|
Hi, for reason's of privacy my name will be Gordon.
I was diagnosed as bipolar II in 1983. I was at work and having delusions
about my coworkers one October day. That night, I imagined my father had
died in a traffic accident and had a nervous breakdown. He was only late
coming home. Not long after that I went for my first doctor visit and was
put on lithium. I have been on lithium for many years and went to several
doctors, one of which I saw from 1985 until 1998 when he retired.
Over the span of 25 years I have been through many trials and rough
patches. I have wanted to kill myself many, many times. One time, I
actually almost went through with it, my only attempt. I almost
intentionally drove into traffic. Luckily, I was at the doctor's office
almost and I actually stopped myself from the attempt. I was hospitalized
for almost a week and Zyprexa was added to my lithium.
I saw a few different doctors since 1998, and now have a very good one.
Now I take lithium, lamotrigine, and thorazine. I have been fairly stable
now, but I still have times where I am not 100%. I'm sure with most
sufferers, the treatment will change from time to time. I have had the
blackest depressions and despair and the mania associated with
overspending and hyper-sexual thoughts. Nowadays things are getting
better, but this illness has way of tripping you up when you least expect
it. I have some relatives who are bipolar, and I know I am not alone.
I have learned to stay away from caffeine and get plenty of sleep at
night. Regular exercise is a must! Prayer is a wonderful comfort as well.
Take care.......
|
|