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Calming antidepressant induced cycling

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Posted 8/18/2014 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hello
I am using this forum for the first time. I have a recent diagnosis of bipolar 2. I have been on antidepressants for 18 years which apparently have been the worst thing I could possibly have been on. I have not started on mood stabilizers yet as I am waiting to see my new doctor. I am cycling like crazy and I am having so much trouble finding ways to calm hypomania. It is obviously brought on by my current meds. What do others do at the first signs symptoms to chill? I am also wondering if there is a medication I can take to come down a bit.

Anxious irritable unfocused and frustrated !

Evening Rhymes
Posted 8/20/2014 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Evening Rhymes,

Welcome to the forum :-)! I am happy that you joined.


I am sorry that your current meds are not working. I would suggest you visit your doc. I hope you will get to see your new doc soon.

Whenever you feel a hypomania episode coming on, remember to breathe. A hypomania episode is going to want to speed you up but purposeful. Deep breathing will slow you down.

You may also probably want to go outdoors for a walk or exercise. Exercise will help to wear off the excess energy in a positive way.

Remember to eat properly as well and it is also recommended that avoid taking sugar, caffeine and alcohol.

Please keep us updated and let us know how you're doing.

UA
Posted 8/20/2014 12:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you kindly for your reply. Yes my current medication is the culprit. I am waiting for an appointment with a Psychiatrist which is inexcusably long in my province. In the meantime I am working with my family doc. To change and start a mood stabilizer for the first time. It can't possibly be worse than being stuck in a mixed state with no sleep for three days.

I am a professional a wife a mamma and I have rarely missed a day of work due to illness. This is a very difficult thing to have to except.i am committed to getting well and the road ahead is scary. Why is it that someone with a heart issue gets immediate care yet if it is mental illness, it is ok for us to wait up to a month or two years which was how long it took to see a psychiatrist for a diagnosis. Something needs to change!
Posted 8/21/2014 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
I am glad that you are committed to getting help.

I'm guessing that someone with a heart issue is considered at higher health risk compare to mental illness. This is how I think it is perceived. I know that certain cases are indeed a higher risk depending on the situation. However, I know there are mental illness is serious and should be taken more seriously.

Was your psychiatrist from the public hospital or a private institution? Two years a a very long time. I hope you get to see your new doc soon and don't have to wait so long.

UA
Posted 8/27/2014 3:17 AM (GMT 0)
When I sought help they put me on Wellbutrin & I went nuts, cycling like mad. Luckily the med doctor I was referred too was very good at his job. First we tried Depakote, I think it's called. Too drugged up feeling & I gained a lot of weight in two weeks. Then he put me on trip a something, I don't remember but it made me sick, really sick. Then Lamicital & it was a life saver. I still have issues but nothing like before & I don't rage. I still need to seek a good counselor but a good one is hard to find, I don't process my feelings well, I don't know how to deal with hurt & everything just comes out angry, usually with crappy words. Best of luck, I suggest Lamicital to others cause I don't even know I am taking anything, no loss of interest, sex life is good I am just better on it.
Posted 8/29/2014 12:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Devolve,

Welcome to the forum :-)!

I'm glad you finally found a med that is working and you are feeling better with the Lamicital.

I hope you would find a good counselor soon. Do you keep a journal? I have one and it helps me. I write down my feelings and thoughts. It helps me get out stuff by writing it.

UA
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