Still getting irritated and depressed

[tk50]

I was recently hospitalized because my functioning physically and otherwise have been seriously affected by the use of lithium. I nearly lost my job. New medication was prescribed and I seem to function a lot better especially physically and being able to focus and concentrate better. But I still get mixed rapid cycling episodes, although they are milder. What I want to know is if medication is supposed to completely prevent episodes to be effective? People seem to think that as I am on medication now I should not feel like this anymore.

[tk50]

Thanx for your comment. It helps a lot just to know what you experience is not all in your head! I know I must exercise, but as a single mom who work full time, there never seem to be time. School nowadays expect such a lot from children, and therefore from their parents. Before you know it is bedtime. I know - you are right - excuses!. I know that when I am tired I get unstable very quickly. I have been sleeping very poorly since I came out of hospital. At the moment I'm so tired I can hardly get up in the morning. I have decided to apply for sick leave, although I have no sick leave or annual leave left due to the hospitalization. So this will completely lie in the discretion of my superiors. Hold thumbs for me please!  

[lindahand]

I know of very few people for whom the medication takes away all the negative effects. Quite often you need to combine vigorous exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy to get you closer to normal. Also learning what your triggers are and how to avoid them. I was told in my bipolar education class that 60% of it was meds and 40% of it was how you decided to cope with your illness. That if you were passive you could never expect to reach 100% recovery.

For me I would say I have about 80%, but I don't exercise which is a problem. I felt better when I exercised but then my exercise machine broke and I haven't bought a new one. Excuses Excuses I know. I just find running in the spot or doing jumping jacks exceedingly boring.

And since you are just out of the hospital it may take some time to settle into your meds. Your brain got broke and it takes a while for it to heal. It took me months to recover.

But I would ask your psychiatrist about this. Keep a mood chart, and report to them your feelings. They can tell you if you are far enough along or need a different med combo.

As for 'people' if they are close friends or family try using the analogy of a cast with them. You have gotten the bone 'set' but it is going to take some time for it to heal properly.