Hi,

I just wanted to know, I’ve been following closely the reports and news about the “renaissance” of psychedelic therapy. However, none of the reports seem to focus on Bipolar Disorder, all that I’ve read is mainly focused towards PSTD, and other diseases.

Is this because there really hasnt been psychedelic therapy research for Bipolar Disorder? Maybe Bipolar can’t be treated with that, and thats the reason? I’d love to know. I am a Bipolar II patient, and have been stable and symptom-free for about 2 years now. I’m just on Carbamazepine.

Thanks

Dr. Fink and Mr. Kraynak,

What do you think about Child Bipolar and the researchers at Harvard MGH?

For instance, I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist with a faculty appoitnment at Harvard Medical School and who works at Joseph Biederman’s clinic at Mass General Hospital, as having Pediatric Bipolar ( I was 12). I don’t have it. And the diagnosis’ effects and treatments have devastated my life. Ten years later many of my current treaters have, basically, been apologetic themselves for that particular treaters mistakes.

To be specific, I had symptoms that would qualify for a Biederman diagnosis, but not an adult one ( no mania). I was being physically abused in my family and had enormous distress over my sexual orientation among other things.

My mom ate the diagnosis up. And had many unexamined problems herself.

How can someone with a faculty appoitnment at Harvard be wrong like this? I’m the protoypical kid who gets the diagnosis and I dont have normal Bipolar disease. In my opinion, they’re kidding themselves at Harvard. Sure children can become manic or psychotic, they have brains don’t they? But it’s unfortunate that normal kids are being condemned to life-long patienthood. And this practice is main-stream and “state-of-the-art”.

What are your thoughts?

I attended a local NAMI conference 4 years ago where the guest speaker was the head of the school of medicine’s psychiatry department. He promised that within 5 years there would be truly effective medications and within 10 a cure for bipolar disorder. How close are we? I am so frustrated and angry with the pharmaceutical industry, the politics and funding that delay real research, but mostly by the chase for the almighty dollar. It seems that all of the recent medications are just tweaks of previous medications that allow new copyrights and obscene profits. What real difference is there between haldol, risperadal, zyprexa, geodon, abilify and all the rest, other than the opportunity for the pharmaceuticals to make unconscionable profits? Where is research in the spirit of a Jonas Salk?

My ex refuses to believe that our son is bipolar. He insists that our boy tried to choke his half-sister to death and that our son speaks of his “evil-other side” but he fights with me about giving the boy medication. Could he be so stupid as to think our boy is just mean? Since he is medicated he is a calm and kind teenager. Have you ever heard of one of those? The ex even commented one time that our son was “like a different child” when he was visiting after he started his seroquel but still refuses to believe the diagnosis. What can I have him read or look at to help with his disbelief?

Hi Leonard -
It must be really frustrating to have seen your fiancee feeling better and then have the medications changed and she gets worse. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder isn’t concrete or solid - but the most severe type - bipolar I with true manic episodes is pretty distinctive. It is hard to know what they were basing the bipolar diagnosis on. I tend to be somewhat pragmatic though and if a drug regimen is working and not causing problems I will usually follow it out for a while before making any changes - but again I can’t say what the doctors’ observed that they based their decision on.
Trauma and abrupt medication changes can trigger acute psychiatric episodes and should be considered in the diagnostic possibilities if they have occurred.
I typically try to avoid major medication changes (such as stopping a medicine or starting a new one) before major life changes or events and particularly before traveling far away. Of course it isn’t always possible, but the stressors of big life changes can be difficult on the brain and body, so I don’t like to add medication changes to the mix if I can help it and if my patient is in agreement.
I hope she is feeling better soon -
Dr. Fink

Hi,

2 years ago my life spiraled yet again into a cycle of manic/depressive episodes. I have been diagnosed with Bipolar I 15+ years ago so I fully cognitive of what’s foing on but I have a problem. Because of my spirals I found myself without insurance (quit yet another job). I have looked all over the internet trying to find ways to access to private mental health care, something similar to a medical clinic but I have come up short. I tried to go through of state SSI program but they did not think my problem required immediate attention (even though I told them I would not be here if it wasn’t). I reside in AL but I am willing to travel to get the care and more importantly the meds I need as I know the longer I go without meds the more I will cycle. Do you know of any programs that offer these kind of services? I don’t want to check myself into a mental hospital but I feel this is my only option. BTW I am not a harm to myself or others (I worked in a mental hospital so I know when I should go).

Sincerely,

Selena

I was recently prescribed Lamictal and just started today. I’ve been online doing some research and noticed that a lot of people start off on 25 mg and slowly increase that dose. I currently started today on 100 mg. I’m supposed to take 100 mg a day for a week and then start on 200 mg next week. Is that too much too soon?

I’ve been on Lamictal for about 8 years (150 mg a.m./150 mg p.m.) & was ramped up very slowly as Joe described. I think you should immediately talk to your doctor & if he/she still insists this is the correct way to start on Lamictal talk to your pharmacist, read the inserts & read the info. from the official web site on-line & speak to your doctor again armed with this info.

It is very important to increase the dosage slowly to make every attempt to avoid the rash. Lamictal has been very helpful to me & a lot of people in my support group.

Hi,
I was wondering: I did not experience hypomanic symptoms until I started taking anti-depressants. Anti-depressants didn’t work for me - they either didn’t work or revved me up. Mood stabilizers helped my depression. I was therefore diagnosed as bipolar II - is it really bipolar II?

I have ringing in my ears that seemed to start around the time I started taking Lamictal. Is there any evidence that Lamictal can cause tinnitus?

i have recently went into a relationship with a man with this illness and know noting about it i want to be there for him but he just says he needs to be on his own how do i help him

Roy -
Ringing in the ears was reported with lamictal, but it was extremely rare. However, if the timing is consistent with starting the Lamictal, you should bring this up with your doctor and consider stopping the lamictal to see if the tinnitus resolves.

Hi ouchouch -
you may or may not actually have bipolar disorder. This is what my co-author and i have referred to as diagnosis by prescription. Antidepressants can cause hypomania or mania and it is simply a side effect - not an indication of another disease. Not responding to antidepressants but responding to mood stabilizers suggests bipolar disorder - but not necessarily. Since both of these factors exist for you the possibility that it is bipolar II is certainly elevated - but you might consider a second opinion or simply bring this question to yoru prescriber for a full discussion.

I’m a female of child-bearing age… who has been diagnosed as bipolar II. The message that the different doctors have given me so far has been “don’t get pregnant” (in fact one offended me so much with how she delivered this message that I cancelled my follow-up appt and got a new psychiatrist!)

There’s a strong family history, so I’m well aware that there’s a risk of having a child with bipolar disorder.

But what I would particularly like to see discussed is how we can make sensible decisions about becoming pregnant- with respect to medications, psychological therapies, family support etc.

Do I go off the meds, because there’s a risk to the child? Or do I stay on the meds, because I need them to be stable enough to care for it once I give birth? Is there research to guide this decision?

Hi Purple Tablets -
This is a complex and very personal decision process that will include you, your partner, your psychiatrist and your OB/GYN. As you rightly point out there are risks to untreated depression or mania during pregnancy, but there are risks to the medications as well.
Some of the medications are more clearly teratogenic (causing birth defects) than others, but for many meds the data is unclear. Certainly a big part of the work includes close psychiatric monitoring throughout pregnancy and the post partum period. Changing medications, stopping some meds, reducing others, using non medication interventions more aggressively - ie psychotherapy, light box treatment etc - are all possibilities.
Dr. Lee Cohen - he used to be at Harvard I think, but I am not sure where he is now - is one of the most published and sensible experts on medications during pregnancy. Finding his work may give you some more specific information about different medications and the general approach to psychiatric medications during pregnancy.

I’m really new to this and I’m unsure of how to seek help. My best friend is dating a bipolar man. This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to watch unravel. Most of the time I’m unsure of why she stays in this relationship - they’ve been dating 8 months. I understand that people with this diagnosis deserve happiness, but at what cost? I’ve watched my best friend turn from a very confident and beautiful woman to someone I barely recognize. She NEVER has anything good to say about him or their relationship, but for some reason she feels like she ‘owes’ him another chance, time and time again. As if the drug abuse, gambling and constant mental abuse wasn’t enough; now she also has to deal with him ‘attempting’ to get a job. He has been out of work and going to school for the last 6 years with no degree to show for it. I could go on, but I’m here for a more specific question.

On the job front… He originally was going to look for a starter, part time, flexible job so he could finish his thesis but still bring in some cash to assist in the functions of his new family. He now thinks he’s better than that and is all about applying for jobs that require years of schooling and experience that aren’t even close to his field of study. My question is this: does my girlfriend support his over active ego and the fact that he probably won’t get one of these extremely high paying jobs OR does she try to bring him back down to reality and push the starter jobs? AKA – do you support high, outrageous goals of someone who is bipolar or do you try to reason with them and get them to understand that baby steps are the way to go sometimes? I personally have never been in a relationship with someone bipolar, so when she asks me my advice on these issues, I’m really worried about giving her the wrong advice.

If someone could please give me some knowledgeable advice, I (we)’d really appreciate it.

Thank you for your time,
A supportive friend

My friend’s sister was diagnosed with BIPOLAR DISORDER - HYPOMANIA during April 2004. She had been spending money and gambling and eating a lot and unable to sleep. She was treated with RISPERDAL 1mgON, EPILIM 200mgBD and Diazepan 5mgON. She responded well and was discharged after 5 days. With gradual reduced medication (without Risperdal and Diazepan), she was completed without medication since December 2006 under psychiatrist advice.

She was very normal and working during the last 2 years. Recently, during September 2008, she appeared talkative, excited and eating a lot and spending money. As she refused to seek consultation, my friend administeredf her with RISPERDAL ORAL SOLUTION 0.3mg and EPILIM 250mg PER DAY since 23.10.2008. Within 5 days, she responded well (not talkative and not excited) and showed much improvement.

Should she be continued given the above medication and when to stop? Wat are the side effect of the above medication? What is the maximium limit of the above medication that can be given to her in case symptoms persist?

A concerned Friend

As frustrating as it is for our spouses to cope with us being bipolar and the symptoms it is even more difficult for us when we have a spouse who is not supportive emotionally. Even worse when they just “do not get” that suddenly we have this disorder. My husband of 20 years asked me this while separated, “so, you mean to tell me that for your entire life you were fine and then “poof” one day you are bipolar?” He knew before we married that I had issues with depression, but to the degree he was unaware. Those were the days when I could mask it and the hypomania included a day of charging away at a dept. store.
We reconciled after an entire year of separation, but being able to communicate with him when I need his help w/our 3 boys, when I am down or those days when I walk in circles just does not happen effectively. He usually becomes angry and even though I do not react to his anger it affects me far worse than he knows.
I do not have any emotional help within my family with the exception of one aunt. Unfortunately, after being diagnosed in October of 2004, I began to withdraw socially. I avoided going around my family, because every time I did they analyzed me and came up with what they thought was wrong with me at the time. Presently, I have not spoken to or seen my mother since Mother’s Day of this year and my older sister just shortly before at her son’s birthday party. I do not have any contact with my older brother.
Often I feel so bad for our children because I am not the outgoing, fun mom I once was in years past. I was forced to go back to work fulltime, because money and benefits was an issue with my husband. I have not worked fulltime since my oldest son was born. He is 16 now. So, now along with working fulltime I have to balance the boys’ activities, upkeep of our home, groceries, cooking and my mental woes. I do okay, you know… I hate the fact that I cry over small things, but it is who I am. I am a giver and love to do for others.
Imagine if you can your spouse working 2 months straight without taking an off day, working full time, keeping up with all 3 children, doing all the housework, grocery shopping and cooking. If you ask them when they intend to take off they can not offer an answer other than the economy is bad so if work is available they will work. To make matters worse they work 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. or 9 a.m.
He came in this morning around 9:40 and I was anticipating on him going to the gym, but was informed he was taking an off day. Honestly I was not thrilled, because I never have “alone” time here at home. I did tell him that I had hoped to have some time here alone to listen to my music, clean and do as I pleased. It did not over to well and he said that since I did not want him to be around me he would go work out. I immediately corrected him in stating that I just needed some down time. I am always on edge when he is home and so sitting as I am now just does not happen. He sits in his chair watching t.v. as I go around working inside and outside our home. I am actually off today, but one of our son’s has a scholar’s bowl competition after school so of course I am the one to go take him.
I often feel at times that I am on the edge of falling into a deep depression or getting in my car and driving off never to return.

Hi Collin Chua -
I would strongly urge your friend’s sister to seek medical advice and not continue to self-prescribe and self-medicate. These medications should be monitored closely and dosages need to be planned between a prescriber and her patient.
Now that your friend’s sister feels a little better maybe she will consent to consult an MD - maybe an internal medicine or family doctor if she refuses to see a psychiatrist.

CF

Hi ,

I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I am 27 and I have biploar disorder, I was diagnosed four years ago and within that period I have had three epsisodes. I am on medication. The last epsiode I was hospitalised for three months. I haven’t had an epsiode for a year.I am at present in college and hope to travel during the summer.

My question is should I travel. I plan to fly from Ireland to Australia, stay for a month then onto New zealand and stay there for a month.
The last time I travelled to Spain it took me 3 days to recover. The stress of travel caused me to become paranoid and irritable.

I remember asking the same question to an experienced nurse and he advised me against it. What do you think
any help appreciated

I have been diagnoised with Bipolar Disorder for 3 yrs. I spent one month and many drugs on a psych unit at the hospital where I was an RN on staff. After approx. one year, I got rid of oh so many drugs down to Lithium Carb and Ambien for sleep. Three months ago I had a toxic reaction to the Lithium after a month long hospitalization for a brain anurysm. My lithium had continued to be administered per my routine dose and frequent levels where drawn. After being home for one and a half weeks I returned to the hospital with the toxicity. What happened?? I stayed off Lithium for approx 1 month per Dr’s orders and then restarted at a decreased dose..after 3-4 days of resuming I again started experiencing the signs and symptoms of the previous toxicity. I am now on NOTHING and I’m afraid I’m getting into trouble…I was diagnosed Bipolar Rapid Cycling….where do I go from here? Ability? I will never take Depakote again…been there, tried that in combination and alone with the exception of Lithium.

Hi Sandra -
It seems that there are at least two major issues for you to be discussing with your prescriber. One is why you are getting toxic on lithium on low doses. Presumably you are still seeing a neurologist and/or neurosurgeon for the aneurism episode. Has your pdoc had a conversation with one or both of your neuro people? What changed after the aneurism that seems to have created such a low threshold for toxicity when it didn’t occur before?

The next question is - if in fact you are no longer able to tolerate any lithium, what medications should you try. This will again include ongoing conversations with your doctors and a systematic approach to try to avoid just layering a bunch of medications all at once.

THis type of complex situation demands excellent communication between doctors and patients and between all the medical professionals involved. Do what you can to encourage this communication to help get the best outcome.

Thanks so much for your reply…I appreciate it. What happened after the aneurism that created such a low threshold? Nobody can tell me..not my Primary Doc or the neurologist. All I get is…it could be any number of things. Frustrating to say the least. However, I am still under the care of my Primary, Neuro Surgeon and Neurologist. I no longer have a Psychiatrist as of approx 2 yrs ago due to different ideas of treatment…I want as few drugs as possible to keep me as mentally healthy as possible…big order huh?

I was previously on Lithium Carb 1350 mg QHS and then restarted at 900 mg QHS. Not that big of a change but evidently big enough.

Ah well…thank you again for your reply and thank you for this site I have just discovered after 3 years of searching for such a site!!!

Hi,I have a friend who has most symptoms of bipolar,but doesn’e seem to have any abvious sign of depression.He has most other sign of bipolar.He’s had about four episodes od manic behavior in the last five months which had lasted three to four days.Could he be bipolar in your opinioun like rapid-cycling bipolar disorder without the obvious sign or suffering of depression?
We both thank you greatly.

I WANT OUT..of a 20 yr marriage to a bi-polar, schizoaffective disorder spouse. I’ve lived my entire 20s and 30s with the ups and downs of his mood swings, delusions, family drama, chaos, police arrests, alcholism, and mental abuse toward me and physical abuse toward my adult son.

I’m missing out on MY Life having been his sole caregiver all these years. I have dreams and goals I want to accomplish and if I don’t get out…I’m afraid for my own sanity. (I’m already feeling co-dependent.)

I’m a successful career mom living 2 lives - one in my profession and another as a family caregiver. I’m exhaused and ready to give up.

But how can I get someone else to care for my spouse…he needs housing, counseling support services, public transportation (or live near a grocery store) and be located within a 45 min. drive between me and his family.

Although at times, I wish I could just leave and never look back - forget all that I have witnessed, learned, or participated in when it comes to the human emotional psyche about His disorder….my heart and faith keeps me around.

I have yet to LIVE My Life. What to do?

- MissingOutOnLife

How do I find a doctor specializing in bipolar disorder?

Thanks very much - excellent resources here. I will buy the book!

As a police officer dx’d with bipolar illness two years ago, and due to a recent episode that resulted in hospitalization, I am currently on sick leave. I will be applying for disability with their blessing. The question is whether police work in general, and working nights for many years will be qualifying for a disability. I hope to find a less stressful career but after many years on the force, what, I don’t know. Anyone? Has anyone had the same dx in a similar proffession? Thanks

My wife just entered a substance abuse center for detox from Xanax and Ambien abuse. I was Dx Tourrets, Bi-polar 2, 11 years ago. I have been on Xanax XR, Lamictal and Trileptal for aprrox 6 years. I am a medically retired firefighter w/a slew of other problems due to on the job injuries. While my wife has been “detoxing” her counsellor told that I too was addicted to Xanax. Too which I responded …duh. I donnot, nor have I ever abused drugs. In fact because of the neuro-toxins I inhaled,at one point in my life I was on a terminal caner pt’s dosage of opiates. 80 mg Kadian,20mg fentnol patch and up to 12 loritab a day. Another doc. told me it was killing me and I tapered down and detoxed myself w/out much of a problem (21 days). Her Counsellor told me that Xanax was not a Tx fo My psych problems and that I ” just needed to get to a point where I didn’t need the drug also”. I am pretty resentful of this statement. I do see a psychiatrist. I have inquired several times about changing my Xanax to another drug and never been given advice to the contrary. If I were to be told other wise I would do me best to taper off and use other meds. My problem is I have only been married to my wife for seven years. she did not know the “old” me. My life was hell. I do not take my meds for a high. I do not take more when I feel upset. I try to look at each situation and handle it like a “normal” person. I do not live with the fantasy that life is supposed to feel good all the time and I know that everyone has psych problems in their lives. Wouldn’t life suck if we didn’t have ups and downs? I guess what I am asking is….Is Xanax the proper Tx and would my quality of life be better by using another drug?

It sounds like you are under the care of a doc who prescribes you medications that are helping with your symptoms. Xanax isn’t a first choice for treating anxiety because of its potential for dependency, but it is very commonly used as part of the treatment regimen. i certainly use it in my practice with careful monitoring.
It is not fair for anyone to make a diagnosis from a distance like that - clearly this has been a complex journey for you and that comment seems to have been fairly simplistic.
If you are worried about it, consider getting a second opinion from another psychiatrist - not to change docs necessarily, but just to review your regimen with you.

Hi, I have just recently been diagnosed with BPD. I have been on an anti-depressent for years because I have suffered from depression (or what I was told was just depression) many years ago. Well recently I left my husband for the 2nd time and bought a car (that I couldn’t afford) and then of course had the depression really set in hard. Worse than ever. Well thank goodness for an awesome husband. We are back together and I started seeing a Psycholigist. Thats when she sent me to a Psychitrist. My spelling sucks sorry. So now at least I know why I’ve been doing these destructive things for more years than I want to admit to. My therapist has been great and yes I’m still going. Trying to get my meds in sync now and get through my worst depression ever. Got my car reposessed, lost my house, on medical leave from a job I absolutly hate. Trying to get my life on track. I’ve been reading anything on-line I can find about this disease. Can anyone tell me how to get things on track and help my husband to know that I don’t want to loose him during all this and I don’t want to keep leaving him every year. We’ve been married almost 3 years and every year I leave him. I have no idea where to even begin with getting a plan set up. I know I need to always take my meds and I’ve been good about that even when I thought it was just depression. That part of it I have a handle on. I don’t know how to find out what my triggers are or how to see another episode starting. I will take any advise or help I can get. Just need to know how to get started really but I’m finding there is alot of work ahead of me to even start feeling “normal” if there is such a thing for me. Help me please.

After 60 years of binge drinking I was finally diagnosed as being bipolar last summer. Since then, depakote and Campral have stemmed any urges to drink. At my age (71), is there any likelihood that I’ll eventually be able to stop taking these meds–or will I be on them for the remainder of my life?

What can I do about hair loss from Depakote? My doctor won’t switch me to another drug and has no suggestions about my hair. It’s awful to be a woman and balding.

Brandie,
In my case the hair loss eventually stopped and it grew back completely. I don’t think there’s anything you can do other than wait it out. You can take a prenatal vitamin, they have larger amount of the vitamins and minerals that help hair and nails grow. I know it’s misery, I cried in the shower every morning when I saw all my hair in the drain. Hang in there, it will get better.

i’m 14 and bipolar i have tried three different medications that didn’t help is there another way to treat it

Hi Elysa -
It is very important that you speak to your prescriber (psychiatrist, nurse practitioner or whoever is prescribing your medications for bipolar disorder) and ask them about all of the options available to treat bipolar disorder in teenagers.
I encourage you to ask your doctor all the questions you can think of about how they diagnosed you with bipolar disorder and how they think about treating it. There are many different medication options that can help reduce symptoms of bipolar - but it is a team process with you and your doc.
Also - are you in therapy? Non-medication treatments are just as important, especially in young people. A good therapist who works with you and your family and your psychiatrist will be as big a key to you feeling better as finding the right medicines.
How is school going? Do you need help with anything there? If you have a good relationship with your guidance counselor or the school psychologist or social worker they can be great supports as well.
Good luck to you and keep on trying - you are facing this bravely - i can tell because you are out there looking for information.

I’m wondering if any research has established a link between patients with BP or BPII and nervous system disorders? I’ve suffered from different types of neuralgias for years, as well as IBS and migraines. One of my doctors said she often sees these or similar comorbidities, but she’s not sure why.

Chronic pain combined with a mood disorder does not make for a very pleasant life. I recently read somewhere that people with chronic pain tend to carry a lot of stress and tension, both physically and psychologically, much like BP sufferers do.

If that’s true, then I’m surprised that all of the “good behaviors” I’ve adopted as a BP patient haven’t done anything to calm the pain from my centralzied neural windup–a firestorm of pain that is self-perpetuating. The recommendations are almost identical in terms of what to avoid, what one should do, and the types of mindfulness and relaxtion techniques that are standard lifestyle changes following a diagnosis of BP or chronic pain.

I do not dare ever mention my BP outside of my home, so it’s not like I can ask a fellow pain sufferer if he or she has experienced mental illness along his or her nervous system dysfunction. I’d love to know if anyone is studying this central nervous system cross-talk of BP and neuralgia.

I have been on lithium for a long time and feel like it is not as effective now. Tried cymbalta and lexapro and abilify this time maybe trying trileptal but I am so scared of trying all this meds what if nothing works anymore for me,I read where Trileptal doesnt give you umph I need it I have 3 kids can someone help me. I wish they would come out with a med to keep us on track not gain weight and be able to function and also have our sex lives you dont know how I long for that. I just want to live and be happy without side effects.

I also wanted to say I do to much research so I am so scared of trying alot of the medicines. I also cant stand side effects so I am in a really bad situation I dont know where to turn. I also feel my therapist doesnt like the fact that I know alot but I want to know about what is going into my body and what to expect. Does Trileptal make your hair come out really?

My daughter Baker Acted - eight days ago - she is 25 no indication of a problem until a few weeks ago. She has ADD - was taking Adderall - started taking Phentermine to loose weight - was taking energy drinks - Rock Star etc. Had a very demanding sales job - needed to go to networking events at night in addition to her job. Lost it this weekend was involved in a very stressful job event. It appears lost her sense of reality - made many charges for clothes - stayed up almost with no sleep three or four days. Said and did things out of character- until someone called 911.

Is it possible this was caused by all of these stimulents. - She is in the hospital on Seraqual and Depakote. Does not seem to be working - she is a little better - but still not cooperative or understanding of her risk taking behavior. So they are not discharging her. To me it looks like these meds are not doing much. Maybe it would have been better to contain her and let a few days go by until all of the stimulents were out of her body. Now I am sure she will be diagnosed as bipolar. But how do you know for sure. If you do not respond well after 8 days of treatment does that indicate maybe its not bipolar. We want her out of the hospital but they won’t release her because they say she is still a little manic. She appears to us to be slowly going backwards due to the stress at the hospital and other patients. She is teary now but still trying to help others at the hospital.
She doesn’t understand that we cannot get her out. She
believes she can go back to work and be fine. We feel she is still very stressed about something she has not told us. She has very good insurance and I wonder if this is influencing her discharge.
I am not sure. No one at the hospital gives total details of what the doctor thinks or why these drugs don’t seem to be working. The doctors don’t talk to family they only see patients - they see you after they discharge the patient. It is very frustrating that we get all information in bits and pieces with no cohesive communication.

Don’t know her dosage of meds - but if something doesn’t work after 8 days of hospital - I am very concerned they are not on the right track.

I’m taking Lamictal, well, a generic of it, which I actually think is not up to par as I’m still not in a good place yet. (Yes, I start and stop meds, bad bad girl.) So beyond the lamotrigine, I also take Zoloft. The anxiety is keen and I feel no relief. I do very well using Clonopin for my anxiety, but my doctor does not wish to prescribe it again, cuz it’s “addicitive”. (I first used it years ago when I first began Zoloft because the Zoloft made me clench my jaw wicked.)
Well, howdy ho, my brain is a trainwreck, how could it possibly hurt to be “addicited” to a drug that helps me tremendously?

My boyfriend has Bipolar II. He is currently taking 100 mg of Lamictal. He was originally on Lithium and 250 mg of Lamictal but the side effects far outweighed the benefits. He is now on just the Lamictal but still experiences severe joint pain with less controlled mood swings due to the lower dosage.

After researching several new medications online, I found several references to Omega-3 oils being taken along with Vitamins E and C. however, I cannot find any recommended dosages that should be taken for these three. Can you give me some general guidelines of what a suggested dosage should be?

Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Hi there, my husband started taking Depakote for bipolar disorder several months ago, we are talking about having another baby and are wondering if its safe for us to conceive while he is on Depakote? Any advise is helpful, thanks.

Was started on Lamictal and titrated up to 100mg. Prior to Lamictal, I had been experiencing irritablity up to anger…when I reached 100 mg per day I began to display full blown RAGE. Anyone who knows me, knows that this is not in my character….the Psych said I was showing the side effect of the Lamictal and changed me to Keppra..I have read this can have the same side effect….What are the chances/possiblities of this having the same reaction with me. I hate to continue to put my husband and family through these episodes for the tiniest reason.

Since 02/26…Keppra is possibly causing me to feel like I am experiencing “morning sickness” 24hrs a day….I was also put on Sonata to replace the Ambien which was no longer effective and it actually (I think it’s it or combined with the Keppra) makes me throw up every morning after taking the night before…..Pdoc suggested “hospital” the last visit (3 times during visit) due to rapid cycling for so long now. The suggestion was “just for 2-3 days to find a regimen to put me on but, the first and only time somebody suggested that, I was in the “hospital” for a month trying to figure out a regimen that would work for me without over or under working.

Any suggestions as to this morning sickness without pregnancy possiblity? Where do I go from here?

Thanks

Hi Heidi
In terms of your husband being on Depakote and trying to conceive, my understanding is that the concern is more about reduced fertility and other problems with conception as opposed to any specific relationship to birth defects. However, changes in the quality or quantity of sperm might impact fetal development - and that you would want to discuss with a genetic counselor or your ob-gyn.
Good luck to both of you!

Hi,

My Grandson suddenly changed at Puberty. He became aggressive, would not mind, got crazy about girls, actually obsessed over them, became very sexual, wanted to shop all the time, began tellng lies, being a smart mouth, and finally became violent.

Many of our family members feel he is just a spoiled brat but he has been diagnosed bipolar. I feel he is bipolar because of the way he looks during the violent episodes. He also has issues of abandonment which do not help with his disease.

He is on Abilify but still having episodes. Usually he has problems on Tuesdays and Thursdays but on occassion on other days. His Dad has become very discouraged with him due to the violent episodes and the fact he has broken things, put holes in the walls, etc.

I have always heard that bipolar cannot be treated with antidepressants. Now I have heard that some people can take a drug similiar to Prozac but that has one less ingredient. Is that Paxil?

He does want to sleep alot and feels the Abilify causes that but he is also very up alot of the time. It’s just the violent episodes that scare everyone. He just turned 15.

How can he be disciplined so he does not use the bipolar as a reason to be a brat. Afterall teenagers are kind of brats anyway. His Dad says he just doesn’t care about anyone but himself.

Hi,

I’m running into problems with my psychologist and am hoping for some guidance. Whenever I bring something up in our session she directs me elsewhere. First if it was bout my bipolar diagnosis she wanted me to research it online, but I told here I speand all day on a computer and didn’t want to be on one when I got home. I asked her to recommend a book (there’s hundreds out there). She refused saying they’re too out of date when they’re published.
Then when she got the point that I wasn’t going to read about it online, she said she’d never told me not to read any books about it. She recommended a book referencing studoes from the 70’s.
I picked other books randomly off the shelves too and non reference the same studies, all are more recent though all of the books are published after 2007. They raised interesting questions about my medications, gabapentin, risperidone and topamax.
So I asked her about the side effects because they were bothering me. The tingling fingers, weight gain (she wants me excercising 20 minutes a day, not 15 minutes twice a day, or anything else, 20 minutes all at once only). She told me too look the side effects up online.

All topics are to be discussed with others too. Stress at work should got to my EAP (Employee Assistance Program) or Union Steward. She won’t discuss causes of stressors at all or changing my medications.

Would I be out of line asking my GP for a referral to a new specialist? I’ve been getting worse, because she won’t let me talk to her. I’ve recently returned to work from stress lave because of a break and had one episode since, which she wouldn’t discuss, and am headed to another.

Any adviace is appreciated!
Worried about my health

I have been on Zeldox (Geodon) for 12 months now. I have gained 10 kg - 20 lbs during this time and after my recent blood test, my doctor says that I have an underactive thyroid. I am in total diesbelief. Is it possible that the slow down in metabolism is caused by Zeldox and it’s a mistaken diagnoses?

Hi - which ADD/ADHD medication is best to use if you have bipolar disorder as well? Something that won’t induce mania or a mood change. Thanks!

My husband also has the dual diagnosis of bipolar and ADHD. He is taking Vyvanse for the ADHD, Wellbutrin for depression and Lamictal, recently increased to 200 mg. However, I’m not sure the antidepressant is working properly. He is still manic at times AND depressed, not sleeping, drinking and I recently found out about an l affair that was completely uncharacteristic. He says he feels like he had a “brain tumor” or was temporarily insane. He has taken Lithium in the past. He has started therapy and is seeing a new Dr. to evaluate his meds. PLEASE help.

I’m a fairly young 30 something. I just got out of the mental hospital for the 9th time in my life. Is it possible to be diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality disorder, AND Major depression with psychosis for the same person? most doctors know me in the area, due to my frequent visits to the er (+/- 75 x). it’s sad, i’m sad. i’ve hurt myself somehow, intentionally usually ie. jumping off the roof, hitting my leg with a sledgehammer, slicing my arm open with a boxcutter. Thing is, they all think its an accident, some see through me though. thank goodness…..none of this started until after my mother passed away in 2001. she decided to eat her fentanyl patches they gave her to take for her MS pain. she too was bipolar, as is my brother. i have been on so many medications to treat my symptoms. the cocktail that seems to be working best right now, and i’m not promoting anything, is seroquel xr 400, prozac 40 mg, topomax 100 mg bid, ativan 2 mg tid. i still think about hurting myself sometimes, but i dont act upon it as before. my therapist is trying to find a day group program for me to get involved in,so that i can have better supervision and have something to do during the day besides lie around and do this all day, no offense to anyone! i just want to escape my grief and illness, and get on with my life the way it should be. whatever that is!

I need help please. I have dx bipolar for about 20 years, I am 35. I have been on and off many meds, lithium, valium, seroquel, paxil, xanax, depakote, abilitfy, and many others. Some have helped a little but not enough. The problem comes in with my drug induced cirrohsis, from all the meds. My family has a bad hx of liver disease, and I am no longer taking any meds. If I am going to die from the meds anyway what is the use? I am interested in getting better not worse. I would like more information on shock therapy. Drastic, I know but I think my situation calls for it. Please reply.

I am 35 yrs old. I have BP and borderline personality disorder. I was diagnosed at 16,but have only been on meds consistently for 10 yrs. I have been on just about every med out there. They don’t work. My dr has given up and is just wanting me to do therapy. I am to bad off with my depression for just therapy. I was wondering what you thought about electroschock therapy. My dr has mentioned it before, but we haven’t discused it anymore. Thank You.

Thank you for your blog/website(?) I like keeping as up-to-date about my disorder as I can. In reading the questions and learning about others with Bipolar Disorder I realize that I am not alone. I am 55yo female dx 25 yrs ago with BD. It has taken a lot of tears, work, ups & downs (literally) to finally come to a calm place in my life. I have been blessed to have a loving, caring husband who has been there all these years and still loves me. Thak you, too, for your upbeat and encouraging work for us who need your voice of hope and help.

A new, faithful reader,

Valerie

I am 17 and have been diagnosed with bi-polar for a while now, since i was 11 or 12, but have had symptoms since i was about 8. My bi-polar has been basically an irritability at home, my outside life, with friends or school has always been great and stable, to the extent where people have no idea that I am bi-polar, they sometimes have the false impression that I am perfect. But back to the point. After I found out or figured out I was bi-polar one thing has always crossed my mind. [I realize i'm still young, but still] I wonder how it will one day effect my children. If in the future i choose to have children, even if my bi-polar has been reduced, how much of a chance there will be of them inheriting Bi-polar or any other mental illness. It saddens me to the point where i would think about not having children and just adopting because i wouldn’t want to put my problems or my burden on my child. I don’t want them to have to go through what i have been through. What is the reality of this?
Thank you
-BW

Hi,
I was diagnosed bipolar back in November 2003, two years after quitting drinking and smoking pot in July 2001 after 10-15 years of use. Do you think that the diagnosis was premature? I don’t quite remember if my past drug use or drinking was really looked into all that much. As now I am involved in AA, it has become quite clear to me that there is definitely a period of “skin shedding” in the first couple of years of non use that may seem just like bipolar episodes. Furthermore, if one is not bipolar, what would be the effects of taking 20 mg lexapro and 1500 mg depakote er on a daily basis? Not the side effects per se. I know what those are. I’m talking about my day to day existence? Thank you for your insight.
CZ

hi my name is Kinga and i think my mom is Bipolar. She is so moody and is always yelling. one minute she is all happy and the next she is screaming and swearing. i think she is but i dont know what to do?

how do you get a patient to open up to you in a session

Hi! Thanks for your book, and your very interesting blog.

An issue that I would like to see discussed on this blog is treatment of bipolar disorder in pregnancy.
When I think about having children, I start to wonder
- how will bipolar disorder affect my ability to care for a child?
- are the drugs safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
- what about the genetic risks? is my child going to have bipolar disorder, or be at risk of developing it?

I have a daughter that is 18 years old and has bipolar.she is pregnant and i would like to help her get some tip of houseing assistance. for her be for her baby is born.i dont now were to begin.

am i ill

I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago with Bi-Polar I have been taking 900g of lithium daily. I have a few questions about what foods or spices we shouldn’t use? And has anybody ever told you to stay out of the sun because of the lithium?

What do you know about persecutory paranoia delusions? Can you describe it?

My brother has suffered from bipolar for years. He tried to kill himself three times in the past 20 years. He is currently recovering from his last big ‘meltdown’ and is being weaned off Lamicdal and seroquel and eventually adding Lexipro. I for one don’t think he’s headed in the right direction but won’t argue with his doctor yet. My question: where do the paranoic thoughts come from? Is that common side effects of one of his drugs? Is it a side effect of bipolar that maybe comes with age? It’s a new symptom in the last year.

Can a person have BP if the have had symptoms of depression without any mania? this person’s moods range from quite depressed to baseline 95% of the time. This is the case with my daughter who is 17. She was diagnosed with major depression 2 years ago.

i have a girlfriend who has being treated for rapid cycling bipolar and bpd. my problem is that she has stopped takeing her meds and refuses to see the doctor.
instead she chooses to drink and take xanax to try to i guess feel normal.
i dont know how to help, i talk to her and i get nothing but that i am trying to control her and i must not want her to feel better.
can someone please give me some advice,
tommy

This question is about sleepiness. On the Bipolar Beat blog, I noticed that someone mentioned falling asleep while driving. I too have this problem. My BP is manageable (I have a full time job, etc.), but in the past 2 years, the falling asleep while driving has become dangerous. My medication cocktail has been the same for several years now, which is why I don’t understand why it has become a problem only in the past two years. I have sleep issues all of the time–I’m usually only able to sleep for a couple of hours before I’m wide awake, so I’m likely suffering from a sleep deficit. But the sleepiness is only nearly uncontrollably while I’m driving. I’m wondering if there is some sort of relationship between BP medications and falling asleep while driving; particularly SSRIs and/or anticonvulsants. Thanks.

this question is about the next step i need to do to make my problem change and have myself be more happy. I have 2 best friends I am very close too but I tend to have issues with them every few weeks due to insecurity’s that I am really being used and they just use me as a back up if they have no one else better to hangout with. They seem to always be embarrassed by me and mad at me if I disagree with them. this makes me feel like im just not good enough but i still love them though even though a lot of their actions make me depressed and since I have no one else to talk too I feel like it would be better if I didn’t live…
Please tell me what I should do next to resolve the issues?

I’ve been on lithium (1500mg/day) and seroquel (50mg/day) for over a year, the mania and depression have stabilized but I still have suicidal thoughts. I don’t think I’d act on them but they are very bothersome. Any suggestions?

Dear Nancy -
It is urgent that you should also review this carefully with your prescriber to determine if adustments to your regimen are needed. Remember that even if you are stable on medications for some time, the process of medications for bipolar is typically dynamic rather than static - it often requires continued adjustments and changes over time. Careful and regular monitoring with your prescriber and conversation with him or her will be very important in dealing with these symptoms.
It is hard to know what the mechanism of the persistent thoughts - specifically if they are part of residual depression or if they are more like free floating intrusive thoughts that aren’t really mood associated. I don’t know if you are in therapy but it is possible that a well trained cognitive behavioral therapist might be able to work with you on reducing the frequency of the thoughts and on persistent mood symptoms as well.
Dr. Fink

I was just diagnosed with BPII several weeks ago after 20+ years of being told I had depression and taking desipramine. My new psychiatrist has me continuing the 100 mg desipramine and added 60 mg BuSpar. I don’t see these meds listed in any of the books and websites I read about BP II medications — meanwhile, I have been charting my moods, and it seems like I spiral up into hypomania (racing, obsessive thoughts, driving fast & recklessly, angry explosions, highly irritable) every few days with depression in between. Is that kind of pattern even possible?Just yesterday,I had a great, relaxed day and when I got home at 10 pm, I exploded in anger over a minor annoyance. Today, I am crying & anxious & irritable. Can you switch mood states so quickly & without any apparent triggers? I am so seriously confused…

Sorry, I forgot to ask the second part of the question! — If the meds worked, would these kind of modd shifts be happening? Is the fact that these mood shifts are happening mean that I need different meds?

Jess,

Several years ago I took Paxil for my depression (it’s an SSRI), and I used to be exhausted all the time, and driving was especially prone to my struggling to keep my eyes open. Excessive sleepiness was one reason I went back to the tricyclics. It might well be your SSRI. When I got off Paxil, the driving sleepiness disappeared for me.

Hope my experience helps.

I have been living with my bipolar husband for over 12 years. Lately it has become very very difficult for the family, and I have to really struggle to maintain my job, my sanity and to focus on the fact it is not me who is responsible for him. Everything is my fault, nothing is “right”. We have met with his therapist, who is very good (his lithium levels were so low as to be negligible as he was neglecting his meds). He now tells me that his therapist feels he is fine (his interpretation as his therapist has not increased his dosage). I am almost scared to call his therapist - i have permission to do so - for fear of the wave of repercussion that will follow. We have 2 young children under the age of 5 to boot. How long do I continue like this? Is it better to just ask for a separation? I fear that will only make him worse.

I have Bipolar II disorder; however, I do not have any real cretivity. I was wondering why. I am by far mostly depressed with a much shorter lifespan of hypomania; I was wondering if that had anything to do with it. I do have more ideas during hypomania, but I am really not good at anything. Can a person have Bipolar without being creative?

How effective are medications to treat bipolar mania? I’m worried I will be compliant taking these meds and still have another manic and psychotic episode. Will I eventually build up a tolerance to these drugs?

I’m 37 years old and I feel like my brain is deteriorating. I worry dementia is headed my way. How can I know this is not true?

My husband had a heart transplant 02/05/08.Recently he was hospitalized with both lithium and tacrolimus toxicity. His lithium level was nearly lethal at 4 and his tacro was 25. The Dr. says never again should he resume lithium, his kidney function is at 39%. Which is the safer of the other drugs of choice for bi-polar? He has been on lithium for 30 yrs.
Thank you………Bonnie B.

Could you talk about the best ways to handle working with the frquent turn-over of psychiatrists when getting services at a community-run health center?

I have been going to the only place in town where I can get mental health care at no cost. While I greatly appreciate their services and committment, they have a steady turnover of doctors. I’ve been going for close to three years now, and I think I’ve had 5 (?) doctors.

The problem is that my file is pretty thick. I’ve been going there for so long. I know they haven’t read it, yet they base opinions about my care on what sometimes seems like a cursory glance.

There isn’t enough time to really go into my history in these sessions (usually 15 minutes). Basically, I had a complete psychotic break in 2003 and was practicaly catatonic for a year before I could slowly rebuild my life (and my mind) piece by piece.

Yet, recently, I had a doctor, who all she would do is look at my file and say diapprovingly, “You’re too young to be on this much medicine.” Her words verbatim.

I’m almost 40, but that’s besides the point. I had to calmly state to her that it is a regimine of drugs that has been developed over 6 years under close doctor supervision. I cant tell you how hard it was to hold my tounge. She practically scoffed at me.

Now, I have a new doctor. And I feel like he’s dismissing me as well. It’s not just personal perception. I brought all of my pill bottles with me and told him exactly what I was taking and in what strenths. When I left, I realized that he gave me scripts for the wrong dosage on one medicine and a script for only one month on another when I only see them every three months.

I know this is long. I guess it boils down to: How can I handle these situations without being rude but conveying that this is a serious disease that I have. It’s completely ruined my life once, and I don’t want it to happen again. How do I get them to listen? And how do I effectively ride out this constant change in doctors?

Hi I am 25 and about to stop taking my meds to try to concieve a child. I want to document my everyday moods and my plans to help me keep sane and pictures. I am really scared to stop lithuim and I have read in other websites and some woman do not try to have babys because they are afraid of becoming crazy again. I too dont want to become the person i use to be. I want to help other people in my situation. Does anyone know how i can accomplish this? Maybe my own website or a even a book i can write…I want to start a journal starting tomorrow. I chose tomorrow because I am going to see my OBGYN. Saturday i will be seen my Med doctor. Well if anyone has any ideas feel free

I am Ultra-ultra rapid cycling bi-polar. I had to move back in with my father, who was an alcoholic when I was a child, and physically abusive. My brother lives here and he is an alcoholic. They are constantly antagonizing me. My father still threatens to beat me, or throw me out on the streets when I have a manic episode. I don’t know what to do. I have recently had thoughts if killing the two of them. There are lots of knives here and I can see myself doing this. I take my lamictal everyday. I try to keep myself under wraps, try to stay in control, but everyday, living with these jerks, it becomes harder and harder. I find myself thinking and visualizing the abuse as a child here. I feel like this house is closing in on me, crushing me, strangling me mentally. I afraid not for myself, but what I might do if they push me too far. I’ve taken large doses of pain killers and muscle relaxers that were not mine, get myself stoned, just to keep the manic state from spiraling out of control. I’m afraid I will kill them. I was going to go to a psychiatrist, but my medicaid has been cut off. Now I can’t get any help at all. I don’t know what to do now.

Dear Claudia - Please take yourself to an emergency room immediately - they cannot turn you away - and you are in a crisis and need emergency assistance. You need to get help right away and then to get help accessing outpatient services. Hospitals often have free or low cost clinics - especially university or teaching programs. Your living situation and your current symptoms are very concerning - you deserve to be helped and cared for.
please follow up and let us know how you are doing -
Dr. Fink

I am on the following:
20 mg Adderal XR (AM)
20 mg Lexapro (PM)
300 mg Lamictal (Non-Generic)

I was being treated for major depression, until this past year they rediagnosed me (new doctor) BP1.

My question is this… Can Lamictal cause excessive Paronoid thoughts? It’s hard to work when all I do is think I hear people wispering about me or plotting against me. (And I have no reason to feel this way).

I have been in the darkness of the cellars the last few weeks where I have thought the pain would never end – to add to it, I have been in a marriage prior to meeting a ‘dream girl’ with some sever BP symptoms who has been on the meds since 5. The marriage, which am still just not so sure on but need to work on priority – my wife of now 2 years - we were together for 8 years prior and seriously wonder about so many things i.e. is it right?

I have lived a hectic work life and there are quite a number of financial stresses that need to be managed – and then when I am thinking of feeling ever so down, work often takes my mind off things ,‘dream girl’ BP comes around - who I met at work 10 months ago – I have never really felt ‘normal’ my life in so many situations, but with my ‘dream girl’, I felt ‘normal’ even though I was riding a massive wave

Well, everytime I saw her I was happy, even though she would walk out the office in tears and talk about how nervous she felt and wanted to go back home – which is another country – and was just sad she would say - and then the next day all ‘happy happy’ she’d say…she has pushed people away and have heard the drama..saying she just needs to go and be with her family..the hate my job..the never having any money…truth is, i didn’t much about these bipolar prior this, and I sometimes wonder how much is further ‘pushed’ with people becoming fixated, and maybe even enjoying the pain and not believing a solution – which my ‘dream girl’ would often say she was confused as her ‘happiness’ was in her pain sometimes – may not make sense to some folk, but this was a cross she sadly bears…its very sad…like I feel…

Well, none of the rollercoaster issues seemed to matter to me, or maybe I told myself that, the fact was, i was getting caught up in it all - I mean she was there as I talked on my wife and mine problems, and every day we seemed to get closer – months down the line and we cant not see each other, talking about babies and basically going down that direction..

Anyway the kettle was really start to boil, both women sending me text messages they love me and it got to the extent I was craving so badly - I had to call it off, otherwise frankly she would be pregnant right now..

Anyway, a couple weeks now, my job came to an end and now am even had suicidal thoughts on a daily basis.
I called it off with my ‘dream girl’ and am told by people that is the best thing to work on the marriage..I jsut feel so sick, ashamed and alone.

Thing is, I just so want to be with her and feel happy for hours and then straight down…I have even started going to therapy but no-one seems to understand how bad I have got

I so want to just be with her - I read so many posts with the individual with BP calls it off…I have never really met anyone who I can look into their eyes and I see a reflection of myself - and beside her mood swings I so wish I was 10 years younger (and unmarried) and could just experience

I miss her so so so so much and feel so embarrassed because I have told confidantes people about my feelings for her in years to come I hope they don’t look at me as ‘the guy who strayed’ from such a loving concerning wife - I have told my wife that I am depressed only - whcih I have been and she is so supportive of me and such a stable person which BP ‘dream girl’ has really been honest to me and said she will never be stable - she did say from the start I would be up for a rocky ride, and like a typical Mr Fixit bloke, ‘yeah, no worries’…she just filled a major gap and plugged it so well, even with all her ‘baggage’.

I am also hating the ups and downs I keep feeling - I have stopped working and just feel i have lost my direction… I have in the past have had strong solid relationships with exes who are amongst my closest friends and have confided in them about this…I just don’t know even though even though my ‘dream girl’ and I had could ever be ‘friends’ in the normal respect because I would be scared I would be ‘drawn in’ – it’s like one almost craves – but it does leave one feeling instable – I do worry though that at the same time, her past, her severe addiction to drugs, her bad diet play a major role – she kept telling me she wanted to change and we would go for a run or so together – but its short lived, and words were short lived, as she #slipped# back into her habits to ‘escape and forget’ as she would say…

…at the end of the day, my ‘dream girl’ never asked for her issues, and she has cried in my arms she just wouldn’t want them, and just wants to be normal – I have felt her and witnessed her pain - I just so wish we could have stayed friends as such….it was the greatest excitement when we did the Myers-Briggs test and we’re ‘ideally’ matched

Anyway anyone, any hard hitting comments appreciative - I need to face this thing head on and get out of the dark place I am now….I have the mustard in me to get out..somehow I don’t want to and want to be with her, but…

And all the best everyone dealing in similar - it feels so good and you wnat to believe you can make it work and just want to support to the max - but like its said you cant change people they need to do things for themselves..and my ‘dream girl’ would keep telling me this, but always asked my help – some of the tasks I would think to be quite simply done, but would help out nevertheless because I loved her so much..she would thank me endlessly but to me, its just being me..darn this is hard…

..sometimes I just want to escape this ‘reality’…it makes me sad and I almost checked into a ward myself last week – I almost couldn’t take it anymore

Bestest

Hello, I am really worried about a friend. Her boyfriend, whom she has only been with for 8 months and is now living with has always been very open and said that he has bi-polar disorder and has been diagnosed.

However, it doesn’t quite feel right? The gentleman in question is only on anti-depressents … which he has now stopped taking. A few weeks ago, he self harmed by cutting his arm after an arguemnt with his family. I see no mania at all from this guy, but he always seem to be down about one thing or another. Is it possible that he just has depression?

Can a bi-polar person just be treated with anti-depressents and stop taking them and seem as ok as he seems?

I am really worried about my friend and I am not educated enough about bi-polar to tell her that I think that this guy is playing for her attention.

Emma xx