Bipolar Depression

[TailTactics]

I was diagnosed with this not too long ago and I wanted to know what you all do when it hits you.. the depression. What do you do to cope with this form of depression ?

 

[bipolarbear]

Oh hum, I also have bipolar depression (with anxiety disorder and slight OCD tendamcys...) I had to first find the right meds that worked fo rme. I realized that all the things I use to do to cope, went away, they didn't work with teh meds. I have spent the last year relearning how to cope with things, issues, daily life, my past...ect... I highly recoment seing a therapist, they are very helpful... I could not get out of my 6 month bad depression on my own. It took my pdoc finally agressively medicating me in a short period of time to pull me out... then you ahve to make sure that you are not too hard on yourself! Like yesterday I could do this task, and why can't I today, for example... I recomend journaling, and charting your moods. Just a sacale of 1-4 is fin, that way you don't use three as a crutch. 1 is a bad day, 2 is an ok day, 3 is a good day all things considered.4, is a good normal, feels smoooth day... I just write the number down in my planner, then I chart it later, adn I have been surprised at how much better I actually am doing compaired to how I thought I was doing... I hope some of this helps...

 

[Alaskamomma]

When I am in a depressed mood I am doing good just to keep breathing. I cry. A lot. Some times I would just cry for hours and hours.

Find a friend. Someone you can talk to... maybe a therapist. Find a group so you can share your feelings with others that are going through the same thing as you. Listen to uplifting music, if you can.

Get outside. Play in the dirt. Climb a tree. Plant some flowers. Ride a horse. Do some thing that will connect you.

 

[lvbeads]

I so agree with bipolarbear - the only thing that helped me was medication. Keep at it with your doc until you get the right combination of meds - I always say, you are the customer. You must find the meds that work that don't cause a lot of side effects in you, otherwise you won't take them. There's a combo out there just for you that will make you feel good - you just have to find it.
God bless...

 

[searchingforpeace]

Meds can be very helpful, a supportive and understanding doc/therapist. I know when depression hits me, I isolate and pull myself away from everything and everyone which only ends up making things worse. Staying connected any way you can is really good.

 

[TailTactics]

Thx for all your responses they are very helpful. I don't keep track of my mood like I should but I do attend groups and spend time with God. That connection really helps me feel alive and it helps deaden my depression. I found the right amount of meds to cope and think clearly, or more clearly at least. I also do get out when I could and maybe a job will help me stay connected to the outside world more. Thatnx for all your suggestions they are very helpful.