Aa
Breaking Point
Do all bipolar or those that suffer with a mood disorder suffer from a breakdown at one point or another. I never had as of yet but i am curious because of my career choices that I have made, and I just dont want to lose control. Is that something that can be avoided.
I have been on a leave of absence from work due to a severe depressive/anxiety episode for approx. 5 weeks now. My last severe episode was a mixed one 3 years ago. I have been attending an outpatient group since taking my leave, but as much as I am bored, lack motivation, and am fearful of running into people from work, or trying to explain why I am/was out of work, I have many worries about returning to my job! However, how do you account for not having health insurance with the cost of medications and individual therapy?
Can anyone relate to my situation?
Can anyone relate to my situation?
thank you all so much, i will definetly think about my choices before making them final. Thanks :)
Well the reality is that sooner or later it will catch up with you, I wish you success of course but you also need to be aware that as you get older the illness becomes harder to control and you are taking a risk with a lot of things - untreated bipolar's have a higher risk factor of other factors including early onset dementia so there are many factors to be aware of here.
I also tend to believe that living a lie (pretending you are not Bipolar) is ultimately a very bad thing, Id be very interested as to what you will do become a police officer and it comes out that you are actually bipolar later on.
Being a nurse or stressful job is not impossible, I work in very stressful environments and do very well but I am not remotely perfect and in the end it was stress that broke me.
Having a mood disorder does not mean people cannot have goals, I commend you for working toward a goal like this - but realism also pains me to point out that for Bipolar's some things are not in our scope of possibility nor should be, this is of course my opinion and only that and of coures you know I will support and assist you however I can as we always do here.
I also tend to believe that living a lie (pretending you are not Bipolar) is ultimately a very bad thing, Id be very interested as to what you will do become a police officer and it comes out that you are actually bipolar later on.
Being a nurse or stressful job is not impossible, I work in very stressful environments and do very well but I am not remotely perfect and in the end it was stress that broke me.
Having a mood disorder does not mean people cannot have goals, I commend you for working toward a goal like this - but realism also pains me to point out that for Bipolar's some things are not in our scope of possibility nor should be, this is of course my opinion and only that and of coures you know I will support and assist you however I can as we always do here.
No i have not discuss anything with the police force, and I didnt plan on it either. I went into the military (when I was 18) and I handled myself just as well. Yes it was very strenous in the army and we carried a weapon 80% of the time but I was always able to maintain control..
Well also I am going to become a nurse as well and I will like to work (even though I know this may be too much lol, is work as a coroner's assistant), And I am sure I will be able to handle that too. These are the jobs I really really want and I cannot see myself as doing anything else. Thats is one of the reasons I have not also taken meds because of the side effects I had experience with depakote, seroquel, and imitrex and others), is because I dont want to be on anything when I get that call for the academy and the other part of the tests. I already pass the exam.
All the time I invested into these choices plus I do have a child so I want nothing but the best for him and I want him to see me doing something positive, just because I have a mood disorder should not hold me back from accomplishing my goal. :)
And no I am terrified of being in front of a crowd so acting is out of the question. LOL
Well also I am going to become a nurse as well and I will like to work (even though I know this may be too much lol, is work as a coroner's assistant), And I am sure I will be able to handle that too. These are the jobs I really really want and I cannot see myself as doing anything else. Thats is one of the reasons I have not also taken meds because of the side effects I had experience with depakote, seroquel, and imitrex and others), is because I dont want to be on anything when I get that call for the academy and the other part of the tests. I already pass the exam.
All the time I invested into these choices plus I do have a child so I want nothing but the best for him and I want him to see me doing something positive, just because I have a mood disorder should not hold me back from accomplishing my goal. :)
And no I am terrified of being in front of a crowd so acting is out of the question. LOL
I agree - it should be a valid question. The stress involved in both situations could be detrimental with a manic episode. I was joking about how easy it is said to be in joining the military. Someone told me that they thought they would take anyone that could breathe - not true, thankfully!
In the military, it's treated just like any other illness - and actually with a lot of respect - you can't have our illness any more than you can have epilepsy. It's a dis-qualifying illness.
Rach
In the military, it's treated just like any other illness - and actually with a lot of respect - you can't have our illness any more than you can have epilepsy. It's a dis-qualifying illness.
Rach
You can't blame the armed forces and police - after all they are going to give you weapons and they need to be as certain as possible that you wont pose a danger to yourself of other people in stressful situations.
That's the way it is here in my town - they ask about the mental illness stuff, and mood disorders disqualify you for service - don't know about where this person's from - but in Mayberry (HA), it's an issue. I know this because a friend of mine was ON the force, and had to retire due to his diagnosis....
I was about to join the Army Reserves when I got diagnosed (one of my manic decisions....), and it disqualified me - who says it's easier now than ever to join the military!?!?
Monkey, I agree- I say stable, too. Of course, that's a slippery slope. I don't think I will ever be in recovery because it's a constant battle for me.
Rach
I was about to join the Army Reserves when I got diagnosed (one of my manic decisions....), and it disqualified me - who says it's easier now than ever to join the military!?!?
Monkey, I agree- I say stable, too. Of course, that's a slippery slope. I don't think I will ever be in recovery because it's a constant battle for me.
Rach
And I also hate to rain on someones parade but have you spoken to the police force about your illness? I know that in australia Bipolar (along with pretty much all mental illnesses) is a disqualifying illness for all state and national police forces along with the armed forces.
It might pay to ask this question, it ***** I know but some careers are just out of the question for Bipolar's due to stress and other factors.
As for recovery. To a lot of people Recovery implies cure and there is no cure for BP so I dislike recovery - I prefer stability because thats what we can get not recovery IMO
It might pay to ask this question, it ***** I know but some careers are just out of the question for Bipolar's due to stress and other factors.
As for recovery. To a lot of people Recovery implies cure and there is no cure for BP so I dislike recovery - I prefer stability because thats what we can get not recovery IMO
Yes I would agree about Lamictal. Its a full mood stabilizer but has a good anti-depressent effect. If you have bipolar disorder I would strongly advise against going on an anti-depressent especially alone because it will worsen mania potentially to a dangerous point. Let the psychiatrist know you have bipolar and almost certainly they would suggest a mood stabilizer and Lamictal is one in standard usage.
As for myself, as a person with schizoaffective disorder, I had times where my life fell apart and breakdowns all the time before my recovery with glycine, a Phase II antipsychotic in FDA study (for more information google "Dr. Javitt, glycine) which is a glutamate antagonist a new form of antipsychotic that promotes a fuller recovery. The point is I wouldn't want anyone to ever say they can't recover. Because there are multiple medications used as mood stabilizers not in regular practice approved but used off label:
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/moodstabilizers.htm
And as anti-psychotics are increasingly used as mood stabilizers, more are in study
(for a list that updates itself of medications in study google "psychmeds123")
and the glutamate antagonist anti-psychotics, in 5 or more years will if the studies continue with the favorable results be available as medications. So just say there is a medication out there that will help you recover. And if not there will be.
But for starters I'd say Lamictal is a good option and if you have bipolar unless there is remaining depression in which case they would use Wellbutrin (which still has some risk of inducing mania) don't try to convince your psychiatrist to put you on an anti-depressent. Get a full diagnosis first and explain everything, not just the depressive end but any manic episodes you have so they can make a better conclusion and select the proper medication.
As for myself, as a person with schizoaffective disorder, I had times where my life fell apart and breakdowns all the time before my recovery with glycine, a Phase II antipsychotic in FDA study (for more information google "Dr. Javitt, glycine) which is a glutamate antagonist a new form of antipsychotic that promotes a fuller recovery. The point is I wouldn't want anyone to ever say they can't recover. Because there are multiple medications used as mood stabilizers not in regular practice approved but used off label:
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/moodstabilizers.htm
And as anti-psychotics are increasingly used as mood stabilizers, more are in study
(for a list that updates itself of medications in study google "psychmeds123")
and the glutamate antagonist anti-psychotics, in 5 or more years will if the studies continue with the favorable results be available as medications. So just say there is a medication out there that will help you recover. And if not there will be.
But for starters I'd say Lamictal is a good option and if you have bipolar unless there is remaining depression in which case they would use Wellbutrin (which still has some risk of inducing mania) don't try to convince your psychiatrist to put you on an anti-depressent. Get a full diagnosis first and explain everything, not just the depressive end but any manic episodes you have so they can make a better conclusion and select the proper medication.
Research Lamictal. LCC and I both take that and it works well. It won't cure your bp, but it will let you see episodes coming on. Like bulldozer, I feel like my life wouldn't have come to an abrupt mess if I had been on my meds and getting the help I need.
You need to realize that the stress you are going to be going through in normal life is excessive and added to that, it's going to be a factor - BUT, if you have the proper meds and a plan, it can reduce your episode's severity. I say that like they have a life of their own - I feel like they do in a way. You have to keep a watch out for them and have your feet planted firmly when they come - meds help with that.
A lot of people worry about the risk of suicide because of meds, but trust me, the likelihood of suicide is greater without meds. There's no telling how many bp's are dead because of suicide due to improper meds. Don't fear the meds - just be vigilent in your research and talking to your pdoc. Your meds won't interfere, they will help you become what you want to be since you will be in more control.
Bipolar isn't something you can control, in my opinion, without drugs for bipolar. In my case AD's didn't work at all. They made me more manic, and without my Lamictal, my life was a mess - Lamictal and my pdoc/therapy combo. Bipolar episodes aren't just moods, they are biological happenings in your brain and you alone can work to control them - but you can't all by yourself.
Have you been diagnosed Bipolar yet?
You need to realize that the stress you are going to be going through in normal life is excessive and added to that, it's going to be a factor - BUT, if you have the proper meds and a plan, it can reduce your episode's severity. I say that like they have a life of their own - I feel like they do in a way. You have to keep a watch out for them and have your feet planted firmly when they come - meds help with that.
A lot of people worry about the risk of suicide because of meds, but trust me, the likelihood of suicide is greater without meds. There's no telling how many bp's are dead because of suicide due to improper meds. Don't fear the meds - just be vigilent in your research and talking to your pdoc. Your meds won't interfere, they will help you become what you want to be since you will be in more control.
Bipolar isn't something you can control, in my opinion, without drugs for bipolar. In my case AD's didn't work at all. They made me more manic, and without my Lamictal, my life was a mess - Lamictal and my pdoc/therapy combo. Bipolar episodes aren't just moods, they are biological happenings in your brain and you alone can work to control them - but you can't all by yourself.
Have you been diagnosed Bipolar yet?
thank you for all of your comments I highly appreciated it.
Yes my doctor is a P-doc and the first thing see gave me was Paxil. When doctors give me medication I research it. The reason why I refuse this because it has suicidal tendencies and ongoing lawsuits it side effects. I will see her this Monday morning regarding my concern. I am taking all of your advice to heart and see what other medications out there for me. I was also hesistant for medication because I do want to become a cop and a nurse which I have been studying for (which my cousin is telling me rethink the cop one because she says the stress of the job may affect me in some way but i dont think so). So i didnt want all this meds to interfere. I snapped 6 years ago because someone pushed me to far but thats it. since i had my son I was able to keep control of my emotions its hard but I do it. :)
Yes my doctor is a P-doc and the first thing see gave me was Paxil. When doctors give me medication I research it. The reason why I refuse this because it has suicidal tendencies and ongoing lawsuits it side effects. I will see her this Monday morning regarding my concern. I am taking all of your advice to heart and see what other medications out there for me. I was also hesistant for medication because I do want to become a cop and a nurse which I have been studying for (which my cousin is telling me rethink the cop one because she says the stress of the job may affect me in some way but i dont think so). So i didnt want all this meds to interfere. I snapped 6 years ago because someone pushed me to far but thats it. since i had my son I was able to keep control of my emotions its hard but I do it. :)
As with monkeyc I went 13 years without medication and then had a major breakdown. I have to agree that personally I don't think BP can be managed effectively without medication. My breakdown has resulted in me losing my job and becoming "half" a person and 2 years on I am slowly trying to rebuild my life. If I'd been on medication this probably wouldn't have happened, I would still be working and well I wouldn't have this story to tell.
I'd had numerous mild breakdowns during those 13 years but only ever saw my family Doc who would put me on SSRI's which would send me hyper, I would then come off them and be ok for a short time.... repeat repeat repeat.
I think taking multi-vitamins (particularly the B vitamins) and omega 3 is a good idea but is not a replacement for prescribed medication.
I'd had numerous mild breakdowns during those 13 years but only ever saw my family Doc who would put me on SSRI's which would send me hyper, I would then come off them and be ok for a short time.... repeat repeat repeat.
I think taking multi-vitamins (particularly the B vitamins) and omega 3 is a good idea but is not a replacement for prescribed medication.
I have to completely agree with monkey, and I was hesitant about the paxil, there are lawsuits started her regarding that drug, as well as Cymbalta and Effexor. Personally I would stay away from all AD's, they don't seem to help us BP folks much, at least as a front line drug. I don't know of a single BP person who is doing well, doing alright perhaps, but why suffer?
I'm glad I have a pdoc who's fairly conservative with meds, and actually consults with a psychopharmacologist (just found that out on friday), because drastically changing meds, which I think is great. I'm actually seeing this Dr. along with my pdoc on Wednesday, as my meds were increased. Even on meds, sometimes they need to be tweaked. Like Monkey said, being active in your recovery and not solely relying on meds is so important. I wish you much luck, and good energy for your recovery.
I'm glad I have a pdoc who's fairly conservative with meds, and actually consults with a psychopharmacologist (just found that out on friday), because drastically changing meds, which I think is great. I'm actually seeing this Dr. along with my pdoc on Wednesday, as my meds were increased. Even on meds, sometimes they need to be tweaked. Like Monkey said, being active in your recovery and not solely relying on meds is so important. I wish you much luck, and good energy for your recovery.
No meds..
Basically without an MS an AD is a prescription for trouble and Paxil is not something I would choose - Paxil is an SSRI and its side effects include suidical iteration and thats in unipolar depression cases, I shudder to think what it would do in a Bipolar considering the high risk of SSRI drugs anyway for BP's with mood stabilisers let alone without.
In europe its a drug that is only prescribed with close monitoring and its the subject of legal action in other countries from its side effects and severe withdrawl issues.
I would not touch it wtih a 10000ft long bargepole and id be seeking an new GP if mine tried to prescribe this to me.
The reality is that without medication your chances of a breakdown do increase from everything I have seen and read. I went medication free for 15 years until i broke again.
I would never want to say anything insulting and we all make our own choices however personally every person I have met who is against BP meds ends up on them or in a bad state - I honestly believe that you cannot fight this illness long term without medicaiton - you can manage it with limited medication and good education and habits however and you do not need the cocktails some pdoc's seem to be major league fans of.
Basically without an MS an AD is a prescription for trouble and Paxil is not something I would choose - Paxil is an SSRI and its side effects include suidical iteration and thats in unipolar depression cases, I shudder to think what it would do in a Bipolar considering the high risk of SSRI drugs anyway for BP's with mood stabilisers let alone without.
In europe its a drug that is only prescribed with close monitoring and its the subject of legal action in other countries from its side effects and severe withdrawl issues.
I would not touch it wtih a 10000ft long bargepole and id be seeking an new GP if mine tried to prescribe this to me.
The reality is that without medication your chances of a breakdown do increase from everything I have seen and read. I went medication free for 15 years until i broke again.
I would never want to say anything insulting and we all make our own choices however personally every person I have met who is against BP meds ends up on them or in a bad state - I honestly believe that you cannot fight this illness long term without medicaiton - you can manage it with limited medication and good education and habits however and you do not need the cocktails some pdoc's seem to be major league fans of.
Paxil isn't a first line drug for BP, but it's better then you not taking anything. There is no natural herb or homeopathic option that will help at the same level. I was told, sure take your vitamins, and there are good studies on Omega-3's, but none of them help with depression. Do you have a pdoc is or this just a GP, normally a pdoc wouldn't as far as I know give you paxil. I really ecourage you to get one if you don't already have one.
Many folks with BP get dx'd at time of breakdown which happened to me, but another friend was dx'd without that happening. It's important to take meds, it's doesn't get better without them, it's a brain disorder, epileptics have to take their meds so do we. I'm actually on an atyipical anti-seizure med for depression, and it has worked far better then any SSRI ever did. Don't be a statistic of BP, but conquer it!
Many folks with BP get dx'd at time of breakdown which happened to me, but another friend was dx'd without that happening. It's important to take meds, it's doesn't get better without them, it's a brain disorder, epileptics have to take their meds so do we. I'm actually on an atyipical anti-seizure med for depression, and it has worked far better then any SSRI ever did. Don't be a statistic of BP, but conquer it!
actually i havent been taking any meds. I have been going the natural route. But I have been educating myself on mood disorders. My new doc had prescribe me paxil but a prior doctor warned me against this anti-depressant.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Bipolar Disorder Community
15 signs that it’s more than just the blues
Discover the common symptoms of and treatment options for depression.
We've got five strategies to foster happiness in your everyday life.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
