Bipolar II

[Crankin]

You might want to keep a log of the medication and the effects, whether positive or negative. Also, how cycling affects your moods or the meds. I have my clients do this, especially when starting new meds. I'm not a physician, but sometimes it takes a long time to find the one that works. A support group would be great; have you ever thought about group therapy? I mean in addition to your regular sessions. It gives you a window into how other people process the same thing and how they perceive you. A skilled group therapist is a wonderful thing! So, not a support group, per se, which may be lay run, but a real group therapy experience where you can work on your issues, just as in individual therapy. Ask your therapist.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((colorisnt)))))))

What Tulip said. It took courage to say that. Take good care and I hope you get your meds sorted soon.

[CycleTherapy]

Realistically, we all fall someplace on the mood continuum. From depression to mania, we all reside somewhere on the scale, somewhere between the extremes. To think of it in this way, removes the stigma and shame. I don't think its just "feel good" explanation but a truth. Some experience a higher "high", some a lower "low" on the scale. Medication, stabilizes mood and keeps folks in a more neutral position on the mood scale that every human occupies. There is no shame.

[blackhillsbiker]

Depression runs in my family. My mom still can't say the word (even though she spent the 70s on Valium "for her nerves."). It has turned up in all 3 of our daughters as well. I'm fairly visible as a pastor's spouse so I bring it up (my fight with depression) when appropriate. I've been surprised at how many women come up to me later and thank me for talking about it. Diabetes runs in my husband's side of the family. Funny how that is equally devastating but much more acceptable. Sending lots of hugs your way. I was in my 30s before I really got help. You're starting younger finding out what works for you. As said above, a log of medications/exercise/therapies and your response to them will be helpful. Sometimes it's hard to remember what I tried and how I reacted.

Deb

[PamNY]

Colorisnt, no advice, but lots of good wishes, and I'm so glad you feel free to discuss it here. The more openness and understanding of such things, the better.

Blackhillsbiker, as a pastor's spouse, I'm sure you have helped many people by sharing information about your depression. My father was a Methodist minister, so I know a bit about the visibility you mention.

[maillotpois]

My mom is bipolar also. She just told me this. I always knew there was something going on. It is tough for all involved.

[Catrin]

{{{Colorisnt}}} It did take courage to bring this up, and good for you in doing so. I am not bipolar, but do deal with depression and back when I was still on medication we found that SSRI meds create a "faux" bipolar problem as a side effect (bipolar is found in my family). That gave me a small taste of what it might feel like and it wasn't pleasant. Thankfully there are non-SSRI meds for depression but that is another topic.

Sadly mood disorders, and mental illness in general, are still taboo for many families to discuss, it is a hard topic. It sounds like you have been making some very positive steps and are working with some good people. Sending lots of hugs to you and a journal/log would be very helpful for you as you start to track what helps in this journey that you have begun.