im 22 and i have been suffering from manic depression i was told i have that two years ago but it seems to be getting worse i have tried alot of meds and they seem not to work what should i do im scared cause i feel like im loosen control of everything i also have an addiction problem what do i do help please i want the madness to stop see i heve a 6 year old doughter and she means the world to me but its hard for me to take care of her when my moods change so fast and she can tell the dif my doc says it will come with time is this true if so how long will i have to wait

Hi Katie,

Welcome to the board.

Were you diagnosed by a psychiatrist? Are you taking any medications now? You don't say what you're addicted to but in some ways it doesn't make any difference. Unfortunately it is very common for those with BP to self medicate in an attempt to get some control over their lives and/or in an attempt to feel better. Many psychiatrists will not treat someone who is still drinking or drugging as it has such an unpredictable effect on the medications and has the potential to be very dangerous.

My son was not able to gain any stability through medications until he finally stopped using drugs.

You might want to check out the website for NAMI (www.nami.org). NAMI is a national organization that has state and local chapters that provide educational programs, a variety of support groups and other resources such as referrals to pdocs and other mental health professionals, etc. There are a wonderful source for information and questions that you might have.

Please post often with your comments and questions. There are lots of friendly people on here who are generous with their knowledge and experience.

Tsohl

Hi Katie, I am newly diagnosed so may not be as much help as some others here but didn't want you to think no one was listening.

First, addiction problems are a common occurence with bipolar from what I read. Also, your addiction problems are probably interferring with your meds, and that could be contributing to your feelings of losing control.

I think some here could help you more if you gave us a little more information. What are you currently on as far as prescriptions? What kind of addiction problem do you have, and how often? are you under a primary care doctor's care or do you see a psychiatrist? Have you been honest with them about your addiction?

Please post when you have a chance and we'll help as best we can.

Just know that you are not alone girl, I definently feel your pain and will help if I can.

Angel

yes i have been diagnosed by the doc and yes im on meds i have been off the drugs for three days and im going crazy i feel that my meds are not working

i am on celexa abilfy trazadone lithum nuronton depacote and i was on crank and pain meds i have a bad back and got hooked on the meds and yes i have told the doc everything about my addiction and been in treatment 3 times i lust relapesed 3 months ago and trin to stop i had 6 months sober i see a pdoc every month and i see a tharipist every week see i recently moved 3 hr north from where my docs and i dreed the drive every month cause when im drivin i get real manic

katie my heart hurts for you! Is there any way you can call him/her to see if they can maybe adjust your meds a little instead of you going in?

I think addictions with alcohol and other stimulants such as crank, coke, etc., are common with bp's, maybe trying to mimic the euphoria of the hypomanic episodes? I know that I was and am drawn to these types of stimulants as well and it is a battle to stay away from but one that i now know has a greater affect on me and my moods then i originally thought. It's a double edged sword, i know it will give me temporary relief and make me happy/hypomanic for a little while, but depression WILL follow.

If you can't do anything else, talk to us here, at least vent, get your feelings out in the open, it always helps, knowing others have suffered through similar hardships and truly care about you and your well being.

Angel

i feel helpess and in need of something dif its like im traped in this cage and i cant get out im also dealing with my babies father hes trin to take her from me and i feel theres nothing i can do i feel like im going in circles dose this allways happen when i take my meds im eaither zomed out or over hyper i feel like im alone like none cares my family dont understand they tell me to shake it off and you will be fine but see i know im not fine it hurts me to feel like this

hi katie,
I'm not bipolar myself but my boyfriend is and he had a lot of probs with his meds when he was newly diagnosed. He had CBT treatment...is that something thats been mentioned to you or u think might help? remember you can always ask ur docs about trying different therapies and meds. Can you not find a doctor who is closer to you? Driving seems to be one of those stimulants for mania and the closer ur doc is the easier it will be for support from them. Having support is so important. If u really think ur family don't understand try sitting them down and explaining bipolar to them, even if u need to use symptom sheets and things from websites. The info i got from my GP and the net on bipolar really helped me understand the complexities of bipolar which then let me be more helpful to my bf when he was struggling. Don't think no one cares because they do. I'm new to the site and already ive gained so much from talking to people about their probs. Everyone on here is ace. Try and stay positive.
best wishes and good luck with everything. Keep posting.
HUGS
Faerie xxx