Let`s talk about Bipolar

I currently don’t see any positive in bipolar. It’s a horrible illness that feels impossible to live with.

I don’t think I’ll make it through. I have an admission next week so maybe it will save me. If it doesn’t then there will be no saving me. I will not make it through, I don’t want to fight to make it. I just give up and have nothing left.

@KirSa_EnigmA this is the bipolar forum I was telling you about 🙂

@Captain24 it is a very horrible illness, no doubt about that. I'm glad you're here with us 🙏

I’m done with it all @MermaidHair Im done with life

I hope you get some respite and relief in your upcoming admission. Take it easy @Captain24

Hi @Captain24, it seems like you are struggling at the moment, I have sent you an email, please have a look.

@MermaidHair

TThank you 😁

I have some questions... Or, more specifically, I've written some notes with some questions I have for my psych and gp about medication.

Not sure if any of this is taboo here but I guess we'll see!

Any feedback on these issues from personal experience here?

Thank you 😁

***

Side effects:

Muscle weakness and soreness
Sleepy and tired
High blood sugar
Obesity (already)
Increased appetite
Heart problems
Increased cholesterol
Reduced s3x drive
Keto diet + meds =keto acidosis

The fact is, I don't want to be sedated or lethargic or sick. I want to be strong, energetic, and powerful!

These medications seem to be designed to stunt me.

Surely it'd be more effective to use as needed rather than slap a sedative on my whole life?

It's contraindicated against alcohol. How will that effect me when/if I drink? Isn't that dangerous?

A cascade of additional drugs or treatments would be required to manage these symptoms.

Counter the effects of weight gain with metformin or ozempic? (weak and lethargic so exercise and training are out)

Cholesterol medication? (I already have high)

How to stay alert? Functioning? Stimulants?

Wouldn't a dopamine blocking substance cause attempts to thwart the block with more stimulating outreach? More food, risk, sex, etc? Just to FEEL something?

Who do I need to tell I have bipolar?

Does it effecty drivers license? Any job I might get? Working with vulnerable people card? Care of my kids?

I appreciate any feedback you have.

@KirSa_EnigmA

hearing your frustrations but you are doing the work and the research. Most docs agree it is best to be informed.

I am going to be honest. It’s tuff and each case is unique….

I know someone who has to pay $500 per annum for a psychiatric report to vic roads to give permission to keep drivers licence. Hmmm he had been honest and answered yes to a medication question. Then a tertiary teacher of master’s psychologists told me he shouldn’t have been honest. What get said up front … and behind the scenes… hmm.

Its tricky. You have to do what you believe is right.

take care Apple

These are all great questions for your doctor @KirSa_EnigmA, you are so onto it! I had very similar concerns and questions myself. I can't respond specific to medication types or dosages but what I can tell you is often it's a bit of trial and error, it can take time to find the right medications/ dosage and then adjust to them once you do.

Discussing side effects and pros and cons with your doctor will help, they should be able to find the right balance of what's most tolerable and helpful. I had to try a few different medications before I found one that didn't have deal breaker side effects, and then my doctor worked with me to also manage the tolerable side effects (brain fog, weight gain, tiredness), so you are definitely on the right track with your lines of questioning.

You don't need to tell anyone you have bipolar, or you can tell anyone if you want to. It's your personal medical business so how you manage it is up to you. I tell people here at Sane, a few close friends and family members and sometimes others if they are having mental health difficulties I may use my story to relate and offer hope.

It shouldn't affect your drivers licence aside from you may need your doctor to sign off that you are fit to drive. It can restrict some careers like the police force or military, there are all types of people with bipolar though, doctors, lawyers, teachers etc. It doesn't restrict you from working with vulnerable people. I work with children and people with complex mental health (volunteer).

As far as care of your kids, I raise my 3 solo and I'm not going to tell you it's easy but I think my recovery journey has actually made me a better parent!

Good luck at your appointment today 😊