Depression and Bipolar

[InOne]

Anyone suffer from either. I was diagnosed Bipolar a few months ago and don't really believe it. I think it's ridiculously overdiagnosed. But also think it has bad publicity in the media, some celebs see it as the cool thing to have at the time. (saw that on Paul O'Grady) What do you think?

[jgfrise]

Bipolar used to be called Manic Depression, but Doctors seem to like diagnosing everybody as bipolar. I have been diagnosed as bipolar, when in actual fact I have had a "normal" depression for 2 years with not one mood swing! Have you been given any medication?

[InOne]

Bipolar used to be called Manic Depression, but Doctors seem to like diagnosing everybody as bipolar. I have been diagnosed as bipolar, when in actual fact I have had a "normal" depression for 2 years with not one mood swing! Have you been given any medication?

Was on citalopram and Carbemazpine, but deicded to come off the meds as they blunted my emotions and caused me to go on massive benders which often landed me in trouble, how about you?

[Princess]

I havn't but a lot of family suffer with it,horrible illness :(

[InOne]

I havn't but a lot of family suffer with it,horrible illness :(

Yep indeed, messes up your own life and the ones close to you.

[jgfrise]

Citalopram made me shake. Have tried everything, but side effects so bad, have gone "cold turkey" and not now taking any medication. Depression is the worst illness. I would rather suffer from anything else. Was "up" for most of my life and very happy and content, but this 2 year down depression is awful. Can't seem to "climb out of the hole". Wish you the best of luck! Question - do you go on crazy spending sprees?

[ILoveTRW]

i get told that i have a split personality a lot but thats about it

[InOne]

Citalopram made me shake. Have tried everything, but side effects so bad, have gone "cold turkey" and not now taking any medication. Depression is the worst illness. I would rather suffer from anything else. Was "up" for most of my life and very happy and content, but this 2 year down depression is awful. Can't seem to "climb out of the hole". Wish you the best of luck! Question - do you go on crazy spending sprees?

I was manic for about 2 weeks and went on spending and gambling sprees. Also drank pretty much all the time, did not sleep at all. Ended up in hospital though so was not too good :S

[*mazedsalv**]

Britney, Kerry Katona and Amy Winehouse have it.

[InOne]

Britney, Kerry Katona and Amy Winehouse have it.

Never head about Britney or Amy having it, I know Kerry was diagnosed though. The celeb I have seen to have it worst is Carrie Ann Fisher, she goes completely crazy.

[jgfrise]

So sorry to hear that. Yeah I know about the lack of sleep. I didn't drink and gamble, but bought loads of stuff I didn't really need. Sounds like you only had one episode, so think the bipolar label is a little unfair.

[InOne]

So sorry to hear that. Yeah I know about the lack of sleep. I didn't drink and gamble, but bought loads of stuff I didn't really need. Sounds like you only had one episode, so think the bipolar label is a little unfair.

Well to get a diagnosis or BP 1 you only have to have one major episode. But I also get depressive and mixed episodes so I was diagnosed BP 2, still ridiculous though, people go up and down all the time and im alot better off meds.

[King Gizzard]

I had massive anxiety and panic attack problems in my teens, im alright now though :thumbs:

[jgfrise]

I think the key is to recognise when an "episode" is coming but of course it is difficult if you are really "high". I would welcome that right now - LOL. Glad you are off meds. XX

[InOne]

Yeah I could do with a high really. Sometimes you can tell when one is coming I guess but sometimes it just takes you by suprise.

[GypsyGoth]

I get major depressive episodes.

[King Gizzard]

I get major depressive episodes.

:hug::bigsmile:

[InOne]

I get major depressive episodes.

:( Sorry about that GypsyGoth, you on meds or anything?

[GypsyGoth]

I get major depressive episodes.

:( Sorry about that GypsyGoth, you on meds or anything?

Have been on meds, and perhaps should be. But my mom is ok about me not taking pills at the moment, once I'm not really down or suicidal lol.

I have been advised to take up running, but I'm not too fond of people, so the only time I'd run is in the early morning. And I'm not really a morning girl. But I guess I'll get organised and give it a go in the weeks to come.

[InOne]

I get major depressive episodes.

:( Sorry about that GypsyGoth, you on meds or anything?

Have been on meds, and perhaps should be. But my mom is ok about me not taking pills at the moment, once I'm not really down or suicidal lol.

I have been advised to take up running, but I'm not too fond of people, so the only time I'd run is in the early morning. And I'm not really a morning girl. But I guess I'll get organised and give it a go in the weeks to come.

Meds have been nothing but trouble for me. Also I have been told to run as it apparently helps, but takes a lot of motivation and I don't really like people either.

[GypsyGoth]

Also I used to be on Lustral, not sure if it helped but hey I'm still here, so I guess it must have made some sort of impact.

[InOne]

Also I used to be on Lustral, not sure if it helped but hey I'm still here, so I guess it must have made some sort of impact.

I guess so, you never know really.

[GypsyGoth]

Well I think you're pretty brave for posting a topic about this :hug:

[Twilight]

My sister used to get Depression really bad in her teens, but shes kinda ok now but shes still on meds for it.

[BBUK4LYFE]

Britney, Kerry Katona and Amy Winehouse have it.

Never head about Britney

So I guess you totally missed this?

http://i32.tinypic.com/ev5lig.jpg

[InOne]

Well I think you're pretty brave for posting a topic about this :hug:


Awww ty, well just thought i'd post something decent for a change lol

[InOne]

Britney, Kerry Katona and Amy Winehouse have it.

Never head about Britney

So I guess you totally missed this?

http://i32.tinypic.com/ev5lig.jpg


Does not mean she was bipolar though, could have been a number of things. It was rumored but never confirmed and she has never really said anything about it.

[bansheewails]

InOne, read Stephen Frys story about being Bipolar. My Friend has it and taking the meds made her feel worse for awhile, but a change of meds helped her greatly and reading Stephen Frys book helped her maasively aswell. She sid he described it brilliantly, tho I think he doesn't take meds himself anymore.

Its a lonely illness, so talking to people with the same condition does help, so she has told me.

Hope this helps a bit.

[InOne]

InOne, read Stephen Frys story about being Bipolar. My Friend has it and taking the meds made her feel worse for awhile, but a change of meds helped her greatly and reading Stephen Frys book helped her maasively aswell. She sid he described it brilliantly, tho I think he doesn't take meds himself anymore.

Its a lonely illness, so talking to people with the same condition does help, so she has told me.

Hope this helps a bit.

Cheers bansheewails, I saw the doc on him which was quite good also. Yeah, will have to give the book a try too.

[jgfrise]

It is indeed a very lonely illness. I have totally isolated myself and find it very difficult to do anything.

[InOne]

It is indeed a very lonely illness. I have totally isolated myself and find it very difficult to do anything.


Yeah recently I have been icolated alot. Thinking does me no good!!

[Lauren]

Often confused with "just" the ups and downs with depression, so probably over diagnosed but not so much that they diagnosed -healthy- people with it. Terrible illness.

[InOne]

Often confused with "just" the ups and downs with depression, so probably over diagnosed but not so much that they diagnosed -healthy- people with it. Terrible illness.


Yeah i'd say in the states it is overdiagnosed, here probably not so much. There are alot of misconceptions about it though like you said.

[NettoSuperstar!]

Ive suffered from Anxiety and panic attacks at times of unusual stress in my life. I've been on Citalopram and Amytriptyline and found them very helpful at the time. I dont need anything right now. (I also work in mental health!!)Meds are sometimes the lesser of two evils...

[InOne]

Ive suffered from Anxiety and panic attacks at times of unusual stress in my life. I've been on Citalopram and Amytriptyline and found them very helpful at the time. I dont need anything right now. (I also work in mental health!!)Meds are sometimes the lesser of two evils...

Citalopram was not good for me, triggered Mania. They tried Olanzpine and Carbamazepine to balance it out, did not really work. Off meds not though and it has helped me a lot.

[NettoSuperstar!]

Yeh shouldnt really give Citalopram to someone having a manic episode! I know a lot of people who rate Olanzapine and Carbamazepine though. My brother has had manic episodes, its quite worrying for the family when someones in that state Edit: very worrying not quite!

[InOne]

Yeh shouldnt really give Citalopram to someone having a manic episode! I know a lot of people who rate Olanzapine and Carbamazepine though. My brother has had manic episodes, its quite worrying for the family when someones in that state


Well yeah, I was put in hospital last time I had mine lol I just don't think meds are right for me, people get addicted to them also which is not good.

[NettoSuperstar!]

Yeh shouldnt really give Citalopram to someone having a manic episode! I know a lot of people who rate Olanzapine and Carbamazepine though. My brother has had manic episodes, its quite worrying for the family when someones in that state


Well yeah, I was put in hospital last time I had mine lol I just don't think meds are right for me, people get addicted to them also which is not good.

Well If you can manage without thats great

[InOne]

Yeh shouldnt really give Citalopram to someone having a manic episode! I know a lot of people who rate Olanzapine and Carbamazepine though. My brother has had manic episodes, its quite worrying for the family when someones in that state


Well yeah, I was put in hospital last time I had mine lol I just don't think meds are right for me, people get addicted to them also which is not good.

Well If you can manage without thats great

Yeah, so far im doing pretty good.

[Lauren]

Which steps did everyone take to get diagnosed? Were they diagnosed with something else (wrongly) first? Or was it diagnosed correctly instantly?

(Sorry if I'm asking too many questions).

[InOne]

Which steps did everyone take to get diagnosed? Were they diagnosed with something else (wrongly) first? Or was it diagnosed correctly instantly?

(Sorry if I'm asking too many questions).


For me it when when I was seeing a Psychatrist, they go through your life, ask you about your experiences ect. Also if anyone in your family has or had it.

[Vicky.]

Im on fluoxetine...docs reckon Im depressed, I dont feel any different to how I have always felt to be honest.

A few months ago I swent through a very strange phase of gambling every penny I had, just for the buzz...having very strange thoughts, like getting random urges to hit pint glasses into my friends faces when they were having a drink...for no reason, not sleeping and just having really bad mood swings in general...I reckon I WAS depressed then, for some reason, no trigger that I can think of though...but they tell me I still am, though I dont feel it, I still gamble pretty badly, but Ive always been a gambler...until about 2 weeks ago I was not sleeping for 2 days then sleeping for 12 hours straight, but I dont think i am depressed...just ********d up.

I imagine depression to be feeling low all the time, maybe thats my problem with not accepting what the doctors tell me, as I am nearly always happy. Didnt realise you could be depressed without being sad :conf:

[InOne]

Im on fluoxetine...docs reckon Im depressed, I dont feel any different to how I have always felt to be honest.

A few months ago I swent through a very strange phase of gambling every penny I had, just for the buzz...having very strange thoughts, like getting random urges to hit pint glasses into my friends faces when they were having a drink...for no reason, not sleeping and just having really bad mood swings in general...I reckon I WAS depressed then, for some reason, no trigger that I can think of though...but they tell me I still am, though I dont feel it, I still gamble pretty badly, but Ive always been a gambler...until about 2 weeks ago I was not sleeping for 2 days then sleeping for 12 hours straight, but I dont think i am depressed...just ********d up.

I imagine depression to be feeling low all the time, maybe thats my problem with not accepting what the doctors tell me, as I am nearly always happy. Didnt realise you could be depressed without being sad :conf:

I have a habit of wasting all my money at the Casino lol not good! From what you describe, sounds like you could of been having a mixed episode, manic and depressed at the same time. I also get violent thoughts and anger for no reason.
Sleep was a problem for me at one time, I went on a 2 weeks alcohol binge and hardly slept at all.

[NettoSuperstar!]

Im on fluoxetine...docs reckon Im depressed, I dont feel any different to how I have always felt to be honest.

A few months ago I swent through a very strange phase of gambling every penny I had, just for the buzz...having very strange thoughts, like getting random urges to hit pint glasses into my friends faces when they were having a drink...for no reason, not sleeping and just having really bad mood swings in general...I reckon I WAS depressed then, for some reason, no trigger that I can think of though...but they tell me I still am, though I dont feel it, I still gamble pretty badly, but Ive always been a gambler...until about 2 weeks ago I was not sleeping for 2 days then sleeping for 12 hours straight, but I dont think i am depressed...just ********d up.

I imagine depression to be feeling low all the time, maybe thats my problem with not accepting what the doctors tell me, as I am nearly always happy. Didnt realise you could be depressed without being sad :conf:

Yeh sometimes its hard to recognise your depressed, those are pretty good indicators that somethings not right and you need to make some changes in your life somewhere...Im not really down with labels (Just speaking from personal experience, I find its not good to ignore warning signs ie/ not sleeping properly etc)

[InOne]

I tried to get CBT but was refused, she just said we would end up annoying eachother :S lol

[Lauren]

Vicky yours sound like a severe offshoot from OCD. The C part of it (Compulsion), it would explain the strange thoughts to smash a glass in your friends face, and gambling. The Compulsion part of OCD is the detrimental part, basically you worry about doing something bad - so try and relieve that worry - for most people ths is doing alternative things such as washing your hands a lot, or switching a light switch on. However - there's another way to relieve the worry of doing something bad, and that's by doing it so it's done and out the way, no need to worry about it. That'll explain your gambling. This is all just labels for the same thing though.

[Tom]

I'm really interested in this, I never knew there were so many people on here who had been/are depressed.

And Lauren you're worrying me now, I always wash my hands, brush my teeth and make sure switches (both lights and plugs) are flicked off when not in use :sad::blush2:

[Lauren]

Everyone has compulsions. Like when someone see's a fast truck speeding towards them by a road, there's always a small part of your brain that wills you on to step out in front of it. People with OCD (or at least, an offshoot), will find it hard to control this urge and the thought consumes them subconsciously until they find a way to relieve it (i.e. washing hands religiously). Usually they're linked though, a fear of disease will result in washing hands, a fear of hurting oneself will result in repeating a "lucky" phrase etc.

[Beastie]

I have never been diagnosed with depression but I have still suffered from it before. There is a big difference between feeling low/down and depression. At times I have wanted to end my life but everything seems allright now. I think its been quite a few months since I was last depressed.

[Tom]

I have never been diagnosed with depression but I have still suffered from it before. There is a big difference between feeling low/down and depression. At times I have wanted to end my life but everything seems allright now. I think its been quite a few months since I was last depressed.

If I'm right depression is actually a hormone imbalance and not extreme sadness as such?

[atieah2009]

Depression is bs every one faces, then theres severe and manic depressions, darren sutherland has belived to hang himself no signs at the time he was severly depressed but when he was young he was(full report in sports section boxing part:)

[InOne]

Depression is bs every one faces, then theres severe and manic depressions, darren sutherland has belived to hang himself no signs at the time he was severly depressed but when he was young he was(full report in sports section boxing part:)

Well I guess some people can put on a front and some can't.

[*mazedsalv**]

Britney, Kerry Katona and Amy Winehouse have it.

Never head about Britney

So I guess you totally missed this?

http://i32.tinypic.com/ev5lig.jpg


Does not mean she was bipolar though, could have been a number of things. It was rumored but never confirmed and she has never really said anything about it.

Britney revealed it that she had it. Amy has it too for sure, I know for defenite.

[InOne]

Yeah, plus eating disorders, the drugs did not help either really.

[Beastie]

I have never been diagnosed with depression but I have still suffered from it before. There is a big difference between feeling low/down and depression. At times I have wanted to end my life but everything seems allright now. I think its been quite a few months since I was last depressed.

If I'm right depression is actually a hormone imbalance and not extreme sadness as such?

It might be? I just know the difference between extreme sadness and depression. Maybe I should have gone to the doctor in the first place when I had depression but I mentally got through it all but yeah it has affected other people because it seems I block people out when I have had depression.

[Beastie]

Yeah, plus eating disorders, the drugs did not help either really.

Yeah eating disorder is a mentally unstable thing like depression. However it seems an eating disorder is more controlled, depression can just happen at any point.

[InOne]

Yeah, plus eating disorders, the drugs did not help either really.

Yeah eating disorder is a mentally unstable thing like depression. However it seems an eating disorder is more controlled, depression can just happen at any point.

Yeah that what people with them do, they love the control they have over themselves. Depression you can't really control anything.

[Beastie]

Yeah I have not really had an eating disorder. Well, a few years ago I tried not eating for a few days, a bit like fasting, but that does not work because I ended up eating after the few days. That was silly though, I felt not happy with my weight but at the end of the day a healthier lifestyle and exercise is the best thing. Suppose thats not severe, was just a phase. Well I would say im like 90% of girls.. just now again look in the mirror and think "it would be good if I was half a stone less" or something but mostly im not too bothered.

[InOne]

Yeah I have not really had an eating disorder. Well, a few years ago I tried not eating for a few days, a bit like fasting, but that does not work because I ended up eating after the few days. That was silly though, I felt not happy with my weight but at the end of the day a healthier lifestyle and exercise is the best thing. Suppose thats not severe, was just a phase. Well I would say im like 90% of girls.. just now again look in the mirror and think "it would be good if I was half a stone less" or something but mostly im not too bothered.

Yeah, it does not help with the mags that promote diets and all the skinny girls. I'd never get at someone about their weight like people kill and starve themselves over it, it's not nice.

[Beastie]

Yeah I have not really had an eating disorder. Well, a few years ago I tried not eating for a few days, a bit like fasting, but that does not work because I ended up eating after the few days. That was silly though, I felt not happy with my weight but at the end of the day a healthier lifestyle and exercise is the best thing. Suppose thats not severe, was just a phase. Well I would say im like 90% of girls.. just now again look in the mirror and think "it would be good if I was half a stone less" or something but mostly im not too bothered.

Yeah, it does not help with the mags that promote diets and all the skinny girls. I'd never get at someone about their weight like people kill and starve themselves over it, it's not nice.

Yeah its a bit extreme. Like really I bet some people who are "fat" or "obese" may look at me and would be happy to be the weight I am at now so I should not complain. Well I don't that much really. I just ponder about this issue but I dont get really down about it. Might get down about it once a month or something.

[InOne]

Yeah I have not really had an eating disorder. Well, a few years ago I tried not eating for a few days, a bit like fasting, but that does not work because I ended up eating after the few days. That was silly though, I felt not happy with my weight but at the end of the day a healthier lifestyle and exercise is the best thing. Suppose thats not severe, was just a phase. Well I would say im like 90% of girls.. just now again look in the mirror and think "it would be good if I was half a stone less" or something but mostly im not too bothered.

Yeah, it does not help with the mags that promote diets and all the skinny girls. I'd never get at someone about their weight like people kill and starve themselves over it, it's not nice.

Yeah its a bit extreme. Like really I bet some people who are "fat" or "obese" may look at me and would be happy to be the weight I am at now so I should not complain. Well I don't that much really. I just ponder about this issue but I dont get really down about it. Might get down about it once a month or something.

Yeah, some people become obsessed with it and that. Everyone gets down about themselves at one point I guess.

[Jessica.]

A friend of my mothers is bi-polar, she is in hospital at the moment because the stopped taking her tabs and caused a lot of arguments between people, I feel sorry for her because I know its not her fault but she has lost so many friends because of her instability.

[InOne]

A friend of my mothers is bi-polar, she is in hospital at the moment because the stopped taking her tabs and caused a lot of arguments between people, I feel sorry for her because I know its not her fault but she has lost so many friends because of her instability.


Yeah there is a lot of stigma attached with mental illness, it's not good really.

[Firewire]

Let's get this straight.

BRITNEY IS NOT BIPOLAR.

[Iceman]

Why was she sectioned then?? I'm curious?

[InOne]

Let's get this straight.

BRITNEY IS NOT BIPOLAR.


Yup, she had a mental breakdown at a crisis point in her life. People just slap that label on her for the easy way out.