who's playing this game?
Liss:
I'm (almost afraid to say it here) bipolar. I have a form of bipolar disorder (creatively referred to as "bipolar II") in which I don't get to experience those great manic phases as often as other bipolars. Before I was treated for it, I would, about twice a year, have a manic phase in which my creativity would peak and I wouldn't really sleep for a week or so. What I get the abundance of are the really, really low depression phases. It lasts most of the time. I got to a point where I was agoraphobic, and stayed home for a year or so...I didn't even make my doctor appointments and wouldn't leave the house for them. Other people in my family would have to make my appointments and drag my ass to them. At the time I was seeing a "health professional" who was of the flavor-of-the-week drug dispenser. She put me on so much crap that I eventually decided it wasn't worth it and I would live with the staying home and never getting out of bed. Before that point I had crippling panic attacks in public, and this is why I can't work outside the home, and I'm one of those wierd recluse medical transcription people that work from home lol....anyway my point is, once I was finally diagnosed, and treated with the right medication, the difference was absolutely amazing. I don't know how I lived up to that point.
It's frustrating for people that don't understand, the ones that tell you to "get over it," so frustrating! Now, with what I'm taking, I have enough balance to interact with people and deal with the prospect of work and school.
So the moral of the story is that I identify, and know exactly what you mean. I worry that my kids will pick up that depression gene, if it exists, and it's terrifying!
Brynne:
Quote from: gali on 2005 August 20, 00:02:35
"My father is bipolar with psychotic episodes, so I definitely know how tough that can be. I've never had a psychotic episode (knock on head), but I have been diagnosed with bipolar." (Brynne)
Brynne, bipolar disorder is not mental, but physical disease - it's lack of Dopamine and/or Serotonin in the brain cells, which cause psychotic episodes. I think they found that Omega 3 (fish oil pills) can cure it, without taking pills. I receive medical e-mailed news, and someone there described that he was cured only by taking Omega 3. Worth a net search...:).
I appreciate what you're saying, but although omega 3 pills may help mild cases, much as St. John's Wort does with mild depression, it is not a cure. There is no cure. (And fish pills are still "pills" ;)). I don't know why so many people can't understand that pills are not evil and can mean the difference between life and death for many people. Sure, there are profits companies are after and pills are way, way, overprescribed, and that unfortunately adds fuel to the "depression doesn't need medication" argument. But the legitimate cases often need medication to correct the chemical imbalances. Like a diabetic and insulin. And, yes, that part is physical. But it causes a mental disease. Meaning, it affects your mentality, your way of thinking, etc. My dad's psychosis also has physical,or chemical,rather, causes as well. This is a life-long illness. Although I feel pretty good now, I still have to remember to take my meds daily. I accept that. Lithium was the first thing I was prescribed, along with a ton of vitamins (my doctor was more into the "natural treatments". I'm now on different medications. My dad also started with Lithium. He's also gone through the diet changes, exercise, everything. He has been on just about every medication now, some would work for a while, most had no effect. He's gone through ECT, as well. Now he is on MAOIs, which is a very restrictive drug, and usually a last resort. He is one of the small percentage of people who don't seem to benefit from the drugs available, and that devastates him. When I mentioned earlier in this thread that I had a close family member try to commit suicide last Christmas, I was referring to my father.
witch:
Quote from: Brynne on 2005 August 20, 03:36:33
...Now he is on MAOIs, which is a very restrictive drug, and usually a last resort...
Is that the one where you're not allowedto go in sunlight? Is that why you say restrictive Brynne? My mate was on some drugs & she couldn't go in the sun. She is a pale redhead as well, very bad with the high intensity sun in New Zealand.
Brynne:
No, I don't think they have sunlight restrictions, although they may. They require a very restricted diet. Nothing aged, like cheese or wine, etc, no chocolate, no a-lot-of-things-I-can't-remember. The combination can be fatal.
Zythe:
I have a love of writing. I hope to be an author. I think you can create beautiful art through literature :)
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