Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
snowflake231Senior Contributor
So I have bipolar 1. I've been on regiment of medication. I'm going through a mixed episode. My medication is not controlling the symptoms. I can't add any new medication due to allergic reaction. I can't increase the medication I'm on as it would require me taking it in the morning and it knocks me out cold so I would not function at all through the day. What do I do?
In response to: I've reached a dead end medication vice
snowflake231Senior Contributor
@Dimity
It's only that my daughter allerted me that I'm not functioning. I didn't think things were that bad but she has begged me to get help as she sees that I don't function day to day stuff. She is quite distressed by it and she said she is embarrassed by me when in public.
I thought I was doing ok so this conversation was an eye opener. So if there aren't any medications I can try to get me out of this episode than I guess ECT is the only other option. I've tried TMS and that didn't work at all.
Anxiety is not a problem for me at the moment.
In response to: Re: I've reached a dead end medication vice
creative_writerSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: I've reached a dead end medication vice
DimitySenior Contributor
Gosh that's a tough one @snowflake231 .
As someone with longterm Bipolar 1 who's only had psychologist help in recent years I'd now try to understand how I'm not functioning to help me navigate the decisionmaking re different modalities of treatment... medication vs physical interventions like ECT and TMS vs behavioural.
You've mentioned communication... which must be a little better for you to have had those conversations. You've worked off some of your manic energy in cleaning and housework so you're on top of that. Would it help to try to list what's going wrong and where you want to be?
I hear you. And it's profoundly unsettling to be standing on a seesaw straddling the two sides. Be kind to yourself. You've only recently had this change to the new antidepressant and it's been a game changer. It must be hard hearing the assessment that you're not functioning but maybe you need more talking points than that to take to your team. Treatments target symptoms and you'll need to know whether your daughters concerns relate to your long-standing problems including the depression and occasional sedation from higher doses of antipsychotics or whether there are new concerns that could be associated with the new meds and your current mixed state. I'd be wary of rushing into ECT if it scares you without being confident it will fix things. If the problems are more to do with communication style and family dynamics maybe talking to psychologist or therapist would help..
I'm glad you have the doctor's appointment Monday.
@tyme might have some thoughts.
In response to: Re: I've reached a dead end medication vice
snowflake231Senior Contributor
@creative_writer
Im only on one AD and I'm on the minimum dose so it's either on or off it.
In response to: Re: I've reached a dead end medication vice
snowflake231Senior Contributor
@Dimity
I haven't seen a psychologist for years. I used to see one but he turned out to be very unprofessional (eg. Vaping during sessions, vomiting into the bin in one session and talking about his problems with me) so I dumped him. I haven't seen a psychologist since. I can't afford to pay for one and its so hard to find a bulk billing one.
as for me not functioning I thought I was doing ok so it was a bit of a shock to hear my daughter say I was not. But the things she listed why she thinks so are all valid and I must agree with her. The problem probably is that I no longer care. I don't know how to explain it. I don't care about my appearance, I don't care about my healt, I don't care if I live or die and I don't care what I do with my days. I do care what my daughter thinks but I don't know if I'm willing to make the changes.
In response to: Re: I've reached a dead end medication vice
DimitySenior Contributor
Hugs @snowflake231 🫂
You' re battling. I'm so glad you're reaching out here.
That psychologist sounds shocking. It's possible your gp could line up someone who bulkbills on a MHCP. I just find a psychologist is helpful re coping with day.to day stuff while my psychiatrist is good on meds.
Those persistent feelings can be ingrained for all sorts of reasons. But you care enough to talk about things here and to be seeking help from your doctor. You're looking after your daughter, she cares enough to raise her concerns and you care enough to reflect on them and take them on board. That's huge.
Silly question but are you finding joy in your day? Little things that cheer you up. I'm struggling myself but I relish my morning plunger coffee and seeing the latest feel-good memesi on ~ The Toolshed ~ thread. The winter sunshine here is nice and I'm deciding what to do in the garden.
I think you've set the wheels in motion re getting on top of things @snowflake231 . And in the forums community there's lots of support so you're in the right place.
In response to: Re: I've reached a dead end medication vice
creative_writerSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: I've reached a dead end medication vice
snowflake231Senior Contributor
@Dimity
I know. That conversation with my daughter might just be the kick in my backside I needed.
In response to: I've reached a dead end medication vice
AuntGlowModerator
Gosh, I can really see how hard this has been for you... @snowflake231. I wish I had an answer that could solve all of your challenges... That being said, I can be here to listen. Is there anything on your mind today? Would love to hear how you've been going over the past few days. ☺️💛
In response to: Re: I've reached a dead end medication vice
DimitySenior Contributor
I hope the doctor was able to help today @snowflake231
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
