My PCP started me on three different anti-depressants consecutively more than 30 years ago. After I consecutively quit each one due to side effects, he referred me to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist diagnosed bipolar 2 disorder, as opposed to depression. And we worked through a couple of treatments before settling on the one that I've been taking now for 20 years. I had questions about whether this would make me a zombie. (No) and whether it would interfere with my spiritual life (No, it has not). It keeps me stable. I tend toward the depressive side of Bipolar disorder, although the anti-depressants I was on before seeing the psychiatrist sent me into mania. The medication I am on keeps me from sinking too low while at the same time not triggering mania. Despite some really heavy things that I am dealing with in my life, my reactions to normal events are normal (husband with cancer, for instance).
I asked my psychiatrist how long I would have to be on bipolar meds. He said, "The rest of your life. The risks of not being on meds is far more than being on meds." In my case, stabilization is the goal. Not recovery.
For a broken leg, you need a crutch. Feona back twisted with scoliosis, you may need a brace or surgically implanted rods. Perhaps medication for mental health acts in those same temporary or permanent ways.
My PCP started me on three different anti-depressants consecutively more than 30 years ago. After I consecutively quit each one due to side effects, he referred me to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist diagnosed bipolar 2 disorder, as opposed to depression. And we worked through a couple of treatments before settling on the one that I've been taking now for 20 years. I had questions about whether this would make me a zombie. (No) and whether it would interfere with my spiritual life (No, it has not). It keeps me stable. I tend toward the depressive side of Bipolar disorder, although the anti-depressants I was on before seeing the psychiatrist sent me into mania. The medication I am on keeps me from sinking too low while at the same time not triggering mania. Despite some really heavy things that I am dealing with in my life, my reactions to normal events are normal (husband with cancer, for instance).
I asked my psychiatrist how long I would have to be on bipolar meds. He said, "The rest of your life. The risks of not being on meds is far more than being on meds." In my case, stabilization is the goal. Not recovery.
Love this. I have a close friend similar to you in their story.
This is brilliant because it's more of what we need: real, honest stories infused with thoughtfulness and admission to uncertainty. Bravo. Thank you
💯 agree
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
For a broken leg, you need a crutch. Feona back twisted with scoliosis, you may need a brace or surgically implanted rods. Perhaps medication for mental health acts in those same temporary or permanent ways.