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hello there
well i have been this way for about 10 years, was diagnosed when i was 17, they put me on anti depressant medication, which did not help too much, and now i take lithium, i have never been offered ECT though i have discussed it with the doctor. It isn;t really so common over here in the UK
really all i can tell you in my experience is, that medication does not cure you.
All it does, is make the difference between a good day and a bad day- and long term it can help prevent severity and frequency of mood change.
i have found that changing my lifestyle has helped, not taking any drugs, not drinking too much, being very careful about my diet and remembering to eat regularly and healthily. Sleep is important too, i changed my job, because my career was fuelling my mood swings. I had always been very creative, as many bi polar people are and i was exceptional at my job, but it made things harder for me. Now i teach children, and teach yoga- which inteself has helped somewhat.
The other triggers for me are emotional turmoil...and anything stressfull or emotionally chaotic. I do not do well inc haos, routine and stability are vital to my well being.
It is very hard, i find relationships with other people extremely difficult to maintain. I have two children and they have helped me-i have found that working with children has been very good for me...and rewarding
I would say to you that you have to look at changing your lifestyle in order tolive with your condition, i know it is hard, when you have to get up every day and battle something which will never truly go away. I feel so much despair because i feel people like us have the most cruel of illnesses, it effects my emotionsi cave no control over any of it- my ability to relate in an emotional way to other people, and it will never truly be gone. Never being able to trust your emotions, and having to ignore them, and make only logical choices with your head and not your heart.
In my more optimistic moments, i know that my mind is sometimes exceptionally brilliant, clear thinking...logical, creative...super efficiant- it's part of my character who i am, and im sure there are positive things that i couldnt have done perceived or understood because i have a mental illness that augments extremity.
i want you to know that you are most certainly not alone, in how you feel lots of people understand
much love
Sephie
xxxxxxx
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