Posted by hrguru on April 30, 2010, at 18:40:51
In reply to Re: do you think I have a mood disorder?? » obsidian, posted by floatingbridge on April 27, 2010, at 23:40:48
Hi all!
I'm just jumping in here, but I am diagnosed Bipolar II with rapid cycling, ADHD and OCD. I've also been diagnosed with specific phobia, PTSD and GAD- and I have tried just about every single anti-depressant out there. Trial and error really makes me feel like a medial guinea pig sometimes. Most anti-depressants trigger mania (in bipolar people) to boot, so you have to be really careful. I take Topamax and Wellbutrin and this is very effective for me. I take a low dose of Xanax when I get manic, as sometimes there is no other way to calm me down or get me to go to bed (or even lay down). But since I've been on the Topamax and Wellbutrin, I haven't had a swing. It took a few drug "combos" before I got to this point, though. Having the appropriate drug cocktail is crucial, and it's different for every person. I have not decided if I will have biological children. I may adopt instead. I just don't think I could put my family through 9 months (plus) of me not being medicated. I'm conflicted about it, though. I'm not opposed to others with bipolar disorder going off meds to experience pregnancy and giving birth (please don't get me wrong). This would be a personal choice for me, because I am a pain in the a** to deal with when I'm not on meds, and I can't begin to imagine what I might be like when my hormones are really surging! :) Omega3 is a great natural anti-depressant. Having the right therapist and psychiatrist is important. Tracking your moods is a good idea. I use this website: www.facingus.org. Always remember, a diagnosis of bipolar is not the end of the world. Some of the most famous artists of past and present day, were/are creative and brilliant geniuses afflicted with bipolar disorder. I know it's a shock to the system to receive this diagnosis, but remember that you are not alone, and you have support :)
poster:hrguru
thread:944625
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20100425/msgs/945781.html