Engineer101 Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 I want some more info about Bipolar depression. Help me out. My mom has it and i could have it but i don't know. weird stuff happening. im always in a state of depression. a very long one. refer to my signature Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrDad Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.bipolar.html http://www.dbsalliance.org/ http://bipolar.about.com/ http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elderbear Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 I want some more info about Bipolar depression. Help me out. My mom has it and i could have it but i don't know. weird stuff happening. im always in a state of depression. a very long one. refer to my signature It sounds like you're in a really painful place right now. Whether it's a depressive phase of bipolar or clinical depression, the hopelessness and pain feel like you're never going to get out, like life isn't worth living. Life is worth living, though. You're not alone in your painful spot. This is a path that others have walked before you - and others will walk long after we've both turned to dust. Most have discovered that it's not the end of the road. Even if it seems impossible to hang onto life - don't let go - not today. Force yourself to see another sunrise and another sunset. Depression is generally linked with a change in brain chemistry. That also impacts your thoughts, turning them towards despair, hopelessness, and guilt. No doubt you've seen your mom struggle with moods that go up and then drop - sometimes quite unpredictably. The good news is that depression and bipolar I disorder usually respond readily to treatment. Bipolar II can be more difficult to treat - but there are still a lot of options. I recommend the following - don't let somebody talk you into St. John's wort or 5-HTP if you're seriously depressed. Those may help with melancholy or mild dysthymia, but it sounds like this isn't the time to experiment. 1) See a doctor. Sometimes there is a medical root for depression, for example thyroid dysfunction. This needs to be ruled out. 2) If there's not an "organic" cause for the depression, ask your doctor to recommend an anti-depressant. There are a broad range available - with a broad range of side effects. These are not a magic bullet, but they can level out the deep lows. If you are in a deep, black depression, consider having a psychiatrist prescribe/monitor your meds. They are usually much better trained to evaluate which medication will be the most helpful than a family practitioner. 3) Ask for a referral to a cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT) or group. CBT is based on the premise that the chemical phenomenon of emotions causes thought patterns to shift which reinforces the emotions, which shifts the thoughts ... A vicious cycle. While meds can help balance the chemical state of the brain, thus modifying emotional state, CBT works to help the client identify thought patterns that trigger or reinforce negative emotional states. The work of CBT is to identify and modify thought processes. In numerous clinical studies, CBT has proven to be as effective as medication for the treatment of depression - and when used with medication, has over a 90% success rate. This isn't the kind of therapy where some guy in a beard will have you lie down on the couch and discuss your dreams and potty training. It's much more like Socratic dialogue. Often, programs use daily journals and logs to help participants identify their emotional triggers and their self-defeating thoughts. If you cannot find a CBT group or individual, I'll ask around about workbooks. The techniques are extremely powerful, and generalize beyond depression to just about any other disturbing emotion. 4) Don't disconnect from those around you. Make sure that somebody (who can be safe, helpful, and responsible) is there for you to talk to on a daily basis - even just to "check-in." Make sure that they know that it's OK for them to take you to the ER if you're in a bad enough place to be endangering yourself (I don't say this because I think you're a spaz - I say it from my experience living with a bipolar wife for 20 years - nobody wants the hospital, but if it boils down to the bottom line, it's a hell of a lot better than the morgue. My mother-in-law was also bipolar - she died of a drug overdose almost 15 years ago. The scars still haven't healed from that. We miss her terribly, even now. Don't you dare be a statistic!) There are lots of sites on the net dealing that offer info, connections, and support for people with bipolar or other mood disorders. I'm going to let you track down what will be most helpful to you, but this one, Crazy Meds! is my favorite - it's irreverant, sometimes crude, generally an informative clearinghouse of info - and written by a guy who is trying to manage multiple psychiatric & neurological disorders. A great starting place. This has turned into a really long post. Bottom line? Take care of yourself. Do the little things, too: take a brisk walk in the sunlight. Force yourself to sleep regular hours and eat regular meals with regular sized servings. Socialize. Hang in there - this too shall pass. Think of depression as a negative modifier to the dice rolls in this RPG of life. Keep on rolling the dice. Be you're own GM. Modify your story line. After all, when the dungeon is the darkest, you're nearest the treasure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oma Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 That sucks... Sounds like how I feel during every winter... Well, engineer, if you spend a lot of time thinking about suicide try to come to the same conclusion I did - it's not part of the game. Not natural. Since then I've hardly ever thought of it. And do not become a dentist! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soulreaper Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 I agree with Elderbear - for instance when it comes to depression; being fat and living the life I've lived I know a bit or two about that (and I can tell that most people believing they're depressed or living in the abyss aren't even close, they don't have a clue what is about or what's like since they're often still only in the outskirts of the Badlands, not Hell itself.) Being slightly fat I have a natural tendency towards negative feelings and thoughts but knowing this I can work against it. In some cases (or many) the physical and the mental are intimately intertwined and living a symbiosis - both feed of each other and can't be neglected for an example: try moving around until you get into "the second phase of breathing" (when your bloodstream starts going, you get OXYGEN in your system / brain, heart starts pumping, sometimes it breaks out in a sweat since before you DIDN'T have any circulation in case you don't exercise) and this will automatically cure a bit of depression since the brain feels better, the system feels better and so your thinking is affected and starts tending towards more healthy or positive thoughts. Remember - when you feel and think, ask yourself; "Where does this come from" is it truly YOU or are your thoughts and feelings affected by influence (i.e. poor physical health or other). Most often thought is impacted by something else which in turn impacts how you FEEL since thought comes first and what you feel is what YOU THINK. This is very narroved down to put it simple but this along with what the others posted (especially Elderbear) should be helpful. Best of luck and Godspeed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vektram Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 Elderbear's said it all really :cyclops: Just don't give up mkay? ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engineer101 Posted April 22, 2005 Author Share Posted April 22, 2005 AH.. To late. im kinda tired and stuff. i been prescribed anti depressants. but my mom never really gave me any so i guess its still all good. she only gives me em if i go 4-5 days without sleep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cydermaster Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 I suffer from long term depression and anxiety problems. To echo what other people have been saying, see a doctor (a real one, not a timelord ;) )!! I am on a combination of drugs (citalopram) and talk therapy/CBT. These things in combination are the best for me. If the Dr has perscribed you an anti-depressent, it is important you take it regually including when you are feeling ok. Most of them make you feel very odd for the first week, but that passes. Some people are scared of side effects and adiction problems with anti-depressents, but that more to do with the older types like tranqualisers. Anti-depressents do have side effects and are very slightly addictive, but nothing like tranqs are. Its very very easy to lead a normal life on them (infact its easier cos you're not having your head done in all the time), and they are easy to stop with the support of a Dr etc. Talk therepies are very important too. A good therepist will teach you relaxation techniques and (if you're lucky) will use simple hypnotism to install an anchor which makes relaxing easier. One technique I have found very helpful, which I learned about during talk therepy, is a meditation technique called "Mindfullness" - it may be worth researching that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elderbear Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 AH.. To late. im kinda tired and stuff. i been prescribed anti depressants. but my mom never really gave me any so i guess its still all good. she only gives me em if i go 4-5 days without sleep. I don't know what you've been prescribed nor why your mom holds them back. If you're going to take a medication, you need to take it as prescribed, every day, until your DOCTOR tells you different. If you have side effects, make an appointment and ask for another med. There are lots of them available. If the side effects are serious, call the office or visit urgent care. Seriously, though, read the Crazy Meds website a bit. Follow a few links. Hang in there - you're not trapped in your current feelings. It's just a matter of rolling a saving throw - perhaps with the magic of a modern elixir, perhaps by conversing with a wise wizard, but ultimately these all come down to you setting change in motion. Positive change. Ask yourself "What little thing can I do right now that will make me feel better?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vystral Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 Engineer, I experienced depression for over 10 years. I know where you are coming from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maverick Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 AH.. To late. im kinda tired and stuff. i been prescribed anti depressants. but my mom never really gave me any so i guess its still all good. she only gives me em if i go 4-5 days without sleep. I don't know what you've been prescribed nor why your mom holds them back. If you're going to take a medication, you need to take it as prescribed, every day, until your DOCTOR tells you different. If you have side effects, make an appointment and ask for another med. There are lots of them available. If the side effects are serious, call the office or visit urgent care. Seriously, though, read the Crazy Meds website a bit. Follow a few links. Hang in there - you're not trapped in your current feelings. It's just a matter of rolling a saving throw - perhaps with the magic of a modern elixir, perhaps by conversing with a wise wizard, but ultimately these all come down to you setting change in motion. Positive change. Ask yourself "What little thing can I do right now that will make me feel better?" elderbear is right dude. some meds take weeks to build up in your system and have little to no effect until they have built up. take your doctors advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tisjusme Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 PiPolar is a disease is very broadly defined. (You can read this in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV).3 by downloading the PDF file url=http://www.psych.org/public_info/dsm.pdf]HERE![/url] Depression is, I think, one of the worst emotions to feel. Almost everyone if not all people suffer from it in some time of their lives - it just depends on the severity. I have had personal freinds that have commited suicide from depression. I can not understand why my 2 freinds were driven to suicide and never will. I do know that it is not worth it!!! I still am what I think, a manic depressant (self diagnosis) from years of personal pains. I would suggest that most depression is in my opinion - frustration. After many talks to psychiatrists and psycholigists, I now beleive that one talks him/herself into deep depression as a defence mechanisim in most cases. I have found a book "Heal your Life"by"Louise Hay" which I will reccommend to any person with any depression among other problems. This book has helped me and countless others Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engineer101 Posted April 23, 2005 Author Share Posted April 23, 2005 Wheee. Stablized somewhat. it goes without saying. Breathe Fresh air once in awhile or your brain will suffocate. Tired. zzzz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elderbear Posted April 23, 2005 Share Posted April 23, 2005 Wheee. Stablized somewhat. it goes without saying. Breathe Fresh air once in awhile or your brain will suffocate. Tired. zzzz Glad you've ridden this valley out. You can look back and remind yourself that it DOES get better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engineer101 Posted April 23, 2005 Author Share Posted April 23, 2005 it even got better. Enteprise is on. seems like a good episode too. so when i watch it on sunday again. then i will download it :) as a record keeping Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elessar Posted April 23, 2005 Share Posted April 23, 2005 Mr. main-poster I would say don't try to fit your feelings and thoughts into the definitions of a disorder...Sure you have to find treatments, but I think the human mind is so complicated there aren't actually sets of disorders where only certain things happen in a person's mind...if you experience something that isn't listed as Bi Polar or Bi Polar disorder lists things you don't experience - it's just because your brain has come up with a new kind of disorder. I'm taking lexapro for manic depression right now and the side effects are a big pain in my ass. I started out on 5 mg a day, which did nothing. I went up to 10 which seemed to make me feel better but decided 20 would be more effective. After being on 20 mg for a few weeks I had zero sex drive, I slept in every day and had no drive to succeed in school whatsoever, and I've been an A student all my life. When I forget to take my medication or when I drop in dosage - like I just did from 20 back down to 10 - I experience drastic emotional instability when it comes to things that could make me upset. Basically I'm saying sappy movies and stuff make me break down sobbing even though I'm never normally like that. Just be aware that shit listed by your doctor isn't 'written and so shall it be done', the brain can do unthinkable things, side effects can be equally unpredictable...If a medication isn't working for you, don't hesitate to tell your doctor just because he says it 'should be working'. One of the most important things to get yourself out of depression is find goals and realize that achieving those goals is the key to realizing your own self worth. Once you satisfy the goals you set for yourself, hopefully you will begin to realize how worth living life is and how capable you are of making your life your own, and full of happiness. Good luck :cyclops: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engineer101 Posted April 25, 2005 Author Share Posted April 25, 2005 it got worster when my mom told me to go die. Lol. that got me down a few days ago. Got Better Yesterday when i met a Girl too Lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soulreaper Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 Yes, remember that it all comes down to the YOU. Doctors, moms, school, pills etc. etc. can't really solve any problems - learn how to MONITOR your thoughts and feelings and learn how to handle it all, then learn how to CHOOSE thoughts and feelings rather than only reacting on those that are there. Learn how your thinking affects your feelings and try to understand WHY you feel (i.e. think) something and from where it comes from. When you do, you'll be able to treat yourself since you'll EASILY spot WHY and HOW you feel/think something. Sorry, not my best material but I'm still kinda hungover from the party of Friday/Saturday/Sunday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engineer101 Posted April 25, 2005 Author Share Posted April 25, 2005 Dont Forgot all that crack you smoke, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synexo Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 I recommend alcohol, marijuana, and benzos to help you manage your manic phases, and then a good healthy dose of your psychedelic of choice when you feel you're about to get depressed. A good trip should keep you in daisies for a few weeks. If you can't get ahold of something good, just down a bottle of robitussin. Just make sure that it doesn't contain any acetemetaphine, that stuff 'll kill ya. Don't trip when you actually are depressed though. Then you could bad trip. If you are already depressed try to find some school kids and buy their adderol, or lotsa asthma medicine containing ephedrine to get you off your feet, and then drink yourself to sleep. Just remember, marijuana always helps. Also 5-HTP and melatonin before bed, and St Johns Wart when you wake up will keep you in good mood. Both have been shown to be as effective as prozak for mild to moderate depression. And don't take those doctor drug antidepressents. Those things will keep you hooked for life, and if you ever get off them you'll be worse off then you've ever been before. Just go look around the internet for reports of how addictive and messed up people get after years on paxil or effexor. And as for suicide, don't worry, you'll die someday. It's not a matter of enjoying life, it's a matter of learning patience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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