I was diagnosed bipolar last year. I stayed up all night writing poetry one night, and when i tried sharing it with my family they ignored it and focused on my mood. Apparently my grandpa was severely bipolar and they were hyper attuned to mania. It ended up turning into an extreme episode over the next few days. I feel that everyones reaction made things worse and worse, because from my perspective all i was feeling was pride in my art, and excitement in sharing it, but the universal reaction was to shut it down ASAP. Id been suffering from constant depression up to this point, so every attempt to shut me down only dug my heels in. I think if there was a safe place for this type of feeling to exist then it would turn into something to be celebrated instead of feared.
I've had a similar experience with noght poetry. I didn't consider myself a poetry person, until my brain started rapid firing me with lines. Making me lose sleep texting poetry back and forth with my Art Student Friend 😅
I had a similar experience as well, less poetry but writing furiously. The growing concerns from family and friends only irritated me at the time, no blame on them of course. I ended up staying awake for 5 days after convincing myself that I didn’t need to sleep and that all these ideas speeding around my head needed to be acknowledged, usually me writing down everything somewhere like my notes app. It got worse before it got better, and then even more worse, but doing better today. Just wanted to get some of my own thoughts out, it’s been comforting to read a bit about other people’s own experiences.
I’m sorry if you’ve felt they “shut you down” but you shouldn’t take it personal I know how hard it is but other people have their own lives you cannot expect them to feel the same way you do about your art. I make music and even work in studios recording others and my stuff doesn’t sound bad at all to me but if I got upset every time I looked at my streams on Spotify or SoundCloud, I’d drive myself insane! I’m not bipolar I’m just an artist, my baby mama is bipolar and whenever she would go manic she thought everything in the entire planet should be catered to her and it’s all for her she’d go full manic and ruin our finances and eventually destroyed our family by trying to self medicate and becoming a full fledged addict. Tried my best to understand her condition but I couldn’t have my son get CPTSD because she’s going manic again and again and again. I still research it because I find it interesting. Hope things get better for u friend.
I know this kind of niche video generally doesnt perform as well as others - but its super appreciated. Love to see more content on Bipolar, thank u for making this
I used to be on 8 meds at once, and it brought me to my lowest point. I took 4 years off of meds, and now I'm only on Lamotrigine. I'm doing great now! I feel much better.
Same! while hypomanic I only take 25 mg of it and when depressed 100 mg, suits me well, but also I take Omega 3 for brain activity and magnesium for sleep
Lamictal is hands down scientifically the best bi polar medication you can be on, as long as mania isn't too much of an issue for you. Has the least amount of side effects, in particular hormonal side effects, which are the reason most people feel like robots on medications
Just some thoughts from another person with BP: I didn’t have any support when I was a kid. I went out and got a diagnosis when I was twenty-two. I didn’t have a good treatment plan until I was twenty-six. Now at twenty-nine I finally feel like I have some control and I can finally start my life. How do you start life at twenty-nine? I never thought that I would live this long, so I don’t really have any ambition. I don’t even know what I like. It’s kind of freeing in a way, but mostly overwhelming. So instead of defining myself intrinsically I formed my identity around my service to other people. This was fine when we were all a whirlwind of hormones in college, but as my friends start to settle into relationships, marriage, and their careers, I’m not NEEDED anymore. Which is a beautiful thing, really. They’re very happy. But if I’m not needed, then I don’t have any worth. So what do we do now? I have to find out what I care about. At twenty-nine. While the vast majority of other people have at least had the opportunity to explore different avenues for themselves. I have to figure out how to define myself intrinsically and cultivate self-worth. I have no idea what I’m doing and I hate when people say “Nobody knows what they’re doing we’re all just winging it”. Like… respectfully, shut the fuck up. At least when you’re talking to someone like me. So often people say things like this, champion mental health awareness, and then as soon as they witness a real episode they run away and try to forget while ignoring the fact that we've had to deal with this for decades. Then they're back on their bullshit. At this point though, it’s not so scary. It’s just a daunting task. We’ll get there. Just be patient and keep moving at your own speed. That’s the real universal advice. It wouldn't be possible for me without medication though. I won’t speak for other conditions but if you’re bipolar and feeling hopeless just know that there are solutions. Take your meds. Talk to your doctors. Don’t give into mania even though it’s incredibly addictive. Don’t be afraid when the first, second, or third attempt at medication doesn’t work. It’s a real struggle, but we’re all just out here trying to not end up like Ye.
I had the privilege of finding out that I had bi polar disorder as a child. Didn't get proper treatment until, well, about a year ago. So I feel you. Bi polar disorder was my identity for a while. My advice? I found hobbies and lifestyle. Sewing, knitting, sports, art groups, painting classes...
@@amberrichards2778 Yea, that's the current plan! I'm out hobby hunting now: cosplay, getting better on guitar/piano, illustration, etc. Trying to pick a couple to really commit to. Thanks for the advice!
totally relate to this. I'm 29 fucked around for years because I didn't think I would live this far. everyone is married, careers, kids etc. where to now?
As someone in their late 30s with severe Biploar II Disorder, I can say that the answer to your question is not an easy one, but that there is an answer. You need to discover your interests and find hobbies. Basically, try a bunch of stuff and learn a bunch of things. Just throw a bunch of shit at the wall and see what sticks. Look for the stuff that you really enjoy (healthy, productive stuff), I mean like the things you find that you just love immediately and join some communities around them, the interwebs loves communities. Before you know it, you'll have built a life and long lasting friendships around shared interests. Additionally, get a pet. When there's a tiny non-human life that depends on you, it puts things into perspective. See, just like that, you have a route to hobbies, activities, friends, and a pet. If that's not a solid life, I don't know what is. For me it was getting back into art (digital painting and 3D modeling), and to stop playing MMORPGs and go back to single player games. I rediscovered my love for handheld gaming, and I have found a lot of joy in it. I also found that once I trust someone, just opening up and telling people about the emotional stuff I deal with strengthens the friendships that I have and allows me to be me around them. I also got two cats, they are awesome. Based on what you've said, you might want to look into volunteer work of some sort. There are plenty of good causes that you could engage in where you would feel very needed.
I'm 24mins into this video & never had this level of care/detail from a paid dr to treat me. Didn't expect to get this much considering I've been living with this for 29 years. Love you.
I've been off them for three years. But I've only been able to do that because I put work into it. I could still relapse but things like sleeping better, exercising more, and diet have really helped. I also found a supportive partner who really helps. I started fixing my diet 3 years ago and it actually made things easier. I didn't think diet would make much of a difference but it did. I started eating mostly meat, and low carb veggies. I stopped eating seed oils, almost all sugar aside from what a naturally in food. Ultra processed food in general. I now go to the grocery store and pick up whatever meat is on sale. cheese, milk, yogurt. I get some veggies like mushrooms or greens, peppers onions, tomatoes. and that's generally all that I eat now. I think the brain works better on ketones rather than blood glucose. Which is why this diet works, as well as the fact that it is giving me proper nutrition. As ultra processed foods and the way I used to eat before was very carb heavy, and thus.. low nutrient density. Between that, and sleep it's made the most difference. Sunshine, exercise make the rest of the difference, and the support I get from my partner just helps me not spiral when I am in a bad frame of mind, and helps me work through it instead.
Doc thank you for making this video. I’ve been off meds for 6 years. I’ve been terrified of the side effects. I’m an artist and it definitely affected me and made me even more depressed because I wasn’t creating regularly. This video gave me the courage to try again.
i was diagnosed with BP and lamictal basically saved my life. i know that sounds dramatic but i dont think i could handle the cycles of mania and depression if i continued untreated, and i hurt a lot of people i cared about in manic states. im ok with relying on this medication, because the person i become without it is not someone i want to be. i do combine medication treatment with therapy, and the combination of the two has helped me understand myself better. it wasnt until i got on treatment that it felt like i finally discovered who i am as a person. please take your meds and follow treatment plans, i promise it gets better. listen to your loved ones when they tell you your actions hurt them, you can and will get better
What about an antidepressant too? I kinda stopped my meds and rn im just at such a low... I going to ask my doc about lamictal because I do wanna get it a shot. I just.... Idk, I have adhd and alot of other problems. I like the idea of not needing meds bc taking them make me feel weak or just, idk... I want to go on Lam and maybe Zoloft, but then I also take a stim for adhd. Maybe I should try to save up for this guys course on the website. Maybe it will help, I just dont know if I have the motivation to actually follow through with it tho
I'mma be real, I have ADHD and Bipolar 2, doing a course or self help will only ever get you so far. I mean that lol I am 30 years old and if you have bipolar, you can only ever do patch work. You can regulate your life to a degree in such a way that would be easier on your psyche but the problem is that this is a mood disorder. This was always present in you but depending on your own journey in life, it can present sooner or later. I had light ripples here and there and I slid underneath the radar for quite some time. I also worked to be normal. The thing is that's every bipolar person. Many of us mask and we get into the rhythm of what it is to be like every other person but the reality is fundamentally our brains our wired differently due to whatever reasons you'd like to believe. But it is a fact that our brains are different compared to others. Self help and therapy are good but as I stated, we are different. Lamictal helped me and I'm going back on it because I spent this past year off of it and uh.. Yeah, I'm definitely not well. I made poor decisions that I know a prior version of myself definitely wouldn't have made. Medicated me would have been more calm and precise and actually look out for future me. Unmedicated me doesn't do that. I am here and I am in the moment but I find it difficult to look ahead. I reached out and got help because I am in a safe place thanks to my girlfriend who hasn't blinked once at all this. @@FritzyFreak
@FritzyFreak according to my psychiatrist Lamictal actually targets depression, it just also happens to help with mania. If you take it and feel you still need an antidepressant I would definitely talk to your psych about it, but for me Lamictal drastically decreased the depression.
Hey guys,I want you to know that THE RIGHT MEDS will help. I had to go through like 5 different pills until I found one that works. The meds I'm on now don't make me feel any different/like a zombie or like I'm less creative. If anything I feel more in control of my creativity/highs and lows. Just thought I'd drop this here😁👍 Also exercise helps ALOT in conjunction with the meds💯
4 all those who claim that psych meds address & resolve their mental health issues; congrats 2 each & every1. Un4tun8ly; the negative side effects do far outweigh the so-called "benefits. While it does vary amongst individuals; the people 2 whom my comment's directed 2 r in the minority RE: mental health."treatment" (the euphemism 4 medication).
@@billybandyk0720 medication doesnt olve your mental health issues but it DOES help you while you deal with your mental health/traumas and also while finding out who you are and how you work. If you just take meds and expect to get better you are absolutely mistaken. Side effects do suck but you either gotta find a better medication for you or just deal with the side effects or just deal with being mentally ill and not getting better
Thank you so much for finally doing a video on bipolar! This is an amazing video to share with my partner to help him understand! I have bipolar 1 with treatment refractory depressions. Been through every 'normal' combination of medications with not much success. Even some odd ones. By some matter of fate, I ended up with an excellent psychiatrist specialising in bipolar/schizophrenia and he offered to take me on privately at no cost. He's been by my side fighting to find something that works and keeps me out of hospital. I've resorted to the ol' quetiapine even though I struggle living with the side effects and have obesity, insulin resistance and high liver enzymes, and minor TDs. I'm learning to live with all of them but honestly I'd not be alive without medications and a doc so willing to listen to me. It's taken me 7 years to find something that helps and that stops me rapid cycling as well. Usually 8/9 episodes a year. Now I'm down to 4. CPTSD complicates the situation. And it's hard with self isolation. But I'm more well than I've ever been.
I was very fortunate I have a very supportive husband even though I was a nightmare to live with. He came to every weekly appointment I had an d took notes after two yrs he was fantastic and knew a lot about bipolar and cb behaviour I think having great support really helps you get your life back. My doctor was the best I had so many over my journey you are trusting them with your life. I was so lucky because my treatment was free .I live on an island in the carribean and they seem to put mental health as a priority.
I can personally confirm SSRIs can cause mania. I think a lot of people with bipolar suspect they don't actually have bipolar on some level (whether it's rational or not), so that's why we think "hey, maybe I don't need this?" Because bipolar is a spectrum and not everyone's landed in the hospital or anything extreme like that, we look around and see people who have trouble just functioning and think "whoa, wait, is this really me?"
This is definitely me, i am figuring out that i have Bi Polar Disorder type, too, and only recently had hypmania episodes trigger. Most of my life I'd have cyclical depression and was confused. I would stop doing what i love, let projects and commitment fall through, and even get close to dropping out of college. Everytime however i would jusr "feel" better. It wouldn't line up to the people in my life who suffer from depression. Then last your i trigger mania for the first time and knew something was off, but like my episode arent as destructive has what i would here about those with Bi Polar, however they strained all my close relationship often for me to have to do something about it.
Lmao that was me.. official diagnosis occurred one week ago today. My SSRI induced mania was absolutely nuts and I burned through 2500 dollars and nearly 1100 more on a random robot vacuum cleaner at best buy. I don't know what's with this weird internet phenomenon where bipolar people start spending a bunch of money at best buy while symptomatic for that lol But especially if you have anxiety I can see that happening tbh. I thought I was making crap up to myself and just acting because I have plenty of paranoia and delusional thoughts (pretty bad cases of OCD run rampant in my family--idk if my psychiatrist just diagnosed me with that, I'll have to ask) but yeah the feeling is completely weird and can feel somewhat invalidating to myself at times
@@ihaveseverefrootsnackismI was the same, I spent £ 3000 in UK while in undiagnosed mania, luckily I got letters from my psychiatrist to explain to Amazon credit card etc,they have sent some letters but I have ignored them, from advice given, looks like I've got off with it, hopefully you can do the same, I was diagnosed with bipolar and now on lithium
I am a senior bipolar with lots of experience in psyche units. The dumbest thing I've seen mental patients do is to go on a med due to an illness, then get better, only to mistakenly think they got better naturally. Finally, to go through the cycle when their mental illness kicks in full force and so on...Best thing I did was to stay on my meds.
Same. I was diagnosed around 2016. I have been in the psych ward many times. Lithium makes me a zombie so I just stop taking it. I learned my lesson 3 years ago after I got on depakote. Sure I gained a ton of weight from it, but it helps stabilize my moods. NEVER GO OFF MEDS! Look at Kanye.
Olanzipine had me gain 30 lbs..😂 to this day, I still have 15 of those I was diagnosed after college. It took me 7 yrs to finish college. I had to take 1yr off and retook a lot of classes. My scholarship ran out the last semester and I paid 9000 out of pocket after taking a grant and 3 loans😂 I used to feel bad for all that happened so I didn't value my degree; but now it makes sense. Thank you❤
Hey, thank you for sharing your story. I wish I was brave and had the courage to have done what you did. My life went down to hell and I wrecked it a lot (and others' were involved as well) there is no shame in what you did. I was considered one of the "hot shots" of my university but now looking back, I would have done it very much so similarly to your method. That's my testimony for anyone else who may need to take some time and take it slow, take it gently, and enjoy it as gently and slowly as you can. I am on the roads to recovery from a wrecked f*cked up life. It hasn't been easy; it could have been a lot more meaningful and fulfilling had I made choices differently. For others, definitely recommend living healthy, gently, learning about emotional intelligence, financial education and planning, medication plan, taking some time off (if needed), checking in with a psychiatrist and/or therapist, and having a vision for what you hope for after college, something realistic, to live within your means and that's humble but also enjoyable. I hope I can rebuild my life and redeem myself cause I owe it to a lot of people, God, and myself. I just want to make an impact and legacy in a humble, realistic, and healthy way.
I was diagnosed 4 years ago. 4 years of destruction and apathy and rage in coping and coming to realize the diagnosis was reality and I was lying to myself for so long. I'm on two mood stabilizers (depakote and lithium), Seroquel for insomnia/paranoia, Qelbree (xiloxazine) for ADHD and Zoloft as my SSRI for depression and anxiety. Thanks to those, this chaotic mess of a hurricane I am can be regulated and even used to my advantage. every time I go off my meds, I forget, regress, and give into my regrets and continue to rampage ambivalently, delusional and paranoid about what is reality and what isn't. So yeah. Don't go off your meds once you feel fine and don't need them, or else the vicious cycle will repeat.
I have suffered severe symptoms of bipolar since I can remember. In the Marine Corps infantry I was diagnosed after my suicide attempt. In the civilian sector, doctors tried piling me with toons of medications, for sleep and anti psychotics that gave me awful side effects. At the VA, I was prescribed lamotrigine. Only med I have taken and I have my life back.
Been diagnosed with Bipolar 1 after my first psychotic break when I was 21. Diagnosis was bipolar 2 before that (since age 14). The biggest improvement I've seen is lifestyle changes. Don't even think about getting off medication until you have a regulated sleep schedule, healthy diet, and have time to exercise *daily*. You can regulate your mood naturally but it's a full time job, and you always need fast-acting meds on hand in case things get out of control. Regular therapy I'd say is also a must. I have gone 6 months + off meds without problems, but I regularly go back to meds if I can't keep on top of my diet or sleep schedules.
This is what I want to do; only want to take meds when I feel myself slipping and manage through routine, diet, and exercise. However, I'm not sure what med to recommend to my psychiatrist when I go and if this is even something a professional would recommend.
@@novembrluv Talk with your psych, come up with a plan. My go to "as needed med" is Seroquel. It works for me. Helps me reset my sleep schedule- I've heard that it can trigger hypomania in some so I wouldn't recommend as a blanket go to for everyone. If you're on mood stabilizers right now, you need to ween slowly. Again, all under psych supervision. While you're weening, implement the diet, exercise and sleep regimen. Picking up extra hobbies won't hurt either. Meditation and breath work is a godsend. And one more thing- no drugs or alcohol. Period. If you're serious about it you'll quit caffeine too, it throws everything off. It's a question of how bad you want it and if you're willing to put in the work. Good luck.
I am diagnosed w Bp 2, and I’m on seroquel rn and my psychiatrists goal is to get me off of it (albeit gradually, like he wants to get me to half in like 6 or so months) and I’m kinda worried cuz I don’t have any of these things really, sleep schedule is all over the place a after finally finding a helpful outpatient therapist I haven’t seen her in months due to her own private life not allowing her to work much although I do exercise more now
@@CatMilkCheeseSticksI hope you bring your concerns up with your dr. Just my personal experience, Quetiapine was the most effective med that got me down from my last manic/psychotic episode and sleeping again. I reduced it over time with my doc but noticed my sleep would fluctuate. We brought it back up slightly and that worked, and now we up the dose as needed when I notice hypomania. So that’s all to say, definitely stay aware of sleep as you change the Quetiapine and your doctor in tune with that! Best of luck ❤
A close love one to me has bipolar and went off their medication. They were fine for a while, lost a lot of weight they gained from the medication. But then they feel into mania and wasn't able to tell it was their illness making them feel that way. Their mania developed into a psychotic episode. It was really scary trying to help them. Me and my family could see that they were suffering but it was really had to get them help :(
this is exactly what happened to my ex. broke up with me right when the manic phase started and watching her destroy her life now is even more heartbreaking.
@@Malivae Wow, this is what happened to me... my ex developed mania and then psychosis due to wrongly prescribed medication and also broke up with me when mania hit. Didn't think there were other people out there with a similar experience. I really hope your ex is doing better...and you're doing well.
@@marmelaaden i honestly forgot i left this comment. i'm doing a lot better these days. don't know how she is doing, but i don't really care at this point. time heals all wounds.
In 2023 i started working at MGH in acute psych so it was cool to hear that you were at mgh in the past! This discussion is so valuable for me to think of about as both a care provider and patient with bpad.
I have bipolar and it feels like a film roll. Each clip has it moments for a period of time, while you in that moment all the things I feels seems right at that moment. It pulls you like an roller-caster and you're always 3 steps behind. When I look back at each clip, I realize what has happened. That overwhelming self-doubt and anxiety wasn't a lack of doing enough. Simply was a depressive episode that I slowly come to realized what was happening. The time I had thousand things up in the air, having 4 rest days a month from the gym. Wasn't a sustainable way to live. Moving to a new city just to flee from that overwhelming feeling. Eventually I came crashing down and all I remember was said or did in social situation. Humiliating myself what I did or said. Medication helps cutting the upper part of my hypo-mania. Leaving very little help with the depressive part of it, my daily life and routine takes the hardest hit. My savior has always been the strength training. If I lift more than 5 times a week it's a sign for me to start slowing down. Under 3 times means I really need to get to the gym, the dopamine and stress relief will help me cope with the situation much better.
the struggle is very real, I found taking time to breathe and reflect on the positive when I'm not in a swing helps make the pain hurt less. I have to say, there is only benefit to having BPD, and that getting back to normal is a triumph of spirit most of the time, so enjoy the little things when you are symptom free. Best of luck to you, and may your burden's be lifted and your journey long!
For me antidepressants make my bipolar worst and put me in mixed states which is very dangerous. Finally after 3 years , got new psychiatrist and he advised me to come off antidepressants and I am currently on 2 mood stabilisers ( lithium and tegretol) and one antipsychotic ( lurasidone). He said mood stabilisers work better without antidepressants. He said antidepressants can destabilise bipolar patients. Hoping this combination works. It’s been one month only.
I take four medications daily: wellbutrin, buspar, lithium, and lamictal. I have tried SSRIs and antipsychotics before and I could not tolerate them. With the medication I take now, I don't feel like life is dull, but my mood fluctuations still do happen but are much more manageable. I do get side effects, but I managed that with timing the dosage of each.
off meds since my suicide attempt 5 years ago, abilify still gives me flashing around my vison to this day. whatever feeling i have is fleeting compared to the damage the medicine has caused to be honest.
The medications are absolutely horrible. They ADMIT to hiding side effects to keep them on the market . Of course, psychiatrists always ignore things like 5-HTP, Valerian Root, Omega 3, B Vitamins and more
Abilify caused me to gain 60 lbs twice over. Was on it and started binge eating and then the doctors hospitalized me and said I couldn’t leave unless I got back on it then gained 60lbs again. Fuuuuck abilify the side effects are garbage
Hey Dr. K I was wondering if you could make a video on comorbidities with bipolar disorder? It would be helpful to cover differentiating between a diagnosis and feeling like it’s more than that. For example bipolar disorder is usually more easily diagnosed due to psychotic features or a manic episode but what about conditions like ADHD and Autism at the same time. Often times one will mask the other and if you bring up concerns with clinicians they will either completely dismiss you or say you can’t possibly have it because you have bipolar disorder. It’s often times really difficult because you either have to pay for expensive neuro psychological evaluations from different specialists because nobody really specializes in all three conditions or you’re faced with being viewed as delusional by those around you.
This is really important. I've seen unequivocal manic episodes (with delusional ideas) in someone who refuses to seek (or accept) an evaluation because she has an ADHD diagnosis, and possibly mild autism. It's not mutually exclusive. She's been medicated for unipolar depression and with stimulants,, both of which could exacerbate mania. The prescribers don't see the manic episodes, and I think she deliberately doesn't mention them. I think she knows, deep down, that she's likely bipolar, but enjoys mania and feeling grandiose.
@@yasssqueenpurr3063 I'm also being treated for bipolar and adhd, and finding very little in the way of resources on how to move forward. So far, the pill roulette and therapy hasn't brought me to a functional place.
Hey! I have a first hand experience with this. I was on Antipsychs for my bipolar and depression. I got off because the medication was making me a different person. I was saying things that didn't make sense and was getting angry a lot. I lost a lot of weight and looked like an addict. I got off of it not because I didn't want treatment, but because my psychiatrist was not allowing me to try other medications despite having never tried another medication. Getting off of antipsychs were terrible, I was shaky and woozy. I should not have gotten off on my own but my psychiatrist did not listen. I'm still looking for a psychiatrist, but it's hard. I'm kind of an edge case with the amount of disorders I have and what seems to work. For reference I was on quetiapine and zoloft. Thank you for listening to your patients and being a great psychiatrist.
If you want to interview me I would love to talk / be on the show. I have had quite a time with my mental health journey and feel substantially better now. Thanks
@lyle Im not sure if lamotrigine have different effect on type 1 and type 2. Im type 2 and lamotrigine have worked very good for me. No side effects as far as i can tell
@@christopherbernhardtKeep this in mind; treatment is a euphemism 4 medication. W/that said; counseling/psychotherapy is also treatment (though many w/in mental health system would beg 2 differ). In actuality; psych meds r actually a form of PUNISHMENT (e.g.: involuntary, court-ordered). No other health conditions (including diabetes) r subjected 2 involuntary treatment. Furthermore; psych meds r considered as MANDATORY/REQUIRED (i.e.: 1st/sole resort) 4 mental health treatment whereas insulin 4 diabetes treatment is OPTIONAL (i.e.: last resort). That's a crockashit if u ask me.
This theme of dismissing patient concerns is widespread and what’s worse is it’s so normalized that we now are all collectively trying to handle the symptoms of careless healthcare.
Thank you Dr. K. I love videos like this that goes deeper even though they probably won’t get as many views since it’s more niche. These videos are some of the most important and most impactful for people dealing with these issues. Please talk about OCD or BPD as well!
I'm 71 I've been through a lot! To make it short: I have NO SUPPORT for my Bipolar 1. After quite a few episodes since diagnosed and a suicide attempt where I was very close to success, I've done well on lithium carbonate for years.. I now have lithium induced psoriasis. I don't want to go off lithium. Could reducing milligrams help the lithium?
I've been medicated since my first depressive episode in middle school. I've heard various diagnoses of depression to unspecified bipolar to bipolar one and my recent psych brought up the idea of a co-morbidity of ADHD but said we couldn't treat it until the emotions were under wraps because that would be like throwing gasoline on a fire. I stopped my medication in August for various reasons but mostly because I felt like I didn't know myself, I've been cycled through different medications and diagnoses since middle school so I have no idea what I would be like as an unmedicated adult. When I stopped I was on Wellbutrin and Lithium and Prop-something in order to counteract the side-effects of lithium. It's been a couple months and although I still have a few cycles in mood I feel stable overall and have continued to see my therapist. It's even brought the diagnosis oof bipolar into question because although I have moments where I feel like I might be slipping into mania I haven't had any manic episodes. It's been a strange yet eye-opening experience and I hope to continue to learn myself and still have access to my psych if I feel the need to get back on meds. Things are looking up genuinely. I appreciate you making this video and seeing names of medications I've been on and their pitfalls and the different combos that are used has been super interesting.
Thank you for educating and advocating for bipolar disorder. I went off my medication around 2.5 yrs ago, age 18, after having been receiving ineffective treatment for the past 4 years. It served only to keep me in a depressive episode 24/7. Now I can tell my bipolar is getting a lot worse, and it's reached a point I need medication for my own safety. This video gave me some clarity on how to advocate for myself and what I should expect of my future medication.
I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 since 2019 and starting from 2024 I'm moving towards managing my condition with supplements and minimum meds. I bought a google watch that tracks my sleep, it keeps you updated about the sleep changes you can't notice otherwise, I also take vit D3 every morinig plus Ashwaghanda root for anxiety (it lowers the blood pressure, be careful, keep the pressure up, coffee and olives work for me) for sleep I take Magnesium Glycinate (the best formula that it fully absorbed) plus herbal calming mixture (camomille, lavender,melatonin). I do yoga every single day, I meditate and eat well (more veggies and fruits, fish, meat, less sugar) I've been out of the depression since March, let's see how far it all will take me.
Latuda works best for my bipolar type 1. I only get small blips of depression which resolve pretty quick, and mania is non existent for me now. Another great thing about latuda is I still feel pretty clear in my head. So many anti psychotics and SSRIs would make me cloudy in my head and sedate me to the point of not being able to work a job, go to school etc. Latuda has been by far the best medication for me.
same here!The only difference is recently hypomania slipped through but Im not sure if its the adderall or not. Also,Latuda is primarily for Bipolar 2 and Im Bipolar 1 so Im both sure if thats why
With regards to the end of the video, Doc is just being very humble. Believe me, not all Pdocs are made equal. Psychiatry and psychology can resemble an art form sometimes; the quality of the practitioner can be all across the board because of this. This becomes even more so when you get into the realm of psychotherapy.
Went off med 6 years ago after being on a rotating cocktail of meds. All in all, i have less frequent mood shifts, depression is a bit more common now than before, but it isnt as harsh. Talk to your doc folks. If they do have your best inrest in heart they will help you titrate off of the meds.
Glad to know you're doing well. I'm off for 4 yrs already. Meds made my hearing so sensitive before I had to wear earplugs while sleeping. That and a bunch of other stuff that came as side effects. The first 2 yrs off meds was really tough due to withdrawal symptoms. 4 yrs off meds, my living situation has also improved since. I have gained the capability to 'decently' live solo, which is difficult in my situation as I live in a 3rd world country. I book for psych counseling as needed.
I literally told a psychologist, "it's fine that I stopped taking lithium, because I can put a tamp on it - it's ok!" two weeks later I caused mosh pit at a metal show and had to go to urgent care. I went back to BH and was like "well... yeah I was wrong - God mode is too much"
I had to go off my meds because I genuinely feel misdiagnosed and honestly, this video proves it further. I was on lamotrigne for 4 years and was STILL suffering suicidal thoughts. I also don't even remember a time I've been manic and think my psychologist confused my possible ADHD hyper fixations with mania. I went to my NP not once but TWICE with my concerns and she completely dismissed them all because I mentioned UA-cam videos. She didn't even let me finish that they were videos from actual psychologists and I did further research. The second visit she actually triggered me and I haven't seen her since. I had no choice but to get off my medications myself because the one person who would, didn't take me seriously and I'm still on the wait-list to get tested for ADHD, so I would have been on unnecessary medication for almost a year
I hope you feel better now. You are brave to say that because of the stimga that comes along with stopping. People think we stop for inappropriate and irresponsible reasons. But sometimes it is the most responsible and appropriate choice, and we rarely get support for that leap of faith. Thank you for posting. The body is amazing. It might feel grim, but you can recover. You are brave and I believe you know the best thing for your health. You should be listened to and taken seriously. Peace and love. Yeah, there is a stigma for us using UA-cam to help educate ourselves. Relate. I feel the same. Symptoms I masked. Both brothers are autistic/ADHD. I'm the only girl, and I could have masked since it's so prominent in my family. I don't want meds either way. Too strong. I tried for ADHD and couldn't eat and got a rash. I tried for depression and had insomnia. For anxiety, I honestly couldn't feel any different. Those might as well be candy. The bipolar meds, though, they are next level. Made me vomit on the daily and lose appetite along with a laundry list of other things. When complaining to my doctor, I was told it wasn't meds. I actually had an "eating disorder" where I vomit purposefully? It was nuts. 😅 like they push the meds for bipolar so hard? Once you get on, there is no getting off. Wild. I don't understand how they "stabilize mood." I didn't experience anything like that, and I gave it a good try. Tried for many years to "let the meds work." Don't worry. I've been off for about 7 years. Best choice I could have made. Tried to find "the right cocktail" of meds for just as long and what a waste of life tbh.
Thank you, 15 years on meds i went cold turkey, Hell... left meds, taste, color i had lost, returned I didnt realise, how much those drugs affected me Meds slow and insidious, trusted my Dr.... struggling now, No trust in Drs anymore, but now losing my soul.
Positivity and not losing hope plus not stopping taking medication helps Always talk to your doctor and accept that u have a problem that needs doctors attention
Lithium destroyed my kidneys. Had to have 3 years of dialysis and transplant. Stopped lithium when kidneys failed and switched to Welbutrin, Quetiapine and Mirtazapine - and constant therapy.
My psychiatrist is one of few that work iin the area where I live and has a ton of nurse practitioners. Ten THOUSAND patients, according to one of the nurses I asked. No joke. He went from having only a few nurse practitioners about 10 years ago, to having a bunch of them today. I have had times where I asked a question, the nurse didn't know the answer, and they consulted with the doctor. They then gave me an answer and I realize now that I should be grateful that they talked to him. But yes, the shortage of practitioners is REAL. BREAKS MY HEART. So many people are hurting and struggling. Every single one of them matter and deserve treatment. And solid treatment as well. And, side note, I was told in 2008 that 70% of the people in prison have mental illness.😭
Im not diagnosed but my dad died from it. Ive officially outlived him as of this year, but I dont see the point in getting help anymore. Even if i got better, it wouldnt change what I've learned about my upbringing and the truth of why I ever had friends in the first place.
@rinyotsu2.0 you messaging here is an attempt to connect and share your thoughts with others. This seems like a pretty safe community. Your human resiliency is intact, hope u continue to practice it by continuing to engage with others, it's not too late to start.
I fot put on antipsychotics 4 years ago after having manor manic episoders spanning multiple years that resulted in hesring voices and an attempt to end my life. The antipsychotics saved my life and despite them making me quite overweight I feel so much safer, I've not had any voices or manic feelings since, and the incredible periods of depression are gone. For the first time in my life I feel stable and can be a good person to my family and friends. Just a success story amongst the people that couldn't handle it. Advocating for yourself is important but you need to study medicine and you must understand targeted symptom management.
I have bipolar and am currently on medication. Honestly my meds do affect my creativity, give me vivid dreams and make it hard to get up in morning but I was in hell before. That hell nearly destroyed me. I would take my medication over going through that again. I am on seroquel and lamictal right now but I am currently switching from seroquel to lamictal. I also have adhd but have found that to be rather manageable with my bipolar under control. I can same I am genuinely happy.
I took Lamictal and found I needed to take folic acid or else had bad brain fog. Apparently it's known for lowering your folic acid levels, so might be something to discuss with your doctor.
@@adsoyad4844 when I was a kid I was given sleep meds to sleep, but that was because I wouldn’t otherwise. I had extreme hyperactivity type adhd growing up. Otherwise I have no issues unless I am severely hypomanic. I’d you cannot sleep you should get a sleep study to find out why.
My son is newly diagnosed with bipolar l disorder. I’m trying to educate myself so that I can advocate for him. What I am noticing so far is the pile on of medication. I don’t want him to stop his medication but I do want to find the right fit. Thank you for the informative video.
There's a common misconception that you need huge doses of medication to change anything. I started on 25mg and moved myself up to 200mg quietiapine per day. It works for me and is a healthy balance between the symptoms and illness. There's been a big anti-medication movement recently amongst bipolar people and it's personally taken the lives of quite a few friends and acquaintances that believed they didn't need medication. They all died after relapsing and experiencing major manic or depressive episodes. Listen to the doctors, listen to your son, but understand that medication is absolutely essential and is still the officially recommended course of action. I'd not be alive today if it weren't for the antipsychotics.
I was for 5 years on valporic acid (primarily used for epilepsy) and I didn't achieve much and only got a little bit less angry. Then I got depressed with suicide thoughts that I didn't have for 15 years. I committed myself voluntarily to the hospital and being treated so badly, that I got so scared I'll never be out. They made me feel terrified. Didn't answer question about different therapies, change medication without telling any of us patients... After I got out I slowly took myself off in 2023. Years and half later I was never more stable after that horror in a psychiatric hospital. So in a way they helped me to get better when I realised I'm not ill enough to let them be abusive 😅
What Dr K says about the chances of the next SSRI working is so real. My doctor put me on Lexapro, Sertraline, and Wellbutrin; none of them seemed to help regulate me properly. After having what I now know was a manic episode, and summarily crashing hard which almost led to my death, I got help and nothing clicked better than Bipolar Disorder. I've taken my first dose of the Acute treatment (Seroquel 50mg) for mood stabilisation, and I have some hope that it works so I don't have to start from square one with different medication.
I recently found out what my "issue" was and apparently I'm bipolar myself. My meds keep me pretty stable but it's just two relatively "mild" medications. I'm still figuring this ish out but after a lifetime of having no clue other than just knowing I had just standard depression its nice to have an idea of what is going on with me so I can properly treat it and make progress on improvement.
I was on meds after a manic episode. The dosage was too high and I became a depressed mess just sleeping 14 hours a day. Then had to take medication to treat my depression but stopped that for fear of side affects. I was losing my hair, gaining weight, stomach issues and libido problems. I don’t take any medication now but I carefully track my sleep and limit any cannabis use or alcohol. Mainly cannabis sends me into mania especially if I don’t sleep then I become a whole different person.
I have Bipolar 1 and had been on most of the medications available at the time as well as three inpatient stays. I then received six treatments of ECT and I have not been on medication since. I think that I have ADHD also but have not been officially diagnosed. I did have to leave a toxic marriage and have had extensive therapy but the treatment was effective for me. MST therapy is now available with all the benefits without the downside of ECT. It probably won’t work for everyone but maybe another avenue for some of y’all.
25:50 "may actually increase the risk of developing mania" I tried to explain that to my doctor who had prescribed welbutrin. Without asking about family history of bipolar (which was present) and saw no issues with prescribing it in isolation because some of her other patients with bipolar had been prescribed the same medication. Needless to say, not my doctor anymore.
I didn't get my bipolar 2 diagnosis until I was forty. The idea of going off my medication scares the hell out of me. I've had hypomanic episodes that were quite positive in terms of the progress I made in life while it was happening, but they lead me to behaviours I'm not proud of. For me, the depression is the worst part and going on the medication (I take Lamotrigine) was life-changing. It has also addressed the angry outbursts really, really well. I'm a better person when I take the meds, but I was also very fortunate to have found the right medication and the right dosage, and avoided most of the side-effects. Now to get the ADHD and anxiety sorted, which I feel is going to take a lot longer.
@@combos7 To what, exactly? Mood stabilisers aren't addictive and they don't get you high. They prevent manic and hypomanic episodes, as well as depressive episodes. Do you believe every pharmaceutical is addictive?
I am also getting older and I think that the SSRI course caused me to have hypomania and now it is very bad. I really regret that I ever took SSRIs because they can make a maniac even from a healthy person, what do you think?
My fiancé is dx with bipolar (not sure what type exactly) and was just prescribed Olanzapine (10mg) and Fluoxotene, so this video is great for me to learn about as i can help closely monitor her manic and depressive episodes at home and help communicate with her dr. regarding long-term treatment. Thanks, Dr. K!
This sounds just lovely, I just have ADHD, but I had to spend so much time on each of my exes to make them even think that ADHD is real in the first place, It'd solve so many issues if most men made the effort you make, so I'm really happy for you two.
Please be cautious with fluoxetine. I was prescibed it when i was 17, before iIgot my diagnosis and it had opposite effects, made me suicidal so i quit myself. When i told my psychiatrist after i got my diagnosis, she basically said SSRI is like a suicide pill for people with bipolar disorder. Im pretty sure It's been brought up by Dr K in one of the episodes with reckful. I know i can't talk for anyone else, but when i see bipolar and fluoxetine in the same sentence, my alarm goes off. Im on lamotrigine now, and it's been very helpful, no side effects at all. Same story for my sister and mom.
One important thing to keep in mind is that you don't need to have an "All or Nothing" approach to medication - you can change your dose over time. I worked with my doctor to get smaller dosages in my pills so that I can take more or fewer pills depending on the symptoms I experience - it's all about self-regulation and finding equilibrium.
It really bothers me that practicioners only talk about the treatment of bipolar disorder with relation to medication. I understand that medication is the main treatment of manic depression but I also want to learn more about the mental processes behind it and how I can counteract them. The most frustrating thing about bipolar disorder is the lack of control that comes with it. If all I can do is cram pills (that I know nothing about) down my throat and expect things to get better then I really never have any control, do I?
If you give these medications to a normal person they will get out of control with mania, etc. So are they in control and medication takes it away? What does it mean to be in control if medication takes it away? You make it sound like someone can choose to be a certain way, controlling it. That isn't the case for anyone. People don't seem to get hung up on this idea of control when wearing contacts or glasses. You don't bemoan the lack of control over your eyesight. Maybe you can get by without glasses, be 'in controll. Blind people do. But that doesn't make it better then wearing glasses. And clearly people with good eyesight do not control anything, they just enjoy the lucky circumstance of good eyesight.
I'm bi-polar 1. I see a therapist and I'm learning coping skills but there is no way in hell I'd be functional in society without my meds. I looked up meds that have been around for at least 20 years. I read up on as much as I could and Topamax is a good Ole reliable. I'm loving it 😆😇
Studies have shown that therapy helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and to stay on medication, but that’s about it. Therapy doesn’t help with Bipolar symptoms, like at all.
My prescriber doesn't explain a thing and is aggressive about it and doesn't listen to me. I need someone like you to help me through this. I'm on so many meds.. and if been on all of them to try them :/ but you're God damn right about sleep. That's the number one mood stabilizer for me
I have bipolar 2 and was misdiagnosed with depression when I was 11. I started on Paxil, then Wellbutrin, then Cymbalta, then Effexor XR. These were all over the course of 7 years. I was super anxious, irritable, and always up until like 4 am on school nights. Those were some of the worst mental health years of my life. When i finally got the correct diagnosis, after a few different meds, we landed on lamotrigine and quetiapine. I also have BED so I'm now on Vyvanse too. It's a delicate balance, but it works. My doc mentioned in his practice, he has seen Seasonal Affective Disorder tends to affect people with bipolar more often. That is the case for me and we usually switch up dosing around spring and fall unless I have some acute symptoms. When under intense stress I have had rapid cycling and mixed episodes. Those are suuuuuper scary. Do NOT recommend.
I'm 21 now and now I totally understand why I was so much different and had so much hardships to face as compared to other people. It has been more than a month since I have tried to change my life and I have been working day and night. About 37 days to be exact. I still have sleep issues, I just can't sleep! And focusing on task with the same mindset and feelings is just near impossible but I have made some good improvements in overall aspect. For past 37days of jounraling I have consistently worked on my lifestyle I still feel extremely overwhelmed just from imagining what I will become in coming years, especially when having proper career and responsibilities are getting nearer. I hope around day100 or maybe 200 of my consistent journaling I'll find peace from this disorder for good. I really see it as an impossible feat at the moment but it's never zero.
Hey bro I'm 22, do you happen to use any marijuana or other drugs? And what time do you try fall asleep, and is it that you can't fall asleep to begin with or keep waking up? Would love to know the details cos I find they are very significant in finding out the cause.
It's been hard finding the right combo to treat my bipolar disorder. I'm on my 5th kind of medication for it. The side effects of the other 4 I tried were awful. Currently I get a lot of nausea from the med I'm on. And I have nausea meds to help with that side effect. (Promethazine) But it's been the most bearable so far. I am perscribed several medications. But a lot of them are as needed. I also have an anxiety/panic disorder, nightmares, and adhd to go with my bipolar diagnosis. I'm on an antidepressant because the antipsychotic doesn't help enough with the depression. I have anxiety meds to use as needed. I have meds to help me sleep as needed. Because if my sleep gets out of wack, it affects my bipolar disorder. And sometimes I need help getting to and staying asleep. I have meds for my adhd since I want to be able to function like a basic human. Sometimes I feel like I have my own personal pharmacy. But I don't take everything every day. And each medication has a clear purpose. I take anti-psychotics (latuda) and antidepressants (bupropion, coming off cymbalta) daily. I also take a morning and afternoon dose of adhd medication (focalin and focalin xr) most days. I have 2 kinds of anxiety meds as needed. (Gabapentin, hydroxyzine) One of them just mixes better with my adhd meds, so if I have a panic attack during the day I take one and if I have a panic attack at night I take the other. I also have a medication that helps me sleep (clonidine) if I'm having difficulty. And a medication for my nightmares (prazosin). Which I take if my nightmares start getting worse. So that is a lot of perscriptions. But again, I don't use everything every day. And the combo has helped me become more stable and improved the quality of my life. Sometimes it can be hard to stay on my antipsychotics. Every one I've tried has caused sedation. My last med wasn't as sedating, but it caused a lot of weight gain. And it didn't help as much with my symptoms of mania. The med I'm on does prevent the mania very well. But sometimes I miss how inspired I feel while hypomanic. Though I don't like full blown mania. I tend to experience mixed features and psychotic symptoms. Sometimes I miss feeling a fuller range of emotions. It's not that I'm flat. But you really feel things as someone with bipolar disorder. The emotion is more raw and almost pure feeling. Medicated, I almost feel like I'm missing a piece of who I am. Hypomania is kinda like adhd hyperfocus on steroids. And I've done an incredible amount of artwork while hypomanic. Making art feels more like a plodding pace now. But at the same time, I'm glad I'm not experiencing paranoia or auditory hallucinations while going days without adequate sleep. I think for me, there's a middle ground with treatment. Where my symptoms are under control, but I still feel more than maybe the average person would. I don't want to have big fluctuations. And depression is absolutely awful. But I still want to feel ups and downs. It's hard to describe why taking bipolar meds is so hard, even when the side effects are tolerable. There's almost a pill fatigue that comes with treating a chronic illness. Sometimes I want to feel more than I am. Sometimes I don't feel like myself. Sometimes I feel a little paranoid that my medications are going to harm me. Sometimes I don't like feeling the same all the time. I guess that normal can sometimes feel wrong. I just don't feel like mysef on meds. I don't know how else to explain it. But I don't want to experience symptoms that cause me problems in life either.
I am grateful that you made this video. It is extremely helpful in understanding treatment. Can you please make a video on medical keto as a treatment? I would really like to know your thoughts on it.
Went a month without meds, had a manic episode, went back to meds, had a depressive episode. I am doing a stronger dose now and hoping it helps with the depression
Now that I'm medicated the thing I have most trouble dealing with is the time I lost when I wasn't medicated. The part about college in this video is relatable.
There really is a lot of burden from the bad days, and you carry them even on days that aren't so bad as a reminder, a pre-caution of what could be. Having a support network is so important, since if they can help bear your burden. You have to just avoid blame and grieve the loss, take a moment to understand that time is gone, and the memories made (or missed) or the pain you caused will abide, and whoever you were lucky enough to not scare off carried you through, even if there is resentment, blame, anger, or whatever it's okay, cause they wanted to see it through and you can only take every opportunity to make it better and enjoy your levity when you have it..
Also...if you don't change the way you think about life then NO AMOUNT of medication will help. It's like saying all you have to do to be strong is take protien supplements/eat meat. You HAVE TO put in the work,I know it may be challenging but you gotta change the way you think/work past traumas💯
I was diagnosed with bipolar about three years ago. I disagreed with the diagnosis until now. I believed that it was sudden and frequent mood swings, not extended and constant. And it seemed awful quick since she only asked like three questions before diagnosing it. Thanks to this, I'm now aware that I'm going through a depressive episode and can do research on it. If anyone happens to read this and has any tips for getting through an episode, I'd love to hear it. Thank you for your time.
i hope you're feeling better! I've def been there before, I think a lot of times getting through the depressive periods just takes time and working on healthier habits (ie getting a normal sleep schedule n exercising), but if things are still rough after a long time I def reccomend talking to your doc and trying some different meds that target bipolar depression. at least in my case switching meds/changing the dosage have given me the energy and motivation to finally start working on my habits to get me out of the depression hole.
Olanzapine blew me up so big so fast. I also had some weird light flashes in the corners of my eyes, and i felt dead inside on that. I was also on 1500 mg or 1600 lithium. I did the meds for 3 months and quit cold turkey because my hair fell out, i got fat, and the flashes in my eyes. I am having some mood problems again about 9 months later, but im so nervous to get back on meds and plus im not even sure im really bipolar 2 anymore, anyway
Thanks for the video Dr. I've been diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder for around 8 years now, started off with terrible doctors followed by decent one! - Been relatively stable and sober now for nearly 3 years! - if you ever want to chat with someone who knows what it's like having Bipolar both medicated or unmedicated I'm always happy to. (and has experience with substance abuse and sobriety!)
Hey there I have Bipolar and so do many members of my family, and Id say it's pretty common in my experience to have varying intervals on mood-swings of all differing kinds depending on the individual. It can be as short as many times in a day (like myself) or be as long as half a year from what Ive seen. Great video tho and I love your stuff just wanted to give a different perspective.
Currently tapering, needed this today. I had severe episodes and I reduced them by halving my main meds. Still need the meds but I’m glad I went down in dosage.
Just turned on the video but before I watch I want to say that I have bipolar disorder. The medication I take has changed my life in several ways. Firstly, it has a lot of negative side effects. That can't be ignored. But the cyclical nature of my very strong mood episodes was extremely damaging to my health and happiness. With medication, my quality of life has gone up dramatically. And I'm willing to make the trade. I wish I had done it sooner.
Same. Tbh I find the fixation on demonizing all pharmaceuticals and living more “purely” (off meds) to be tragically misguided. It’s none of my business whether someone does or doesn’t want to be medicated, but I’m getting tired of the soapbox, holier than thou lecturing as I feel it’s directed at me: some of us don’t have viable alternatives, and turning to meds isn’t a “failing”
My sibling would randomly stop her meds, and what would happen? Every single time she would have WILD EPISODES just from weeks of stopping meds. As in every single time. She lost lots of money from that, and would have better life when she’s medicating. It’s hard to convince her to take meds but she needsmit.
@@kyupified2440 unfortunately this is a common theme within the bipolar community. Especially with those who have bipolar type 1. And sadly as you get older bipolar just gets worse. Worse yet, I’d you are older (50s-60s) get off meds and have an episode. Not only are they way worse but even if you go back on treatment you may never go back to as stable as you were before. Plus, it is way way harder to get stable again. Got this from my therapist who has worked with bipolar patiences for almost 15 years now. It’s a sad truth. Particular with bipolar 1.
@@CDOG14515 agreed. For years I fought it till finally something had to change. Getting on meds, getting into therapy and working my ass off to be better. Not just be better but to even understand myself and how my condition affects me. It saved my life. My meds are one of my tools in my toolbox. Without it I may as well be a carpenter without a hammer. I would rather be on meds than to return to that hell.
I had my first psychotic manic episode 3 years ago. I never want to feel that for me, so I am staying medically sane. I feel like I can cut some more of the meds, but I am staying.
my first episode was 12 years ago, and it was like I lost control of myself entirely and stop resembling myself at all. It might have scared a lot of people, but I can't describe the pure horror going on in my head. I still recoil at the thought, barely clinging to reality and in state of agony, fear, and paranoia that no movie or novel could hope to describe or replicate. So, once I failed to attempt I got put through heavy medication to get out of the rollercoaster, but got stuck on the same meds they use for the acute symptoms for 8 years! I was so scared to change since I had a family to take care of and a 60 hour a week job I couldn't afford the risk to missing work or getting fired for stigma (FMLA or BPD if they found out), but the side effects were so severe: I suffered from severe bouts of sleepiness (bad enough to fear driving or falling asleep at work) my weight was out of control (despite a low calorie diet and exercise), I had a family and support but I was pushing myself into more and more reckless habits (late nights gaming, gambling, binge drinking). I finally had to step back, and realize I was working so hard to just exist, and along with the bad habits and weight I was struggling to be present and feel emotions that I expected and at the intensity I expected (overreact to minor annoyance, but struggle to feel the "happiness" of a big event). All that to say, I understand not wanting to go back to the feeling of the episode, but you deserve the best treatment so be careful to not lock yourself in that your "okay" so nothing should ever change. Be an advocate for yourself, and keep communication with your provider. Even if nothing changes you should still take time to consider how you are really doing and don't be afraid to speak up about how you are doing.
This is a great and informative video. Going through a depressive state now for 4 months, following a manic episode. Doing what I can to get back to normal. So nice to hear you speaking on what I experience, without judgement. Thank you 🙏🏻❤
My sister got diagnosed with bipolar after coming off her antidepressant medication without tapering, she had become depressed. She was put on a bunch of bipolar medications. She went home, started the new meds and was hallucinating seeing huge spiders crawling up the walls. Needless to say she stopped taking it. She doesn't have bipolar.
@@owenmacleod8681 what dose do you have? i have 350mg right now and my mania presist, but not as full-blown one, and definitely not as hypomania. somewhere between it, but it feels PAINFUL
@@JAUNEtheLOCKE Yeah it's been a week now and I've noticed a pretty remarkable decrease in the amount of overthinking I'm doing. Still on the low dose though that they start you on first
My summary where im currently at is look at your lifestyle and 'avoid' triggers such as not enough sleep, stress and stimulants. Be totally honest about your moods before it escalates rapidly. I don't believe in being over prescribed medications, even dosages being too high, no point being a zombie in life having no emotions at all. Another factor is long term side effects so 'if' your able to keep dosages lower that would be better for your psychical health. Find what works for you. i'm currently using Lithium and Seroquel. i did not have much luck with other psych meds some infact made my condition worse. bee safe!
At one point I was on Vraylar 4.5mg, quetiapine, buspirone, an SSRI, abilify, Adderall and therapy weekly. It was not sustainable. I am on low dose Vraylar and sertraline, and switched to lamictal. I'm hoping to get Spravato treatments and come off most of them. Mania is literally the worst, especially when you come back and see the destruction you've caused.
I have a bipolar friend who's become super religious and spiritual during her mania. She's thinking that god punishes her and she has to make up for her sins by praying or attending church. I have attended a church group with her once where she had started crying hysterically, screaming and demanded the people to pray for her. It felt a bit cult like and worried me a lot. She was kicked out eventually and I think she doesn't have contact with the church group anymore. She also blamed me for what happened, saying she absorbed my dark energy which caused her pain. I think she feels very ashamed and her thinking god is mad at her only makes it worse. I feel like religion is consuming her still and she cut of friends who think differently, isolating herself a bit. I don't want her to abandon her belief system, because it can also give her strength and get her through dark times but I wish she would separate her BPD and mental health issues from religion and understand that she is not being punished. It also makes her think that only god can cure her and it was difficult to convince her to get professional help again, making her also vulnerable to religious people who feed into her delusions. If anyone has dealt with something similar I would love to hear other perspectives and appreciate some advice!
Funny enough, lamotrigine helped with my hypomania more at lower doses than it did with my depression. It took bumping me up to 300mg to bring me to a more balanced level on both ends.
I got diagnosed with bipolar after being hospitalized at 23.. but it wasnt official or anything. They never went deeper as to what kind i had. I've been on and off meds for 7 ish years now.. now its been affecting my performance at work and finding a therapist/doctor is such a b***h ☹️ I'm on a depressive episode lately and i feel like im not even an active participant in my own life anymore..
I had a slipped disc and my vaginal muscles were in spasm because of it. I told it to my neurologist and he reffered me to the psychiatrist. This neurologist is one of the most esteemed neurologists in the country btw. So be careful what you say to your doctor.
I can only imagine sorry it’s like that for you I’m in the same boat. At least with type 2 I could see how someone could manage off meds, but type one no no no
Last time I went off meds I spiraled down and ended up in the hospital. When I'm on meds it's like I have no emotions everything is just neutral. It's also like my imagination is gone. When I'm on my meds I can't go manic but I can go depressive but I spend most of the time on a meh neutral plateau. I can't really loose weight, I dropped 25lbs over 6 months then while still with the same diet/exercise I gained it all back in about 3 weeks.
In my honest opinion my medication made me gain 20 kilograms, headaces, drowsiness, runny tummy, water retention so obviously that affected my kidneys, one of my medications made me developed breast milk too. So with all these side effects I will be coming off my medications.
I have bipolar 2 and I got akathisia from abilify, and seroquel and almost attempted suicide on geodon. Lithium levels are always under therapeutic rang and I'm a rapid cycler so I often wonder why I should stay on meds at all.
A lot of these medications are extremely unhealthy for a bipolar person. I'm actually quite disappointed in this video because, the narrative that bipolar people want to go off the medication when they are doing good is false. Most people are diagnosed at there lowest point in life with no knowledge of having a disorder and would see an improvement regardless of medication or not. A lot of patients want to get off the medication because they don't feel right compared to how they felt before being on medication.
@@mooyoeljeongI totally understand you. Every medication I’ve taken has just zombified me and gave me suicidal ideation. The only one that has worked for me was taking 300mg gabapentin twice a day. I am not a medical doctor so don’t just blindly follow that, but when you talk to a professional, try to mention gabapentin to them!
Damn. I was reading on Bipolar disorder on the NIH website and it sounded so eerily familiar. I know I have Hypotension so I just related my low mood to that but reading up on it, I think I should get a mental exam.
My spouse is BP2. Something Ive noticed is that the majority of mental healthcare providers think they are experts on bipolar. I recently got into a fight with her med provider. Largely over cannabis use. Someone who sees her patient approx. 2 hours a month feels she can completely disregard input from a spouse who lives with the patient. Along the lines of what you were saying. She was on several meds and the NP thought Cannabis was just fine. Its not, specifically with Bipolar. She has now weaned off of a few and is doing better. We are looking for a better Dr. who will hopefully be qualified. I would really encourage people with or family, to vet the professionals. Look around and find one who knows what they are doing and fit well with your personality.
You are awesome ,I am a neurologist ..Many people take drugs (benzo,cannabis) alcohol. They feel euphoria ..If patient has depression and euphoric episodes while they are on drugs ..how can we differentiate bipolar disorder from depression with drug abuse
I was diagnosed 6 months ago with BP1, mixed episodes (dysphoric mania). Im super grateful for the meds l, but, I learned exactly why you're not supposed to take antidepressants if you're bipolar. It sent me into horrible dysphoric mania for days. If our bed didn't have so much shit under it, I would have hid under it for days. I'm good now though without the antidepressant.
In a different video: “we don’t actually know what drugs do. We know there are beneficial reported results but we just guess what the medication is actually doing.” - to paraphrase. This video: “we need to choose the right medications instead of just throwing piles of pills at patients” - to paraphrase.
I have to take my meds because my mood swings are scary to normal people, and i can hurt people. If i miss one day of not taken meds it will cause chaos in my life. Not only do i have bi polar but i have anxiety and adhd. Its hard for me to function in the real world.
I think it’s important to note that SSRIs can trigger manic episodes. I wa son it a couple of days and got the most intense hypomanic episode I’ve ever experienced. Told my doctor about it and that’s actually how I found out I have bipolar 2 lol (not officially diagnosed but still treated for it)
Fine tuning like precious classic car. I feel so stable now .I've been on these meds for the last 5 yrs. I'm 65 yrs old female and had a wild ride over my life. A little of that a little of this. I think the problem is over medicating where you end up feeling like a zombie.the only part I miss is not feeling creative I was an artist but I'm alive the depressions were unbearable 5 failed suicide attempts and my manias put a terrible strain on my marriage and children. Hospital stays and rages where I attacked my husband with a glass. We were in a restaurant at the time and they called the police and paramedics and I ended up been taken out on a stretcher to hospital. I I never want to go back to how my life was. You need to weigh up the good and the bad. I hope any of you end up in a good place just keep trying.
I saw a queer girl psychiatrist and she didn’t ask if I’m narcissistic or autistic and sort of put me on an SSRI which damaged me and ruined my life. She just opened the textbook and said it’s first line treatment. Well there are nuances. Really hate this industry.
I was diagnosed bipolar last year. I stayed up all night writing poetry one night, and when i tried sharing it with my family they ignored it and focused on my mood. Apparently my grandpa was severely bipolar and they were hyper attuned to mania. It ended up turning into an extreme episode over the next few days. I feel that everyones reaction made things worse and worse, because from my perspective all i was feeling was pride in my art, and excitement in sharing it, but the universal reaction was to shut it down ASAP. Id been suffering from constant depression up to this point, so every attempt to shut me down only dug my heels in. I think if there was a safe place for this type of feeling to exist then it would turn into something to be celebrated instead of feared.
I know this was 5 months ago, but this comment really resonated with me. We arent alone, just far apart from eachother
I've had a similar experience with noght poetry. I didn't consider myself a poetry person, until my brain started rapid firing me with lines. Making me lose sleep texting poetry back and forth with my Art Student Friend 😅
I had a similar experience as well, less poetry but writing furiously. The growing concerns from family and friends only irritated me at the time, no blame on them of course. I ended up staying awake for 5 days after convincing myself that I didn’t need to sleep and that all these ideas speeding around my head needed to be acknowledged, usually me writing down everything somewhere like my notes app. It got worse before it got better, and then even more worse, but doing better today. Just wanted to get some of my own thoughts out, it’s been comforting to read a bit about other people’s own experiences.
I’m sorry if you’ve felt they “shut you down” but you shouldn’t take it personal I know how hard it is but other people have their own lives you cannot expect them to feel the same way you do about your art. I make music and even work in studios recording others and my stuff doesn’t sound bad at all to me but if I got upset every time I looked at my streams on Spotify or SoundCloud, I’d drive myself insane! I’m not bipolar I’m just an artist, my baby mama is bipolar and whenever she would go manic she thought everything in the entire planet should be catered to her and it’s all for her she’d go full manic and ruin our finances and eventually destroyed our family by trying to self medicate and becoming a full fledged addict. Tried my best to understand her condition but I couldn’t have my son get CPTSD because she’s going manic again and again and again. I still research it because I find it interesting. Hope things get better for u friend.
welcome to the shitty life of being an artist. ill read your poetry
I know this kind of niche video generally doesnt perform as well as others - but its super appreciated. Love to see more content on Bipolar, thank u for making this
I used to be on 8 meds at once, and it brought me to my lowest point. I took 4 years off of meds, and now I'm only on Lamotrigine. I'm doing great now! I feel much better.
same! i’m on Lamotrigine right now and it’s helped me with my depressive episodes :)
Same! while hypomanic I only take 25 mg of it and when depressed 100 mg, suits me well, but also I take Omega 3 for brain activity and magnesium for sleep
Lamictal is hands down scientifically the best bi polar medication you can be on, as long as mania isn't too much of an issue for you. Has the least amount of side effects, in particular hormonal side effects, which are the reason most people feel like robots on medications
@@camm5245 lamotrigine has saved my life..
@@ThePassportPapiit gave me severe headaches so I couldn’t take it long enough to see if it helped.
Just some thoughts from another person with BP:
I didn’t have any support when I was a kid. I went out and got a diagnosis when I was twenty-two. I didn’t have a good treatment plan until I was twenty-six. Now at twenty-nine I finally feel like I have some control and I can finally start my life.
How do you start life at twenty-nine? I never thought that I would live this long, so I don’t really have any ambition. I don’t even know what I like. It’s kind of freeing in a way, but mostly overwhelming. So instead of defining myself intrinsically I formed my identity around my service to other people. This was fine when we were all a whirlwind of hormones in college, but as my friends start to settle into relationships, marriage, and their careers, I’m not NEEDED anymore. Which is a beautiful thing, really. They’re very happy. But if I’m not needed, then I don’t have any worth.
So what do we do now? I have to find out what I care about. At twenty-nine. While the vast majority of other people have at least had the opportunity to explore different avenues for themselves. I have to figure out how to define myself intrinsically and cultivate self-worth.
I have no idea what I’m doing and I hate when people say “Nobody knows what they’re doing we’re all just winging it”. Like… respectfully, shut the fuck up. At least when you’re talking to someone like me. So often people say things like this, champion mental health awareness, and then as soon as they witness a real episode they run away and try to forget while ignoring the fact that we've had to deal with this for decades. Then they're back on their bullshit.
At this point though, it’s not so scary. It’s just a daunting task. We’ll get there. Just be patient and keep moving at your own speed. That’s the real universal advice. It wouldn't be possible for me without medication though.
I won’t speak for other conditions but if you’re bipolar and feeling hopeless just know that there are solutions. Take your meds. Talk to your doctors. Don’t give into mania even though it’s incredibly addictive. Don’t be afraid when the first, second, or third attempt at medication doesn’t work. It’s a real struggle, but we’re all just out here trying to not end up like Ye.
I had the privilege of finding out that I had bi polar disorder as a child. Didn't get proper treatment until, well, about a year ago. So I feel you. Bi polar disorder was my identity for a while.
My advice? I found hobbies and lifestyle. Sewing, knitting, sports, art groups, painting classes...
@@amberrichards2778 Yea, that's the current plan! I'm out hobby hunting now: cosplay, getting better on guitar/piano, illustration, etc. Trying to pick a couple to really commit to. Thanks for the advice!
My story is very similar to yours, so thank you for sharing!
totally relate to this.
I'm 29
fucked around for years because I didn't think I would live this far. everyone is married, careers, kids etc.
where to now?
As someone in their late 30s with severe Biploar II Disorder, I can say that the answer to your question is not an easy one, but that there is an answer.
You need to discover your interests and find hobbies. Basically, try a bunch of stuff and learn a bunch of things. Just throw a bunch of shit at the wall and see what sticks. Look for the stuff that you really enjoy (healthy, productive stuff), I mean like the things you find that you just love immediately and join some communities around them, the interwebs loves communities. Before you know it, you'll have built a life and long lasting friendships around shared interests. Additionally, get a pet. When there's a tiny non-human life that depends on you, it puts things into perspective.
See, just like that, you have a route to hobbies, activities, friends, and a pet. If that's not a solid life, I don't know what is.
For me it was getting back into art (digital painting and 3D modeling), and to stop playing MMORPGs and go back to single player games. I rediscovered my love for handheld gaming, and I have found a lot of joy in it. I also found that once I trust someone, just opening up and telling people about the emotional stuff I deal with strengthens the friendships that I have and allows me to be me around them. I also got two cats, they are awesome.
Based on what you've said, you might want to look into volunteer work of some sort. There are plenty of good causes that you could engage in where you would feel very needed.
I'm 24mins into this video & never had this level of care/detail from a paid dr to treat me. Didn't expect to get this much considering I've been living with this for 29 years.
Love you.
I've been off them for three years. But I've only been able to do that because I put work into it. I could still relapse but things like sleeping better, exercising more, and diet have really helped. I also found a supportive partner who really helps.
I started fixing my diet 3 years ago and it actually made things easier. I didn't think diet would make much of a difference but it did. I started eating mostly meat, and low carb veggies. I stopped eating seed oils, almost all sugar aside from what a naturally in food. Ultra processed food in general.
I now go to the grocery store and pick up whatever meat is on sale. cheese, milk, yogurt. I get some veggies like mushrooms or greens, peppers onions, tomatoes. and that's generally all that I eat now.
I think the brain works better on ketones rather than blood glucose. Which is why this diet works, as well as the fact that it is giving me proper nutrition. As ultra processed foods and the way I used to eat before was very carb heavy, and thus.. low nutrient density.
Between that, and sleep it's made the most difference. Sunshine, exercise make the rest of the difference, and the support I get from my partner just helps me not spiral when I am in a bad frame of mind, and helps me work through it instead.
Doc thank you for making this video. I’ve been off meds for 6 years. I’ve been terrified of the side effects. I’m an artist and it definitely affected me and made me even more depressed because I wasn’t creating regularly. This video gave me the courage to try again.
i was diagnosed with BP and lamictal basically saved my life. i know that sounds dramatic but i dont think i could handle the cycles of mania and depression if i continued untreated, and i hurt a lot of people i cared about in manic states. im ok with relying on this medication, because the person i become without it is not someone i want to be. i do combine medication treatment with therapy, and the combination of the two has helped me understand myself better. it wasnt until i got on treatment that it felt like i finally discovered who i am as a person.
please take your meds and follow treatment plans, i promise it gets better. listen to your loved ones when they tell you your actions hurt them, you can and will get better
What about an antidepressant too? I kinda stopped my meds and rn im just at such a low... I going to ask my doc about lamictal because I do wanna get it a shot. I just.... Idk, I have adhd and alot of other problems. I like the idea of not needing meds bc taking them make me feel weak or just, idk... I want to go on Lam and maybe Zoloft, but then I also take a stim for adhd. Maybe I should try to save up for this guys course on the website. Maybe it will help, I just dont know if I have the motivation to actually follow through with it tho
I'mma be real, I have ADHD and Bipolar 2, doing a course or self help will only ever get you so far. I mean that lol I am 30 years old and if you have bipolar, you can only ever do patch work. You can regulate your life to a degree in such a way that would be easier on your psyche but the problem is that this is a mood disorder. This was always present in you but depending on your own journey in life, it can present sooner or later. I had light ripples here and there and I slid underneath the radar for quite some time. I also worked to be normal. The thing is that's every bipolar person. Many of us mask and we get into the rhythm of what it is to be like every other person but the reality is fundamentally our brains our wired differently due to whatever reasons you'd like to believe. But it is a fact that our brains are different compared to others. Self help and therapy are good but as I stated, we are different. Lamictal helped me and I'm going back on it because I spent this past year off of it and uh.. Yeah, I'm definitely not well. I made poor decisions that I know a prior version of myself definitely wouldn't have made. Medicated me would have been more calm and precise and actually look out for future me. Unmedicated me doesn't do that. I am here and I am in the moment but I find it difficult to look ahead. I reached out and got help because I am in a safe place thanks to my girlfriend who hasn't blinked once at all this. @@FritzyFreak
Dude same. It's the only med I'm on and it's worked worlds better than any other one I've tried. I'm so glad I got put on it
@FritzyFreak according to my psychiatrist Lamictal actually targets depression, it just also happens to help with mania. If you take it and feel you still need an antidepressant I would definitely talk to your psych about it, but for me Lamictal drastically decreased the depression.
I had an almost an identical experience with lamictal. Game changer and am grateful.
Hey guys,I want you to know that THE RIGHT MEDS will help. I had to go through like 5 different pills until I found one that works. The meds I'm on now don't make me feel any different/like a zombie or like I'm less creative. If anything I feel more in control of my creativity/highs and lows. Just thought I'd drop this here😁👍
Also exercise helps ALOT in conjunction with the meds💯
Congratulations you have been selected among my shortlisted winners...👆👆send me a text to claim your prize now 🎉.....
Which meds do you take? I also found the right ones for me
I found hydroxyzine to be the right med for me.
4 all those who claim that psych meds address & resolve their mental health issues; congrats 2 each & every1. Un4tun8ly; the negative side effects do far outweigh the so-called "benefits. While it does vary amongst individuals; the people 2 whom my comment's directed 2 r in the minority RE: mental health."treatment" (the euphemism 4 medication).
@@billybandyk0720 medication doesnt olve your mental health issues but it DOES help you while you deal with your mental health/traumas and also while finding out who you are and how you work. If you just take meds and expect to get better you are absolutely mistaken. Side effects do suck but you either gotta find a better medication for you or just deal with the side effects or just deal with being mentally ill and not getting better
Thank you so much for finally doing a video on bipolar! This is an amazing video to share with my partner to help him understand! I have bipolar 1 with treatment refractory depressions. Been through every 'normal' combination of medications with not much success. Even some odd ones. By some matter of fate, I ended up with an excellent psychiatrist specialising in bipolar/schizophrenia and he offered to take me on privately at no cost. He's been by my side fighting to find something that works and keeps me out of hospital. I've resorted to the ol' quetiapine even though I struggle living with the side effects and have obesity, insulin resistance and high liver enzymes, and minor TDs. I'm learning to live with all of them but honestly I'd not be alive without medications and a doc so willing to listen to me. It's taken me 7 years to find something that helps and that stops me rapid cycling as well. Usually 8/9 episodes a year. Now I'm down to 4. CPTSD complicates the situation. And it's hard with self isolation. But I'm more well than I've ever been.
I was very fortunate I have a very supportive husband even though I was a nightmare to live with. He came to every weekly appointment I had an d took notes after two yrs he was fantastic and knew a lot about bipolar and cb behaviour I think having great support really helps you get your life back. My doctor was the best I had so many over my journey you are trusting them with your life. I was so lucky because my treatment was free .I live on an island in the carribean and they seem to put mental health as a priority.
I can personally confirm SSRIs can cause mania. I think a lot of people with bipolar suspect they don't actually have bipolar on some level (whether it's rational or not), so that's why we think "hey, maybe I don't need this?" Because bipolar is a spectrum and not everyone's landed in the hospital or anything extreme like that, we look around and see people who have trouble just functioning and think "whoa, wait, is this really me?"
This is definitely me, i am figuring out that i have Bi Polar Disorder type, too, and only recently had hypmania episodes trigger. Most of my life I'd have cyclical depression and was confused. I would stop doing what i love, let projects and commitment fall through, and even get close to dropping out of college. Everytime however i would jusr "feel" better. It wouldn't line up to the people in my life who suffer from depression. Then last your i trigger mania for the first time and knew something was off, but like my episode arent as destructive has what i would here about those with Bi Polar, however they strained all my close relationship often for me to have to do something about it.
I was diagnosed because 3 different antidepressants brought me into psychotic mania after 3 months.
Lmao that was me.. official diagnosis occurred one week ago today.
My SSRI induced mania was absolutely nuts and I burned through 2500 dollars and nearly 1100 more on a random robot vacuum cleaner at best buy. I don't know what's with this weird internet phenomenon where bipolar people start spending a bunch of money at best buy while symptomatic for that lol
But especially if you have anxiety I can see that happening tbh. I thought I was making crap up to myself and just acting because I have plenty of paranoia and delusional thoughts (pretty bad cases of OCD run rampant in my family--idk if my psychiatrist just diagnosed me with that, I'll have to ask)
but yeah the feeling is completely weird and can feel somewhat invalidating to myself at times
@@iansullivan9738
yikes.. im sorry that happened to you
They really should have raised the red flags after the first medicine did that.
@@ihaveseverefrootsnackismI was the same, I spent £ 3000 in UK while in undiagnosed mania, luckily I got letters from my psychiatrist to explain to Amazon credit card etc,they have sent some letters but I have ignored them, from advice given, looks like I've got off with it, hopefully you can do the same, I was diagnosed with bipolar and now on lithium
I am a senior bipolar with lots of experience in psyche units. The dumbest thing I've seen mental patients do is to go on a med due to an illness, then get better, only to mistakenly think they got better naturally. Finally, to go through the cycle when their mental illness kicks in full force and so on...Best thing I did was to stay on my meds.
Same. I was diagnosed around 2016. I have been in the psych ward many times. Lithium makes me a zombie so I just stop taking it. I learned my lesson 3 years ago after I got on depakote. Sure I gained a ton of weight from it, but it helps stabilize my moods.
NEVER GO OFF MEDS! Look at Kanye.
Olanzipine had me gain 30 lbs..😂 to this day, I still have 15 of those
I was diagnosed after college. It took me 7 yrs to finish college. I had to take 1yr off and retook a lot of classes. My scholarship ran out the last semester and I paid 9000 out of pocket after taking a grant and 3 loans😂 I used to feel bad for all that happened so I didn't value my degree; but now it makes sense. Thank you❤
Hey, thank you for sharing your story. I wish I was brave and had the courage to have done what you did. My life went down to hell and I wrecked it a lot (and others' were involved as well) there is no shame in what you did. I was considered one of the "hot shots" of my university but now looking back, I would have done it very much so similarly to your method. That's my testimony for anyone else who may need to take some time and take it slow, take it gently, and enjoy it as gently and slowly as you can. I am on the roads to recovery from a wrecked f*cked up life. It hasn't been easy; it could have been a lot more meaningful and fulfilling had I made choices differently. For others, definitely recommend living healthy, gently, learning about emotional intelligence, financial education and planning, medication plan, taking some time off (if needed), checking in with a psychiatrist and/or therapist, and having a vision for what you hope for after college, something realistic, to live within your means and that's humble but also enjoyable. I hope I can rebuild my life and redeem myself cause I owe it to a lot of people, God, and myself. I just want to make an impact and legacy in a humble, realistic, and healthy way.
I was diagnosed 4 years ago. 4 years of destruction and apathy and rage in coping and coming to realize the diagnosis was reality and I was lying to myself for so long.
I'm on two mood stabilizers (depakote and lithium), Seroquel for insomnia/paranoia, Qelbree (xiloxazine) for ADHD and Zoloft as my SSRI for depression and anxiety. Thanks to those, this chaotic mess of a hurricane I am can be regulated and even used to my advantage.
every time I go off my meds, I forget, regress, and give into my regrets and continue to rampage ambivalently, delusional and paranoid about what is reality and what isn't.
So yeah. Don't go off your meds once you feel fine and don't need them, or else the vicious cycle will repeat.
@@Dragexslayr24 may i ask if the depakote make your hair loss, i am balding and feel pretty bad if my hair shredding
I have suffered severe symptoms of bipolar since I can remember.
In the Marine Corps infantry I was diagnosed after my suicide attempt.
In the civilian sector, doctors tried piling me with toons of medications, for sleep and anti psychotics that gave me awful side effects.
At the VA, I was prescribed lamotrigine. Only med I have taken and I have my life back.
Been diagnosed with Bipolar 1 after my first psychotic break when I was 21. Diagnosis was bipolar 2 before that (since age 14). The biggest improvement I've seen is lifestyle changes. Don't even think about getting off medication until you have a regulated sleep schedule, healthy diet, and have time to exercise *daily*. You can regulate your mood naturally but it's a full time job, and you always need fast-acting meds on hand in case things get out of control. Regular therapy I'd say is also a must. I have gone 6 months + off meds without problems, but I regularly go back to meds if I can't keep on top of my diet or sleep schedules.
I'm bipolar 1 prolly in a manic episode and I feel you so hard on the "full time job" thing
This is what I want to do; only want to take meds when I feel myself slipping and manage through routine, diet, and exercise. However, I'm not sure what med to recommend to my psychiatrist when I go and if this is even something a professional would recommend.
@@novembrluv Talk with your psych, come up with a plan. My go to "as needed med" is Seroquel. It works for me. Helps me reset my sleep schedule- I've heard that it can trigger hypomania in some so I wouldn't recommend as a blanket go to for everyone. If you're on mood stabilizers right now, you need to ween slowly. Again, all under psych supervision. While you're weening, implement the diet, exercise and sleep regimen. Picking up extra hobbies won't hurt either. Meditation and breath work is a godsend. And one more thing- no drugs or alcohol. Period. If you're serious about it you'll quit caffeine too, it throws everything off. It's a question of how bad you want it and if you're willing to put in the work. Good luck.
I am diagnosed w Bp 2, and I’m on seroquel rn and my psychiatrists goal is to get me off of it (albeit gradually, like he wants to get me to half in like 6 or so months) and I’m kinda worried cuz I don’t have any of these things really, sleep schedule is all over the place a after finally finding a helpful outpatient therapist I haven’t seen her in months due to her own private life not allowing her to work much although I do exercise more now
@@CatMilkCheeseSticksI hope you bring your concerns up with your dr. Just my personal experience, Quetiapine was the most effective med that got me down from my last manic/psychotic episode and sleeping again. I reduced it over time with my doc but noticed my sleep would fluctuate. We brought it back up slightly and that worked, and now we up the dose as needed when I notice hypomania. So that’s all to say, definitely stay aware of sleep as you change the Quetiapine and your doctor in tune with that! Best of luck ❤
A close love one to me has bipolar and went off their medication. They were fine for a while, lost a lot of weight they gained from the medication. But then they feel into mania and wasn't able to tell it was their illness making them feel that way. Their mania developed into a psychotic episode. It was really scary trying to help them. Me and my family could see that they were suffering but it was really had to get them help :(
this is exactly what happened to my ex. broke up with me right when the manic phase started and watching her destroy her life now is even more heartbreaking.
@@Malivae Wow, this is what happened to me... my ex developed mania and then psychosis due to wrongly prescribed medication and also broke up with me when mania hit. Didn't think there were other people out there with a similar experience. I really hope your ex is doing better...and you're doing well.
@@marmelaaden i honestly forgot i left this comment. i'm doing a lot better these days. don't know how she is doing, but i don't really care at this point. time heals all wounds.
how does that make sense@@boys-ie5tt ?
@@boys-ie5tt not sure that's a fair assessment...
In 2023 i started working at MGH in acute psych so it was cool to hear that you were at mgh in the past! This discussion is so valuable for me to think of about as both a care provider and patient with bpad.
I have bipolar and it feels like a film roll. Each clip has it moments for a period of time, while you in that moment all the things I feels seems right at that moment. It pulls you like an roller-caster and you're always 3 steps behind. When I look back at each clip, I realize what has happened. That overwhelming self-doubt and anxiety wasn't a lack of doing enough. Simply was a depressive episode that I slowly come to realized what was happening. The time I had thousand things up in the air, having 4 rest days a month from the gym. Wasn't a sustainable way to live. Moving to a new city just to flee from that overwhelming feeling. Eventually I came crashing down and all I remember was said or did in social situation. Humiliating myself what I did or said.
Medication helps cutting the upper part of my hypo-mania. Leaving very little help with the depressive part of it, my daily life and routine takes the hardest hit. My savior has always been the strength training. If I lift more than 5 times a week it's a sign for me to start slowing down. Under 3 times means I really need to get to the gym, the dopamine and stress relief will help me cope with the situation much better.
physical activity goes hand in hand with mental health
the struggle is very real, I found taking time to breathe and reflect on the positive when I'm not in a swing helps make the pain hurt less. I have to say, there is only benefit to having BPD, and that getting back to normal is a triumph of spirit most of the time, so enjoy the little things when you are symptom free. Best of luck to you, and may your burden's be lifted and your journey long!
Hi
What kind of strength training exercises u do
For me antidepressants make my bipolar worst and put me in mixed states which is very dangerous. Finally after 3 years , got new psychiatrist and he advised me to come off antidepressants and I am currently on 2 mood stabilisers ( lithium and tegretol) and one antipsychotic ( lurasidone).
He said mood stabilisers work better without antidepressants.
He said antidepressants can destabilise bipolar patients.
Hoping this combination works. It’s been one month only.
I take four medications daily: wellbutrin, buspar, lithium, and lamictal. I have tried SSRIs and antipsychotics before and I could not tolerate them. With the medication I take now, I don't feel like life is dull, but my mood fluctuations still do happen but are much more manageable. I do get side effects, but I managed that with timing the dosage of each.
YES, thank you! Beyond meds, sleep is the most important factor in preventing mania/depression...
off meds since my suicide attempt 5 years ago, abilify still gives me flashing around my vison to this day. whatever feeling i have is fleeting compared to the damage the medicine has caused to be honest.
The medications are absolutely horrible. They ADMIT to hiding side effects to keep them on the market . Of course, psychiatrists always ignore things like 5-HTP, Valerian Root, Omega 3, B Vitamins and more
❤️❤️
strong
Tried lithium or lamictal?
Good luck, comrade.
Abilify caused me to gain 60 lbs twice over. Was on it and started binge eating and then the doctors hospitalized me and said I couldn’t leave unless I got back on it then gained 60lbs again. Fuuuuck abilify the side effects are garbage
@@ernstthalmann4306 lamictal is awesome
Hey Dr. K I was wondering if you could make a video on comorbidities with bipolar disorder? It would be helpful to cover differentiating between a diagnosis and feeling like it’s more than that. For example bipolar disorder is usually more easily diagnosed due to psychotic features or a manic episode but what about conditions like ADHD and Autism at the same time. Often times one will mask the other and if you bring up concerns with clinicians they will either completely dismiss you or say you can’t possibly have it because you have bipolar disorder. It’s often times really difficult because you either have to pay for expensive neuro psychological evaluations from different specialists because nobody really specializes in all three conditions or you’re faced with being viewed as delusional by those around you.
I would also be very interested in this!
Please do, as someone with ADHD and Bipolar 1 this would be incredibly helpful!
This is really important. I've seen unequivocal manic episodes (with delusional ideas) in someone who refuses to seek (or accept) an evaluation because she has an ADHD diagnosis, and possibly mild autism. It's not mutually exclusive. She's been medicated for unipolar depression and with stimulants,, both of which could exacerbate mania. The prescribers don't see the manic episodes, and I think she deliberately doesn't mention them. I think she knows, deep down, that she's likely bipolar, but enjoys mania and feeling grandiose.
@@yasssqueenpurr3063 I'm also being treated for bipolar and adhd, and finding very little in the way of resources on how to move forward. So far, the pill roulette and therapy hasn't brought me to a functional place.
I'd love this too. Experiencing the same
Hey! I have a first hand experience with this. I was on Antipsychs for my bipolar and depression. I got off because the medication was making me a different person. I was saying things that didn't make sense and was getting angry a lot. I lost a lot of weight and looked like an addict.
I got off of it not because I didn't want treatment, but because my psychiatrist was not allowing me to try other medications despite having never tried another medication.
Getting off of antipsychs were terrible, I was shaky and woozy. I should not have gotten off on my own but my psychiatrist did not listen. I'm still looking for a psychiatrist, but it's hard. I'm kind of an edge case with the amount of disorders I have and what seems to work. For reference I was on quetiapine and zoloft.
Thank you for listening to your patients and being a great psychiatrist.
If you want to interview me I would love to talk / be on the show. I have had quite a time with my mental health journey and feel substantially better now. Thanks
Psychiatrists that don't listen to their patients are the worst
@lyle Im not sure if lamotrigine have different effect on type 1 and type 2. Im type 2 and lamotrigine have worked very good for me. No side effects as far as i can tell
@@christopherbernhardtKeep this in mind; treatment is a euphemism 4 medication. W/that said; counseling/psychotherapy is also treatment (though many w/in mental health system would beg 2 differ). In actuality; psych meds r actually a form of PUNISHMENT (e.g.: involuntary, court-ordered). No other health conditions (including diabetes) r subjected 2 involuntary treatment. Furthermore; psych meds r considered as MANDATORY/REQUIRED (i.e.: 1st/sole resort) 4 mental health treatment whereas insulin 4 diabetes treatment is OPTIONAL (i.e.: last resort). That's a crockashit if u ask me.
@@billybandyk0720that’s because someone that doesn’t take their diabetes medication isn’t a danger to people around them.
This theme of dismissing patient concerns is widespread and what’s worse is it’s so normalized that we now are all collectively trying to handle the symptoms of careless healthcare.
Thank you Dr. K. I love videos like this that goes deeper even though they probably won’t get as many views since it’s more niche. These videos are some of the most important and most impactful for people dealing with these issues. Please talk about OCD or BPD as well!
I'm 71
I've been through a lot! To make it short: I have NO SUPPORT for my Bipolar 1.
After quite a few episodes since diagnosed and a suicide attempt where I was very close to success, I've done well on lithium carbonate for years.. I now have lithium induced psoriasis. I don't want to go off lithium. Could reducing milligrams help the lithium?
I've been medicated since my first depressive episode in middle school. I've heard various diagnoses of depression to unspecified bipolar to bipolar one and my recent psych brought up the idea of a co-morbidity of ADHD but said we couldn't treat it until the emotions were under wraps because that would be like throwing gasoline on a fire. I stopped my medication in August for various reasons but mostly because I felt like I didn't know myself, I've been cycled through different medications and diagnoses since middle school so I have no idea what I would be like as an unmedicated adult. When I stopped I was on Wellbutrin and Lithium and Prop-something in order to counteract the side-effects of lithium. It's been a couple months and although I still have a few cycles in mood I feel stable overall and have continued to see my therapist. It's even brought the diagnosis oof bipolar into question because although I have moments where I feel like I might be slipping into mania I haven't had any manic episodes. It's been a strange yet eye-opening experience and I hope to continue to learn myself and still have access to my psych if I feel the need to get back on meds. Things are looking up genuinely. I appreciate you making this video and seeing names of medications I've been on and their pitfalls and the different combos that are used has been super interesting.
Thank you for educating and advocating for bipolar disorder. I went off my medication around 2.5 yrs ago, age 18, after having been receiving ineffective treatment for the past 4 years. It served only to keep me in a depressive episode 24/7. Now I can tell my bipolar is getting a lot worse, and it's reached a point I need medication for my own safety. This video gave me some clarity on how to advocate for myself and what I should expect of my future medication.
I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 since 2019 and starting from 2024 I'm moving towards managing my condition with supplements and minimum meds. I bought a google watch that tracks my sleep, it keeps you updated about the sleep changes you can't notice otherwise, I also take vit D3 every morinig plus Ashwaghanda root for anxiety (it lowers the blood pressure, be careful, keep the pressure up, coffee and olives work for me) for sleep I take Magnesium Glycinate (the best formula that it fully absorbed) plus herbal calming mixture (camomille, lavender,melatonin). I do yoga every single day, I meditate and eat well (more veggies and fruits, fish, meat, less sugar) I've been out of the depression since March, let's see how far it all will take me.
Latuda works best for my bipolar type 1. I only get small blips of depression which resolve pretty quick, and mania is non existent for me now. Another great thing about latuda is I still feel pretty clear in my head. So many anti psychotics and SSRIs would make me cloudy in my head and sedate me to the point of not being able to work a job, go to school etc. Latuda has been by far the best medication for me.
same here!The only difference is recently hypomania slipped through but Im not sure if its the adderall or not. Also,Latuda is primarily for Bipolar 2 and Im Bipolar 1 so Im both sure if thats why
With regards to the end of the video, Doc is just being very humble. Believe me, not all Pdocs are made equal. Psychiatry and psychology can resemble an art form sometimes; the quality of the practitioner can be all across the board because of this. This becomes even more so when you get into the realm of psychotherapy.
Went off med 6 years ago after being on a rotating cocktail of meds.
All in all, i have less frequent mood shifts, depression is a bit more common now than before, but it isnt as harsh.
Talk to your doc folks. If they do have your best inrest in heart they will help you titrate off of the meds.
Thank you for saying this
Glad to know you're doing well.
I'm off for 4 yrs already. Meds made my hearing so sensitive before I had to wear earplugs while sleeping. That and a bunch of other stuff that came as side effects.
The first 2 yrs off meds was really tough due to withdrawal symptoms.
4 yrs off meds, my living situation has also improved since. I have gained the capability to 'decently' live solo, which is difficult in my situation as I live in a 3rd world country.
I book for psych counseling as needed.
I literally told a psychologist, "it's fine that I stopped taking lithium, because I can put a tamp on it - it's ok!" two weeks later I caused mosh pit at a metal show and had to go to urgent care. I went back to BH and was like "well... yeah I was wrong - God mode is too much"
God mode- that's what I was calling it before diagnosed
I had to go off my meds because I genuinely feel misdiagnosed and honestly, this video proves it further. I was on lamotrigne for 4 years and was STILL suffering suicidal thoughts. I also don't even remember a time I've been manic and think my psychologist confused my possible ADHD hyper fixations with mania. I went to my NP not once but TWICE with my concerns and she completely dismissed them all because I mentioned UA-cam videos. She didn't even let me finish that they were videos from actual psychologists and I did further research. The second visit she actually triggered me and I haven't seen her since. I had no choice but to get off my medications myself because the one person who would, didn't take me seriously and I'm still on the wait-list to get tested for ADHD, so I would have been on unnecessary medication for almost a year
I hope you feel better now. You are brave to say that because of the stimga that comes along with stopping. People think we stop for inappropriate and irresponsible reasons. But sometimes it is the most responsible and appropriate choice, and we rarely get support for that leap of faith. Thank you for posting. The body is amazing. It might feel grim, but you can recover. You are brave and I believe you know the best thing for your health. You should be listened to and taken seriously. Peace and love.
Yeah, there is a stigma for us using UA-cam to help educate ourselves. Relate. I feel the same. Symptoms I masked. Both brothers are autistic/ADHD. I'm the only girl, and I could have masked since it's so prominent in my family. I don't want meds either way. Too strong. I tried for ADHD and couldn't eat and got a rash. I tried for depression and had insomnia. For anxiety, I honestly couldn't feel any different. Those might as well be candy. The bipolar meds, though, they are next level. Made me vomit on the daily and lose appetite along with a laundry list of other things. When complaining to my doctor, I was told it wasn't meds. I actually had an "eating disorder" where I vomit purposefully? It was nuts. 😅 like they push the meds for bipolar so hard? Once you get on, there is no getting off. Wild. I don't understand how they "stabilize mood." I didn't experience anything like that, and I gave it a good try. Tried for many years to "let the meds work." Don't worry. I've been off for about 7 years. Best choice I could have made. Tried to find "the right cocktail" of meds for just as long and what a waste of life tbh.
I've been on lamotrigine for years also. It's still not enough to stop the ideations. Only the lithium does that.
Thank you, 15 years on meds
i went cold turkey, Hell...
left meds, taste, color i had lost, returned I didnt
realise, how much those drugs affected me
Meds slow and insidious, trusted my Dr....
struggling now, No trust in Drs anymore, but now losing my soul.
PS, I Also i have Bipolar 1 with mania
Positivity and not losing hope plus not stopping taking medication helps
Always talk to your doctor and accept that u have a problem that needs doctors attention
Lithium destroyed my kidneys. Had to have 3 years of dialysis and transplant. Stopped lithium when kidneys failed and switched to Welbutrin, Quetiapine and Mirtazapine - and constant therapy.
My psychiatrist is one of few that work iin the area where I live and has a ton of nurse practitioners. Ten THOUSAND patients, according to one of the nurses I asked. No joke.
He went from having only a few nurse practitioners about 10 years ago, to having a bunch of them today.
I have had times where I asked a question, the nurse didn't know the answer, and they consulted with the doctor. They then gave me an answer and I realize now that I should be grateful that they talked to him.
But yes, the shortage of practitioners is REAL. BREAKS MY HEART. So many people are hurting and struggling.
Every single one of them matter and deserve treatment. And solid treatment as well.
And, side note, I was told in 2008 that 70% of the people in prison have mental illness.😭
Im not diagnosed but my dad died from it. Ive officially outlived him as of this year, but I dont see the point in getting help anymore. Even if i got better, it wouldnt change what I've learned about my upbringing and the truth of why I ever had friends in the first place.
@rinyotsu2.0 you messaging here is an attempt to connect and share your thoughts with others. This seems like a pretty safe community. Your human resiliency is intact, hope u continue to practice it by continuing to engage with others, it's not too late to start.
I fot put on antipsychotics 4 years ago after having manor manic episoders spanning multiple years that resulted in hesring voices and an attempt to end my life. The antipsychotics saved my life and despite them making me quite overweight I feel so much safer, I've not had any voices or manic feelings since, and the incredible periods of depression are gone. For the first time in my life I feel stable and can be a good person to my family and friends.
Just a success story amongst the people that couldn't handle it. Advocating for yourself is important but you need to study medicine and you must understand targeted symptom management.
I have bipolar and am currently on medication. Honestly my meds do affect my creativity, give me vivid dreams and make it hard to get up in morning but I was in hell before. That hell nearly destroyed me. I would take my medication over going through that again. I am on seroquel and lamictal right now but I am currently switching from seroquel to lamictal. I also have adhd but have found that to be rather manageable with my bipolar under control.
I can same I am genuinely happy.
I took Lamictal and found I needed to take folic acid or else had bad brain fog.
Apparently it's known for lowering your folic acid levels, so might be something to discuss with your doctor.
@@Unsensitive that is a good thing to keep in mind! Thanks for the heads up.
Can you sleep without sleep meds
@@adsoyad4844 when I was a kid I was given sleep meds to sleep, but that was because I wouldn’t otherwise. I had extreme hyperactivity type adhd growing up.
Otherwise I have no issues unless I am severely hypomanic.
I’d you cannot sleep you should get a sleep study to find out why.
Oh boy, sure can relate to this. My family is the same. Frustrating when family expects me to be emotionless all the time!!!
My son is newly diagnosed with bipolar l disorder. I’m trying to educate myself so that I can advocate for him. What I am noticing so far is the pile on of medication. I don’t want him to stop his medication but I do want to find the right fit. Thank you for the informative video.
There's a common misconception that you need huge doses of medication to change anything. I started on 25mg and moved myself up to 200mg quietiapine per day. It works for me and is a healthy balance between the symptoms and illness.
There's been a big anti-medication movement recently amongst bipolar people and it's personally taken the lives of quite a few friends and acquaintances that believed they didn't need medication. They all died after relapsing and experiencing major manic or depressive episodes.
Listen to the doctors, listen to your son, but understand that medication is absolutely essential and is still the officially recommended course of action. I'd not be alive today if it weren't for the antipsychotics.
I was for 5 years on valporic acid (primarily used for epilepsy) and I didn't achieve much and only got a little bit less angry.
Then I got depressed with suicide thoughts that I didn't have for 15 years. I committed myself voluntarily to the hospital and being treated so badly, that I got so scared I'll never be out. They made me feel terrified. Didn't answer question about different therapies, change medication without telling any of us patients...
After I got out I slowly took myself off in 2023. Years and half later I was never more stable after that horror in a psychiatric hospital.
So in a way they helped me to get better when I realised I'm not ill enough to let them be abusive 😅
What Dr K says about the chances of the next SSRI working is so real. My doctor put me on Lexapro, Sertraline, and Wellbutrin; none of them seemed to help regulate me properly. After having what I now know was a manic episode, and summarily crashing hard which almost led to my death, I got help and nothing clicked better than Bipolar Disorder. I've taken my first dose of the Acute treatment (Seroquel 50mg) for mood stabilisation, and I have some hope that it works so I don't have to start from square one with different medication.
I recently found out what my "issue" was and apparently I'm bipolar myself. My meds keep me pretty stable but it's just two relatively "mild" medications. I'm still figuring this ish out but after a lifetime of having no clue other than just knowing I had just standard depression its nice to have an idea of what is going on with me so I can properly treat it and make progress on improvement.
I was on meds after a manic episode. The dosage was too high and I became a depressed mess just sleeping 14 hours a day. Then had to take medication to treat my depression but stopped that for fear of side affects. I was losing my hair, gaining weight, stomach issues and libido problems.
I don’t take any medication now but I carefully track my sleep and limit any cannabis use or alcohol. Mainly cannabis sends me into mania especially if I don’t sleep then I become a whole different person.
I find that cannabis gets me to sleep and prevents mania episodes but allievates a lot of depression symptoms as well by improving my mood
Have you tried Lithium?
I have Bipolar 1 and had been on most of the medications available at the time as well as three inpatient stays. I then received six treatments of ECT and I have not been on medication since. I think that I have ADHD also but have not been officially diagnosed. I did have to leave a toxic marriage and have had extensive therapy but the treatment was effective for me. MST therapy is now available with all the benefits without the downside of ECT. It probably won’t work for everyone but maybe another avenue for some of y’all.
Thanks for all of the info. I have been thinking about going off of my meds, but I think you just convinced me it's best to stay on them.
Good. Bipolar disorder gets more severe over time if left unmedicated.
25:50 "may actually increase the risk of developing mania"
I tried to explain that to my doctor who had prescribed welbutrin. Without asking about family history of bipolar (which was present) and saw no issues with prescribing it in isolation because some of her other patients with bipolar had been prescribed the same medication.
Needless to say, not my doctor anymore.
I didn't get my bipolar 2 diagnosis until I was forty. The idea of going off my medication scares the hell out of me. I've had hypomanic episodes that were quite positive in terms of the progress I made in life while it was happening, but they lead me to behaviours I'm not proud of.
For me, the depression is the worst part and going on the medication (I take Lamotrigine) was life-changing. It has also addressed the angry outbursts really, really well. I'm a better person when I take the meds, but I was also very fortunate to have found the right medication and the right dosage, and avoided most of the side-effects.
Now to get the ADHD and anxiety sorted, which I feel is going to take a lot longer.
your addicted
@@combos7 To what, exactly? Mood stabilisers aren't addictive and they don't get you high. They prevent manic and hypomanic episodes, as well as depressive episodes. Do you believe every pharmaceutical is addictive?
any drug that alters the state of mind is addictive@@AndyTremble
I am also getting older and I think that the SSRI course caused me to have hypomania and now it is very bad.
I really regret that I ever took SSRIs because they can make a maniac even from a healthy person, what do you think?
My fiancé is dx with bipolar (not sure what type exactly) and was just prescribed Olanzapine (10mg) and Fluoxotene, so this video is great for me to learn about as i can help closely monitor her manic and depressive episodes at home and help communicate with her dr. regarding long-term treatment. Thanks, Dr. K!
This sounds just lovely, I just have ADHD, but I had to spend so much time on each of my exes to make them even think that ADHD is real in the first place, It'd solve so many issues if most men made the effort you make, so I'm really happy for you two.
Please be cautious with fluoxetine. I was prescibed it when i was 17, before iIgot my diagnosis and it had opposite effects, made me suicidal so i quit myself. When i told my psychiatrist after i got my diagnosis, she basically said SSRI is like a suicide pill for people with bipolar disorder. Im pretty sure It's been brought up by Dr K in one of the episodes with reckful.
I know i can't talk for anyone else, but when i see bipolar and fluoxetine in the same sentence, my alarm goes off. Im on lamotrigine now, and it's been very helpful, no side effects at all. Same story for my sister and mom.
Beware of Olanzapine there’s a tonne of nasty side effects and it’s horrible to get off of.
@@maxx4576 I had the same effect on desvenlafaxine, whereas fluozetine worked for me, so it really is kinda like playing Russian roulette.
She's your fiancé. I would suggest asking her what type so you can support her better.
One important thing to keep in mind is that you don't need to have an "All or Nothing" approach to medication - you can change your dose over time.
I worked with my doctor to get smaller dosages in my pills so that I can take more or fewer pills depending on the symptoms I experience - it's all about self-regulation and finding equilibrium.
It really bothers me that practicioners only talk about the treatment of bipolar disorder with relation to medication. I understand that medication is the main treatment of manic depression but I also want to learn more about the mental processes behind it and how I can counteract them. The most frustrating thing about bipolar disorder is the lack of control that comes with it. If all I can do is cram pills (that I know nothing about) down my throat and expect things to get better then I really never have any control, do I?
If you give these medications to a normal person they will get out of control with mania, etc.
So are they in control and medication takes it away?
What does it mean to be in control if medication takes it away? You make it sound like someone can choose to be a certain way, controlling it. That isn't the case for anyone.
People don't seem to get hung up on this idea of control when wearing contacts or glasses. You don't bemoan the lack of control over your eyesight. Maybe you can get by without glasses, be 'in controll. Blind people do. But that doesn't make it better then wearing glasses. And clearly people with good eyesight do not control anything, they just enjoy the lucky circumstance of good eyesight.
I'm bi-polar 1. I see a therapist and I'm learning coping skills but there is no way in hell I'd be functional in society without my meds. I looked up meds that have been around for at least 20 years. I read up on as much as I could and Topamax is a good Ole reliable. I'm loving it 😆😇
A healthy and balanced routine helps. It's a disorder that makes you hypersensitive to things. Prioritize healthy self-care
Mental processes behind it...I think they've found it is more biochemical imbalances.
Studies have shown that therapy helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and to stay on medication, but that’s about it. Therapy doesn’t help with Bipolar symptoms, like at all.
My prescriber doesn't explain a thing and is aggressive about it and doesn't listen to me. I need someone like you to help me through this. I'm on so many meds.. and if been on all of them to try them :/ but you're God damn right about sleep. That's the number one mood stabilizer for me
Citalopram saved my life. Even peaking diet and exercise it was the last piece I needed to get me out a multi-year depressive episode.
I have bipolar 2 and was misdiagnosed with depression when I was 11. I started on Paxil, then Wellbutrin, then Cymbalta, then Effexor XR. These were all over the course of 7 years. I was super anxious, irritable, and always up until like 4 am on school nights. Those were some of the worst mental health years of my life. When i finally got the correct diagnosis, after a few different meds, we landed on lamotrigine and quetiapine. I also have BED so I'm now on Vyvanse too. It's a delicate balance, but it works. My doc mentioned in his practice, he has seen Seasonal Affective Disorder tends to affect people with bipolar more often. That is the case for me and we usually switch up dosing around spring and fall unless I have some acute symptoms. When under intense stress I have had rapid cycling and mixed episodes. Those are suuuuuper scary. Do NOT recommend.
I got off of my meds for depression, anxiety and PTSD it's been a month since I got off of them. I'm way happier without meds .
I'm 21 now and now I totally understand why I was so much different and had so much hardships to face as compared to other people.
It has been more than a month since I have tried to change my life and I have been working day and night. About 37 days to be exact. I still have sleep issues, I just can't sleep! And focusing on task with the same mindset and feelings is just near impossible but I have made some good improvements in overall aspect.
For past 37days of jounraling I have consistently worked on my lifestyle I still feel extremely overwhelmed just from imagining what I will become in coming years, especially when having proper career and responsibilities are getting nearer.
I hope around day100 or maybe 200 of my consistent journaling I'll find peace from this disorder for good. I really see it as an impossible feat at the moment but it's never zero.
Hey bro I'm 22, do you happen to use any marijuana or other drugs? And what time do you try fall asleep, and is it that you can't fall asleep to begin with or keep waking up? Would love to know the details cos I find they are very significant in finding out the cause.
It's been hard finding the right combo to treat my bipolar disorder. I'm on my 5th kind of medication for it. The side effects of the other 4 I tried were awful. Currently I get a lot of nausea from the med I'm on. And I have nausea meds to help with that side effect. (Promethazine) But it's been the most bearable so far.
I am perscribed several medications. But a lot of them are as needed. I also have an anxiety/panic disorder, nightmares, and adhd to go with my bipolar diagnosis. I'm on an antidepressant because the antipsychotic doesn't help enough with the depression. I have anxiety meds to use as needed. I have meds to help me sleep as needed. Because if my sleep gets out of wack, it affects my bipolar disorder. And sometimes I need help getting to and staying asleep. I have meds for my adhd since I want to be able to function like a basic human.
Sometimes I feel like I have my own personal pharmacy. But I don't take everything every day. And each medication has a clear purpose.
I take anti-psychotics (latuda) and antidepressants (bupropion, coming off cymbalta) daily. I also take a morning and afternoon dose of adhd medication (focalin and focalin xr) most days. I have 2 kinds of anxiety meds as needed. (Gabapentin, hydroxyzine) One of them just mixes better with my adhd meds, so if I have a panic attack during the day I take one and if I have a panic attack at night I take the other. I also have a medication that helps me sleep (clonidine) if I'm having difficulty. And a medication for my nightmares (prazosin). Which I take if my nightmares start getting worse.
So that is a lot of perscriptions. But again, I don't use everything every day. And the combo has helped me become more stable and improved the quality of my life.
Sometimes it can be hard to stay on my antipsychotics. Every one I've tried has caused sedation. My last med wasn't as sedating, but it caused a lot of weight gain. And it didn't help as much with my symptoms of mania. The med I'm on does prevent the mania very well. But sometimes I miss how inspired I feel while hypomanic. Though I don't like full blown mania. I tend to experience mixed features and psychotic symptoms.
Sometimes I miss feeling a fuller range of emotions. It's not that I'm flat. But you really feel things as someone with bipolar disorder. The emotion is more raw and almost pure feeling. Medicated, I almost feel like I'm missing a piece of who I am. Hypomania is kinda like adhd hyperfocus on steroids. And I've done an incredible amount of artwork while hypomanic. Making art feels more like a plodding pace now. But at the same time, I'm glad I'm not experiencing paranoia or auditory hallucinations while going days without adequate sleep.
I think for me, there's a middle ground with treatment. Where my symptoms are under control, but I still feel more than maybe the average person would. I don't want to have big fluctuations. And depression is absolutely awful. But I still want to feel ups and downs.
It's hard to describe why taking bipolar meds is so hard, even when the side effects are tolerable. There's almost a pill fatigue that comes with treating a chronic illness. Sometimes I want to feel more than I am. Sometimes I don't feel like myself. Sometimes I feel a little paranoid that my medications are going to harm me. Sometimes I don't like feeling the same all the time. I guess that normal can sometimes feel wrong. I just don't feel like mysef on meds. I don't know how else to explain it. But I don't want to experience symptoms that cause me problems in life either.
I am grateful that you made this video. It is extremely helpful in understanding treatment.
Can you please make a video on medical keto as a treatment? I would really like to know your thoughts on it.
Went a month without meds, had a manic episode, went back to meds, had a depressive episode. I am doing a stronger dose now and hoping it helps with the depression
Abilify messed me up. It made me never want to try a new medication.
Now that I'm medicated the thing I have most trouble dealing with is the time I lost when I wasn't medicated. The part about college in this video is relatable.
There really is a lot of burden from the bad days, and you carry them even on days that aren't so bad as a reminder, a pre-caution of what could be. Having a support network is so important, since if they can help bear your burden. You have to just avoid blame and grieve the loss, take a moment to understand that time is gone, and the memories made (or missed) or the pain you caused will abide, and whoever you were lucky enough to not scare off carried you through, even if there is resentment, blame, anger, or whatever it's okay, cause they wanted to see it through and you can only take every opportunity to make it better and enjoy your levity when you have it..
Hi lulu
I want ed to know how u managed ur colleges with meds
Also...if you don't change the way you think about life then NO AMOUNT of medication will help. It's like saying all you have to do to be strong is take protien supplements/eat meat. You HAVE TO put in the work,I know it may be challenging but you gotta change the way you think/work past traumas💯
Congratulations you have been selected among my shortlisted winners...👆👆send me a text to claim your prize now 🎉.....
@@DANGER1998 Facts! If you can push through and change your way of thinking without the medication in the first place. That’s even better!
I was diagnosed with bipolar about three years ago. I disagreed with the diagnosis until now. I believed that it was sudden and frequent mood swings, not extended and constant. And it seemed awful quick since she only asked like three questions before diagnosing it.
Thanks to this, I'm now aware that I'm going through a depressive episode and can do research on it.
If anyone happens to read this and has any tips for getting through an episode, I'd love to hear it. Thank you for your time.
i hope you're feeling better! I've def been there before, I think a lot of times getting through the depressive periods just takes time and working on healthier habits (ie getting a normal sleep schedule n exercising), but if things are still rough after a long time I def reccomend talking to your doc and trying some different meds that target bipolar depression. at least in my case switching meds/changing the dosage have given me the energy and motivation to finally start working on my habits to get me out of the depression hole.
Olanzapine blew me up so big so fast. I also had some weird light flashes in the corners of my eyes, and i felt dead inside on that. I was also on 1500 mg or 1600 lithium. I did the meds for 3 months and quit cold turkey because my hair fell out, i got fat, and the flashes in my eyes. I am having some mood problems again about 9 months later, but im so nervous to get back on meds and plus im not even sure im really bipolar 2 anymore, anyway
Thanks for the video Dr. I've been diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder for around 8 years now, started off with terrible doctors followed by decent one! - Been relatively stable and sober now for nearly 3 years! - if you ever want to chat with someone who knows what it's like having Bipolar both medicated or unmedicated I'm always happy to. (and has experience with substance abuse and sobriety!)
Can you explaine more of how you feel unmedicated?❤
Hey there I have Bipolar and so do many members of my family, and Id say it's pretty common in my experience to have varying intervals on mood-swings of all differing kinds depending on the individual. It can be as short as many times in a day (like myself) or be as long as half a year from what Ive seen. Great video tho and I love your stuff just wanted to give a different perspective.
Currently tapering, needed this today. I had severe episodes and I reduced them by halving my main meds. Still need the meds but I’m glad I went down in dosage.
Just turned on the video but before I watch I want to say that I have bipolar disorder. The medication I take has changed my life in several ways. Firstly, it has a lot of negative side effects. That can't be ignored. But the cyclical nature of my very strong mood episodes was extremely damaging to my health and happiness. With medication, my quality of life has gone up dramatically. And I'm willing to make the trade. I wish I had done it sooner.
I am right there with you. Without my sanity pills I would be in such a worse spot.
Same. Tbh I find the fixation on demonizing all pharmaceuticals and living more “purely” (off meds) to be tragically misguided. It’s none of my business whether someone does or doesn’t want to be medicated, but I’m getting tired of the soapbox, holier than thou lecturing as I feel it’s directed at me: some of us don’t have viable alternatives, and turning to meds isn’t a “failing”
My sibling would randomly stop her meds, and what would happen? Every single time she would have WILD EPISODES just from weeks of stopping meds. As in every single time. She lost lots of money from that, and would have better life when she’s medicating. It’s hard to convince her to take meds but she needsmit.
@@kyupified2440 unfortunately this is a common theme within the bipolar community. Especially with those who have bipolar type 1. And sadly as you get older bipolar just gets worse. Worse yet, I’d you are older (50s-60s) get off meds and have an episode. Not only are they way worse but even if you go back on treatment you may never go back to as stable as you were before. Plus, it is way way harder to get stable again. Got this from my therapist who has worked with bipolar patiences for almost 15 years now. It’s a sad truth. Particular with bipolar 1.
@@CDOG14515 agreed. For years I fought it till finally something had to change. Getting on meds, getting into therapy and working my ass off to be better. Not just be better but to even understand myself and how my condition affects me. It saved my life. My meds are one of my tools in my toolbox. Without it I may as well be a carpenter without a hammer.
I would rather be on meds than to return to that hell.
I had my first psychotic manic episode 3 years ago. I never want to feel that for me, so I am staying medically sane. I feel like I can cut some more of the meds, but I am staying.
my first episode was 12 years ago, and it was like I lost control of myself entirely and stop resembling myself at all. It might have scared a lot of people, but I can't describe the pure horror going on in my head. I still recoil at the thought, barely clinging to reality and in state of agony, fear, and paranoia that no movie or novel could hope to describe or replicate. So, once I failed to attempt I got put through heavy medication to get out of the rollercoaster, but got stuck on the same meds they use for the acute symptoms for 8 years! I was so scared to change since I had a family to take care of and a 60 hour a week job I couldn't afford the risk to missing work or getting fired for stigma (FMLA or BPD if they found out), but the side effects were so severe: I suffered from severe bouts of sleepiness (bad enough to fear driving or falling asleep at work) my weight was out of control (despite a low calorie diet and exercise), I had a family and support but I was pushing myself into more and more reckless habits (late nights gaming, gambling, binge drinking). I finally had to step back, and realize I was working so hard to just exist, and along with the bad habits and weight I was struggling to be present and feel emotions that I expected and at the intensity I expected (overreact to minor annoyance, but struggle to feel the "happiness" of a big event). All that to say, I understand not wanting to go back to the feeling of the episode, but you deserve the best treatment so be careful to not lock yourself in that your "okay" so nothing should ever change. Be an advocate for yourself, and keep communication with your provider. Even if nothing changes you should still take time to consider how you are really doing and don't be afraid to speak up about how you are doing.
Hey, something that comes with Mania is long term brain damage. It may be worth speaking to a psych if thats something concerns you.
This is a great and informative video. Going through a depressive state now for 4 months, following a manic episode. Doing what I can to get back to normal. So nice to hear you speaking on what I experience, without judgement. Thank you 🙏🏻❤
I'm schizoaffective so I somewhat understand this. I've been off my meds for 30 days and have no psychotic symptoms but my mood is more depressive
How is it going? I’m thinking of coming off bipolar meds
My sister got diagnosed with bipolar after coming off her antidepressant medication without tapering, she had become depressed. She was put on a bunch of bipolar medications. She went home, started the new meds and was hallucinating seeing huge spiders crawling up the walls. Needless to say she stopped taking it. She doesn't have bipolar.
Seroquel? Having the same experience with hallucinations except I actually am bipolar and manic.
@@owenmacleod8681 what dose do you have? i have 350mg right now and my mania presist, but not as full-blown one, and definitely not as hypomania.
somewhere between it, but it feels PAINFUL
Just started Lamotrigine for a combination of treating anxiety and dpdr, but also to calm my potential bipolar.
I also take lamotrigine and it was super good (for me)
@@JAUNEtheLOCKE Yeah it's been a week now and I've noticed a pretty remarkable decrease in the amount of overthinking I'm doing. Still on the low dose though that they start you on first
@@Neilad Best of luck to you and may you find relief! I’m rooting for ya ❤️
My summary where im currently at is look at your lifestyle and 'avoid' triggers such as not enough sleep, stress and stimulants. Be totally honest about your moods before it escalates rapidly. I don't believe in being over prescribed medications, even dosages being too high, no point being a zombie in life having no emotions at all. Another factor is long term side effects so 'if' your able to keep dosages lower that would be better for your psychical health. Find what works for you. i'm currently using Lithium and Seroquel. i did not have much luck with other psych meds some infact made my condition worse. bee safe!
At one point I was on Vraylar 4.5mg, quetiapine, buspirone, an SSRI, abilify, Adderall and therapy weekly. It was not sustainable. I am on low dose Vraylar and sertraline, and switched to lamictal. I'm hoping to get Spravato treatments and come off most of them. Mania is literally the worst, especially when you come back and see the destruction you've caused.
Good point on not just doing what a doctor says because they said to.
I have a bipolar friend who's become super religious and spiritual during her mania. She's thinking that god punishes her and she has to make up for her sins by praying or attending church. I have attended a church group with her once where she had started crying hysterically, screaming and demanded the people to pray for her. It felt a bit cult like and worried me a lot. She was kicked out eventually and I think she doesn't have contact with the church group anymore. She also blamed me for what happened, saying she absorbed my dark energy which caused her pain. I think she feels very ashamed and her thinking god is mad at her only makes it worse. I feel like religion is consuming her still and she cut of friends who think differently, isolating herself a bit. I don't want her to abandon her belief system, because it can also give her strength and get her through dark times but I wish she would separate her BPD and mental health issues from religion and understand that she is not being punished. It also makes her think that only god can cure her and it was difficult to convince her to get professional help again, making her also vulnerable to religious people who feed into her delusions. If anyone has dealt with something similar I would love to hear other perspectives and appreciate some advice!
Funny enough, lamotrigine helped with my hypomania more at lower doses than it did with my depression. It took bumping me up to 300mg to bring me to a more balanced level on both ends.
I got diagnosed with bipolar after being hospitalized at 23.. but it wasnt official or anything. They never went deeper as to what kind i had. I've been on and off meds for 7 ish years now.. now its been affecting my performance at work and finding a therapist/doctor is such a b***h ☹️
I'm on a depressive episode lately and i feel like im not even an active participant in my own life anymore..
I had a slipped disc and my vaginal muscles were in spasm because of it. I told it to my neurologist and he reffered me to the psychiatrist. This neurologist is one of the most esteemed neurologists in the country btw. So be careful what you say to your doctor.
You had vaginal spasms and you were referred to a psychiatrist? What
I have bipolar type 1. I've gone off my meds before and soon after I was reminded of why I take them in the first place.
I can only imagine sorry it’s like that for you I’m in the same boat. At least with type 2 I could see how someone could manage off meds, but type one no no no
That’s a one way ticket to directly communicating with God
Last time I went off meds I spiraled down and ended up in the hospital. When I'm on meds it's like I have no emotions everything is just neutral. It's also like my imagination is gone. When I'm on my meds I can't go manic but I can go depressive but I spend most of the time on a meh neutral plateau. I can't really loose weight, I dropped 25lbs over 6 months then while still with the same diet/exercise I gained it all back in about 3 weeks.
In my honest opinion my medication made me gain 20 kilograms, headaces, drowsiness, runny tummy, water retention so obviously that affected my kidneys, one of my medications made me developed breast milk too. So with all these side effects I will be coming off my medications.
I have bipolar 2 and I got akathisia from abilify, and seroquel and almost attempted suicide on geodon. Lithium levels are always under therapeutic rang and I'm a rapid cycler so I often wonder why I should stay on meds at all.
A lot of these medications are extremely unhealthy for a bipolar person. I'm actually quite disappointed in this video because, the narrative that bipolar people want to go off the medication when they are doing good is false. Most people are diagnosed at there lowest point in life with no knowledge of having a disorder and would see an improvement regardless of medication or not. A lot of patients want to get off the medication because they don't feel right compared to how they felt before being on medication.
I have never had a bi-polar medication that wasn’t worse than the bi-polar symptoms
@@mooyoeljeongI totally understand you. Every medication I’ve taken has just zombified me and gave me suicidal ideation. The only one that has worked for me was taking 300mg gabapentin twice a day. I am not a medical doctor so don’t just blindly follow that, but when you talk to a professional, try to mention gabapentin to them!
Thank you for this. So clear and helpful
Damn. I was reading on Bipolar disorder on the NIH website and it sounded so eerily familiar. I know I have Hypotension so I just related my low mood to that but reading up on it, I think I should get a mental exam.
Same
My spouse is BP2. Something Ive noticed is that the majority of mental healthcare providers think they are experts on bipolar. I recently got into a fight with her med provider. Largely over cannabis use. Someone who sees her patient approx. 2 hours a month feels she can completely disregard input from a spouse who lives with the patient.
Along the lines of what you were saying. She was on several meds and the NP thought Cannabis was just fine. Its not, specifically with Bipolar. She has now weaned off of a few and is doing better. We are looking for a better Dr. who will hopefully be qualified.
I would really encourage people with or family, to vet the professionals. Look around and find one who knows what they are doing and fit well with your personality.
Wow, what sort of quack says marihuana is ok for anything to do with mental health?
You are awesome ,I am a neurologist ..Many people take drugs (benzo,cannabis) alcohol. They feel euphoria ..If patient has depression and euphoric episodes while they are on drugs ..how can we differentiate bipolar disorder from depression with drug abuse
I was diagnosed 6 months ago with BP1, mixed episodes (dysphoric mania). Im super grateful for the meds l, but, I learned exactly why you're not supposed to take antidepressants if you're bipolar. It sent me into horrible dysphoric mania for days. If our bed didn't have so much shit under it, I would have hid under it for days. I'm good now though without the antidepressant.
In a different video: “we don’t actually know what drugs do. We know there are beneficial reported results but we just guess what the medication is actually doing.” - to paraphrase.
This video: “we need to choose the right medications instead of just throwing piles of pills at patients” - to paraphrase.
I’ve been unmediated for 11 years now.. I’m convinced I never was bipolar to begin with..
I have to take my meds because my mood swings are scary to normal people, and i can hurt people. If i miss one day of not taken meds it will cause chaos in my life. Not only do i have bi polar but i have anxiety and adhd. Its hard for me to function in the real world.
I think it’s important to note that SSRIs can trigger manic episodes. I wa son it a couple of days and got the most intense hypomanic episode I’ve ever experienced. Told my doctor about it and that’s actually how I found out I have bipolar 2 lol (not officially diagnosed but still treated for it)
Fine tuning like precious classic car. I feel so stable now .I've been on these meds for the last 5 yrs. I'm 65 yrs old female and had a wild ride over my life. A little of that a little of this. I think the problem is over medicating where you end up feeling like a zombie.the only part I miss is not feeling creative I was an artist but I'm alive the depressions were unbearable 5 failed suicide attempts and my manias put a terrible strain on my marriage and children. Hospital stays and rages where I attacked my husband with a glass. We were in a restaurant at the time and they called the police and paramedics and I ended up been taken out on a stretcher to hospital. I I never want to go back to how my life was. You need to weigh up the good and the bad. I hope any of you end up in a good place just keep trying.
I saw a queer girl psychiatrist and she didn’t ask if I’m narcissistic or autistic and sort of put me on an SSRI which damaged me and ruined my life. She just opened the textbook and said it’s first line treatment. Well there are nuances. Really hate this industry.