. It is amazing where you can pick up your ideas from! Good Luck