Anyone Experienced Dissociative Depression? Coping Strategies?

[ILADVOCATE]

I know depression can vary in how it occurs and I would be interested to know if people have experienced dissociation during depression because that how it usually appears in me. The Clonidine patch I am is very helpful but it runs out after 5 days (that's my specific titration, it usually is for 7 days) so it returns after a few days. I'd rather not talk over medical specifics which I can discuss with my psychiatrist but if people have experienced this and if there are coping strategies as it would differ from that of standard depression. What's the best way to understand it, know its not real and after following up with your psychiatrist and treatment be able to spot it and talk yourself down. I can't change the dose because the patch is at its highest strength so I have to bear with it a bit.

[ILADVOCATE]

Yeah its a complex one. I agree. The Clonidine in pill format kept running out so the patch format was suggested. Its great the first couple of days and then it dissaptes. Its a bit of a balancing act between my psychiatrist and neurologist as regards what's going on with me. Its primary use is not as a mood stabilizer though it functions as one. I've posted about a lot of "unknowns" but I get the same kind of moodswings as we all do here. However, the Clonidine put to rest a lot of rapid cycling so I do find it helpful. They are still working on understanding the cause of the dissociation better but it is always associated with depression. I think I've been feeling since better since I've been off the Zofran but it was worth a shot. With my affect toned down, my recovery is one step at a time here just like anyone else. I'll be seeing my psychiatrist tomorrow and my neurologist in a month and I'll discuss it. I keep getting reminder e-mails to use the Mood Tracker and frankly I should. I just want to keep any journal entries about certain issues I'm coping with not printed on a website as would some other people here. Thanks for your response.

[LeftCoastChick]

That's a really hard question to address in this forum Mr. ILADVOCATE :)  It sounds like the patch isn't working too well, which is very frustrating in your case. Refractory depression is frustrating to say the least, especially when you have the dual diagnosis of BP. I think you're very right that it's best to talk with your pdoc, you know your own patterns very well.  How to get through it, I hope others that have gone through that can pipe up.  I'm not sure what you mean, if it's just imaginary or your actually having the issue, is that what you mean?