How long does the depression part last? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

Travis420 · 06-03-2005, 03:50 AM

Hey it's me again, still hanging in there.

I'm new to this Bipolor disorder and haven't been properily medicated yet. I just went through what you call mania where I was in a good mood for days on end for about eight weeks(is it call mania?). Now for the past two weeks it's been the opposite. Some days are better than others, today is so far, is going to be a good one. If I was in a good mood for such a long time than that means I'll be in a crappy mood for another 6 weeks or so? I'm so new at this I really can't be properily medicated yet right?

Well to explain my past a little, I'm a recovering heroin addict and have used heroin for 4 years. Then when I started my recovery last fall and I kept using every now and then. For the past 10 weeks I've been clean from heroin. Does heroin surpresses bipolor? I beleive it does, cause I never new I had bipolor untill after I was diagnosed with it last Feb. I'm only 20 years old, bye the way. The doctors only gave me prozac and nothing else. They told me to fill out a mood journal, which I'm behind on. This mood journal, filling it out, will it give the doctors an idea on what meds I should be on? I don't even think I've been diagnose with which number I'm at, one or two I don't know.

I wonder if it was my junk habbit that cause me to have bipolor or was it that I was born to develope this.

I know I should go back on the prozac, but it's been over a month now. Why even bother. I'm still working on getting some type of coverage so I'll have the means to support my meds and therapy. I stopped going to the doctors too cause I just don't have the money. I'm flat broke with no job, except an odd job here and an odd job there. Any money I do earn goes towards my methadone, if I stop taking that I'll deffentily go back to using and that's just going backwards. I rather suffer through depression than go through withdrawls from methadone.

Talk to you guys later

Travis

goofyafter2 · 06-03-2005, 03:54 AM

I think it varies from person to person. For me, I was more depressed most of the time. I just want to add that I was on prozac too, and it just aggrevated my condition. I hope this doesn't happen to you. Man, you really have some stuff to deal with. I hope you will be able to get into a dr soon. I think that would be the best idea. Good luck!

Josie's Momma · 06-03-2005, 04:27 AM

Hi Travis,
I am actually reading a book right now about BP written by a Pdoc. He mentions BP and drug addiction. They think it is possible to go into BP states due to drugs. The withdrawal of them as well. You have a lot on your plate right now. You just have to take it one day at a time and know it will get better. I am in the same situation without healthcare and it is expensive without it.
As far as how long it lasts? It varies from person to person. Just because you were Manic for 8 weeks does not mean you will be depressed for the same amount of time. I can't say I could ever clock my cycles by looking at the other end of them. I think it would have made it too easy for me, and we can't have that. LOL
Just wondering, is the reason they aren't medicating you due to your addiction? Also, have you tried for free health care? I don't know where you are in the world but it seems there should be something. Especially with you be a recovering addict. Just a thought.
Good luck Travis. Keep us up to date!

Travis420 · 06-03-2005, 04:51 AM

Josie's Momma

I tried for disabilities, but no answer yet. I even applied to medicaid and I'm still waiting an answer on one that too. I live in the US in NJ and it's hard to get any benifits. I just don't have the money to pay for the meds and therapy that I need. I was subscriped to Prozac, so the docs are medicating me. Well at least they're trying to anyways.

What's this book you are reading?

Travis

Josie's Momma · 06-03-2005, 05:16 AM

i don't know if I am allowed to say but I will try.... It is Bipolar Disorder, A guide for Patients and Familes, by Francis Mark Mondimore, M.D.
It just seems with BP they would give you a mood stabilizer. I am by no means a Pdoc though. So it is just my opinion.
This book is very easy to read and explains ALOT of things. There is also Kay Jamison M.D. She is a Pdoc who has BP and has written quite a few books. They are worth picking up too.
I know all about trying to get help from the state. When I quit my last job I had ZERO money coming in and I have a 4 year old. They just kinda turned their noses up at me. Turned out it was ok, I got a job in the time it would have taken to get anything from them. Still the medicaid would be nice...