megan634
05-26-2004, 06:05 PM
Hello...
I'm Megan, bipolar, 17 years old. I was 'diagnosed' with bipolar about 2 years ago, and was put on a bunch of different meds to see what would work. At the end, I was on Risperdal (for bp) and Celexa (for depression). After about a year of taking that, and feeling decent, I had gained 45 lbs and one day just up and decided to quit taking my meds. I hated knowing that my HAPPINESS depended on a pill. Yuck, it was a disgusting thought. I stopped taking them, lost the weight, and although I do suffer from the mood swings and what not, I feel great knowing that I'm back to my normal size, and know that I am capable of being happy without a pill.
I found this message board and thought it was interesting to see what other people experience as well.
Just thought I'd introduce myself and say hi... :)
I'm Megan, bipolar, 17 years old. I was 'diagnosed' with bipolar about 2 years ago, and was put on a bunch of different meds to see what would work. At the end, I was on Risperdal (for bp) and Celexa (for depression). After about a year of taking that, and feeling decent, I had gained 45 lbs and one day just up and decided to quit taking my meds. I hated knowing that my HAPPINESS depended on a pill. Yuck, it was a disgusting thought. I stopped taking them, lost the weight, and although I do suffer from the mood swings and what not, I feel great knowing that I'm back to my normal size, and know that I am capable of being happy without a pill.
I found this message board and thought it was interesting to see what other people experience as well.
Just thought I'd introduce myself and say hi... :)
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tazmom19987
05-26-2004, 07:26 PM
I can understand your frustration. But you happiness does not depend on the medication. You are still in control of that. I went undiagnosed for many years. I have few friends because my emotions are so intense. I am now divorced and fighting to save my job. My Doc explained to me that as time goes the mood swings will worsen. There are other medication options. My Doc told me that Lamictal is weight neutral. You should not gain or lose.
I have had to come to grips with understanding that mental illness can be scary but just like diabetes and high blood pressure we should take our medication.
I am trying not to preach and I may come off wrong and I am sorry, I just don't want you to find yourself in your mid 30's going, I wonder if things could have been better if I tried a different med.
I know that you will do what you think you need to do but talk to your Doc before you stay off meds for a long time.
My most resent crash from Manic almost resulted in me losing everything, job, home, etc.
Don't make my mistake.
If you want to tell me to go jump in a lake go for it. But there are so many different meds out there that you should not give up after a bad experience on one.
No medication can every make you happy, truly. That only comes from within yourself and seeing past the things in your life like medication for a bonifiable medical condition.
I will shut up now.
I have had to come to grips with understanding that mental illness can be scary but just like diabetes and high blood pressure we should take our medication.
I am trying not to preach and I may come off wrong and I am sorry, I just don't want you to find yourself in your mid 30's going, I wonder if things could have been better if I tried a different med.
I know that you will do what you think you need to do but talk to your Doc before you stay off meds for a long time.
My most resent crash from Manic almost resulted in me losing everything, job, home, etc.
Don't make my mistake.
If you want to tell me to go jump in a lake go for it. But there are so many different meds out there that you should not give up after a bad experience on one.
No medication can every make you happy, truly. That only comes from within yourself and seeing past the things in your life like medication for a bonifiable medical condition.
I will shut up now.
mudhound
05-27-2004, 07:50 AM
A HUGE welcome to the both of you. :wave: