Manic Depression

[SarahTonin]

This isn't Bipolar exactly but it is very close (refered to as its cousin).

I've recently been diagnosed with Manic Depression. It's very similar to being Bipolar acoording to my doctor. Essentially I shift rapidly to being extremely depressed or extremely panicked. I also have anger problems but my doctor says it's unrelated.

He is going to start me on Lithium and I want to get better but I'm worried about how it might change me. He said I will probably be more passive in social situations and a lot more detached.

Does anyone have any advice?

 

[Alive again]

Hi Sarah and welcome to Cf and the bp subforum. You are welcome here! Bipolar and manic depression to my understanding are the same thing. There are several subtypes of bipolar (or manic depression). I happened to have the subtype called bp2, so I have Hypo (or little) manias. They are not as high, but still high, alternating with lows. I have actually come to prefer myself on medications to off. And over time as I have deepened my understanding of this illness and my faith, I have come to accept that it is not all of who I am but just a small part. There are parts of this illness that are positive (creativity) that I maintain even on meds, and the meds help to deal with the "negatives' of this illness. Prior to meds I was a literal basket case, now with meds i am regaining the live I love.

Hope to see and hear more of you here!
Blessings and prayers!

 

[berry2000]

Most definately the same thing. One is just an older term. The newer term like alive again says is a little broader. Yours is bipolar I the traditional kind. Welcome to our little forumn.

I have bipolar II. No real manias but real horrible depressions and mild hypomanias. Good luck on your new meds. There are a lot of med's out there so be patient. The first one doesnt always work.

 

[GGhere]

I just joined here and was crying as I posted my intro.

I have been so depressed today. This is so rare now because I have been on Lithium for 6 years.
When they got my meds right, my daughter said "I got my mom back"

I am sooo glad I found you all. I feel like the cloud is lifting just from reading some of the posts.

I wanted to add that I lost 60 lbs last year on Lithium...Just in case you hear how meds for bpd always make you gain weight.

I hope to figure out how to add the cute things to my posts. Thank you for being here!

 

[Alive again]

I just joined here and was crying as I posted my intro.

I have been so depressed today. This is so rare now because I have been on Lithium for 6 years.
When they got my meds right, my daughter said "I got my mom back"

I am sooo glad I found you all. I feel like the cloud is lifting just from reading some of the posts.

I wanted to add that I lost 60 lbs last year on Lithium...Just in case you hear how meds for bpd always make you gain weight.

I hope to figure out how to add the cute things to my posts. Thank you for being here!

You are welcome here! And I look forward to hearing more form you! May God Bless you with a quick return to stability!!! Hugs!

 

[zsepthenne]

I have turned neither passive nor detached in social situations! Lithium improved my social interactions, in the form of me not being paranoid to leave the house anymore. I'm the joker of my very small church. I adore Lithium, though it was hard to take at first as it made me tired.
I have gained 35lbs. while on it. I also didn't watch what I ate in the beginning nor do I exercise regularly.

 

[Alive again]

I have turned neither passive nor detached in social situations! Lithium improved my social interactions, in the form of me not being paranoid to leave the house anymore. I'm the joker of my very small church. I adore Lithium, though it was hard to take at first as it made me tired.
I have gained 35lbs. while on it. I also didn't watch what I ate in the beginning nor do I exercise regularly.

Welcome to you as well. You will all find this an amazingly understanding and supportive space, no matter where you are in the course of your life/illness or mood swing!!! Or no matter your opinion!I am soo excited to see so many new faces!!!

Blessings and prayers
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