Flat affect, sleepiness and grieving mania

I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and I’ve been struggling with trying to cope with the disorder as well as living with side effects to my medications. I swung into a severe manic episode in February/March. This was my first manic episode and it was very scary but I also strangely miss it a lot. I felt euphoric, creative, happy and it finally felt like life was worth living (I had a 2 year depressive episode that I didn’t think would ever end).

Now I feel really flat, sleepy and like I mentioned, I miss the mania a lot. Is this normal? I've talked to my psychiatrist about it and he basically said I was depressed (mildly). I don't think this is the case. I went through depression and this doesn't feel anything like depression. I feel flat. I guess I don't feel like I feel anything. I take 200 mg lamictal and 4mg risperidone.

Has anyone experienced this or been able to treat these feelings? Is it the medication?

Thanks,
Willow

Thank you for your reply. I'm kind of bummed only one person replied but like you said it feels good to know that someone else feels the same way.

I'm actually thinking about stopping my medication and just seeing what happens because I really don't like how I feel. I know it's not the best idea but I'm afraid of feeling this flatness forever.

I don't know if I should tell my doctor I'm quitting the meds or lie and tell him I'm still taking them or what I should do.

Hmm.

Willow1684, I too don't like how any of the meds prescribed to me so far, make me feel and have considered just quitting the meds You expressed well your feeling on lying to the doctor. I too have that dilemna. You are not alone on that line of thought.

Hi Willow, HeyLegg and Oranged…

It is sad to see this thread end as I think you all have things in common. I don't suggest stopping your meds cold turkey. There can be withdrawal symptoms and side effects from abruptly stopping depression or bipolar meds. So I hope you all worked it out.

Bipolar can be heart breaking. And very frustrating. Also confusing. My mother was bipolar and didn't take her meds right. It made for a miserable life for all those around her. Including me and I was just a kid. So remember, this doesn't only effect you. Talk to doctors and therapists. Even if you don't like the way you feel now, there is nothing wrong with that. The therapist and psychiatrist should help you to feel good. There are many medications and different routes to take. Let somebody know you aren't happy with the way you feel. Med adjustments and changes happen all of the time.

Best wishes to all of you.

Just popping in as the depression forum is rather slow.

Hugs...

How are you doing?