Bipolar and Grief

I have been using the same medications effectively for a few years.  But 8 weeks ago my husband, my dear sweet best friend, died.  I went through a horrible 10 days of panic and anxiety.  Now my anxiety and depression are better, but still my constant companions throughout the day.  Do you think I may need more meds?

[ihatemedication]

hi, i'm sorry to hear about your loss of your best friend. it is understandable that you would be experiencing an increase in depression and anxiety because of this.

grieving is a natural process, and though it can complicate the already difficult symptoms and affects of a mental or emotional illness, it doesn't necessarily mean that you require more medications. you might find a greater benefit in talking to your therapist about these things,  increasing the number of visits you have with him/her for a while, and going from there. your therapist can suggest activities and exercises to help you gain a better perspective and sense on closure regarding the death of your best friend, and help you come up with strategies for coping when these feelings get overwhelming. there are also group therapy programs geared towards those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

if you find that these things don't help, i would then ask your psychiatrist what he would recommend. symptoms and affects can change as you get older and it could be possible that your medication is may need to be increased. but given that you have just experienced a great loss in your life and should be expected to experience some emotional changes, if i were in your place i would try to exhaust all of my other options before trying that (that is, unless your feelings/mood are so severe that you are having great difficulty functioning).

~ erin

[tamlloyd]

I wouldn't say your medication needs to increase. You just need time to grieve.

[ImJustMe78]

Hi, I agree with both the posters who have responded.  Something so traumatic like that is almost expected to make you feel different.  It is a natural process like one poster said for you to feel worse then normal.  I agree with the second poster in upping your therapy for a while as you get through this hard time.  Maybe even taking a bereivement (sp) class or something until you feel better and get through these emotions.  I really do not think at all that you need your meds increased.  It's just going to take some time for these feelings to pass and for you to come to grips with what has happend, that's all. Talk to your psychiatrist about all of this and how you are feeling.  I'm sure he will  be there for you when you need him at a time like this.  You will be in my thoughts and hope you start to feel better soon.  If you need to talk you can click on my name in blue and I think it will email me personally should you want to talk.


-Heather