Angel,
You have alot of courage to put yourself out like this. I am not a shrink or a md, but I know myself pretty well. I belief my body responds to situations my mind cannot or will not handle. Look at the underlying conditions of what is driving your depression. I once had someone tell me that depression was anger turned inward. Pick someone safe for guidance and support and you will be able to relax in your life and be loved as you truly deserve, by your children, this wonderful man & yourself.
Peace,
Pam
I, myself, have also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and things were very stressful after a very problematic and expensive pregnancy and delivery, unemployment issues, a move, etc. I have a good friend that is entirely holistic in everything and I tried EVERYTHING she could recommend. I went through acupuncture, acupressure, the gamit of vitamins, diet changes, etc. Unfortunately, I didn't find success in any of those things and continued to slide.
Eventually, I gave in and am now on a combination of two prescriptions. I am finally "normal." I just got tired of fighting it. I got to the point that I decided my son needed a mommy that could take care of him. I couldn't stand the thought of him looking back and having my current state being his memory of me. I know medications aren't the answer for everyone, so if you find anything else that does work, I'd love to know about it. But, in the mean time, I do love that I am again able to attend social events, go weeks without crying, and I leave the house :) I play with my son. I get exercise. I'm happy and pleasant. I went a long, long time without being able to say any of those things. Good luck. Again, let me know if you find any alternatives. I'd love to try them. In the mean time, you have my empathy. I'm sorry I don't have more answers.
My daughter is bipolar and we are keeping her off meds with yoga and deep breathing, if you have controled this for so long without meds now is not the time to start unless you and your doctor think that it is needed. I have three children and I know that it helps me to have some time for myself each day, I get up before my kids so I may have coffee, read the bible and talk with God before I even try to get through each day. Find a place of peace for you either before the hectic day starts or to calm down at the end of the day.Remember that God will provide, talk with Him and listen closely for his reply. Try to find gratitude in each little thing that happens today, like the water was hot, or you didn't have to wait in the ling line at the store, or the baby said a new word. There are millions of small wonders right in front or you, appreciate each one and then the big wonders will appear more easily and the good of each day will find you. You have some much in you life that can outnumber the bad, just keep those things in the front of you mind and the mind will make thie good out number the bad before long. I have just gotten a divorce from a verbally abusive man and am raising three kids on my own, so I know that life seems unfair at times, but I have to get up and find the good so that my kids learn this trait from me. Talk to your doctor about this and God bless you!
Dear Angel,
Hi I am very fimilair with the whole bi-polar thing it really can get overwhelming. I take my meds but I have met other people with the same desire not to take meds and they do herbal supplements and I have always heard good things from them. I have a three year old and even on my meds I have to use my support system alot. So make sure you give yourself some time away from all the noise and relax.
Angel,
if you were diabetic, there would be no social stigma attached to your taking medication. Mental Health needs are also bio-chemical in nature. I was functionally depressed for at least 10 years before I sought help. It's great to manage mental health issues without medication--as long as it's working. If it's not, it may well be time to seek other treatment, keeping in mind that you'll still need all the behavioral tools you're already using.
Also... you have the most difficult-and rewarding-job on the planet. It will benefit all your children if you are able to get medical care, and counseling if possible.
Take care.
If you know you have bipolar disorder and you aren't able to treat it the way you have been controlling it inthe past, and you ADMIT that you are suffefing from depression...then bite the damn bullet and go and get some medication.
Your depression is affecting you life, your relationships, your kids, your boyfriend. If you can't manage it on your own, whatever the reasons are, it's time for some intervention on yourself.
When you get things back on track, you can experiment with getting off the meds again.
Do not waste anymore time. This isn't about pride, it is about being responsible to yourself and to your family. Go get some help. When you are feeling better and seeing things from a more positive perspective, you'll look back and be glad you did it.
Good Luck,
Jennifer G.
Please watch the 12-minute video at mineralstory.com and see if this is something missing in your life. If you would like more info on these products and being bipolar, please give me a call at 720-495-4604. Happy Holidays, Ruth