Manic depression

[Miss Seaneen]

Rah.

[da Walnut]

:hug

I'm not manic, but I know that the regulation of my blood sugar, and taking the time to take care of me, has done wonders. I was contemplating going back on meds before I started Atkins to help with the depression and anxiety. It's three months later, and still no meds.

If you think you need meds, though, talk to your doc and see what they say.

[2big4mysize]

being manic is different then depression. plase talk with your doctors about your meds you might need a lower does on Atkins but control of brain chemicals is vital to manage Manic/Depression.

[da Walnut]

:hug :hug It's safe here, and you're not alone.

I'm glad your new doc is willing to work with you on what needs to be done, treating you rather than the symptoms. That's half the battle, imho.

I know, for me, being able to see positive changes helped. Each baby step is one giant leap forward in keeping away from the pit.

Please remember, even in the darkest periods of the bipolar cycle, you're not alone and people do care. And I'm glad you found us.

:hug :hug

[legaleblonde73]

Hi...newbie here, and your post made me realize something. Just wanted to say I was diagnosed several years ago with BPD...went off meds and managed somehow for over a year, but not very well. Anyway, I did go on Atkins last summer, and I was GREAT. No depression, no hypomanic episodes. Then this fall I ended up totally going off of it. I ended up with a major depressive episode, went to the dr, was put on Lexapro, and bam, ended up in hypomania headed towards full mania before they evened me out with Depakote. Personally I'm scared to death to go off meds, but your post did make me ponder the links between diet and the illness. Good luck!

[shiitake]

wow...i'm bipolar as well...but it's really scary to get off of the meds. sometimes, we think that just because we're feeling better...we can come off of it. i mean really...who wants to take a slew (depending on your "cocktail") of medication for the rest of their lives? maybe there IS a link to diet and mood. but sometimes...when people have chemical imbalances...it's hard to keep it under control when it does get out of hand. it's like a roller coaster...once it starts...it doesn't end till it ends. as a long time bpd patient and as a new psych student...i've always heard that going off the meds is a major no-no. there is no cure for bpd...but there is a treatment...meds and therapy. anyway...it's just what they say...and what i've experienced...it's not the same for everyone. i really wish you the best of luck with this...hopefully, while on this diet, you'll feel better and wont have to take meds. in the mean time, keep up the good work with communicating with your doctor/therapist.

[Lyssie]

Ok, first off, I don't have manic depression... not that I know of, I'm on meds for depression/anxiety/bipolar.. I failed the quiz they gave me. I started this WoL and started exercising daily and was doing a lot better, most of my issues are past things, inherited, bad self image type stuff learned from when I was younger and from an abusive type relationship. Before I was on them, I would basically cut myself down everyday, I would start crying if I saw like, weird commercials... There have been days, after doing this, I tried it just as an experiment and stopped (completely) taking meds for 5 days before anybody noticed (including me) a change in my moods, the way i interpreted things, and the way i felt. I think that there is a huge relationship between the way you eat, and take care of yourself and depression... I also think though that if you are manic depressive and believe that these issues are old things you should be seeing a therapist regularly to help resolve them, or it cannot get better no matter which way you're treating yourself. Also, as a side note: most meds have a taper for when you start them and you should taper off of them as well instead of just going from taking the full dose to taking nothing. If you don't taper correctly, you could be causing serious harm to yourself (not just emotionally) since your body starts to rely on these to keep you in check (this part I know from working at drug companies).

[softnred]

My sister is an ultra-rapid cycler as well. :hug She went off Atkins, and said that one of her meds was making her hungry. She's gained all her lost weight back, and added more.

Don't have anything real to offer, just wanted you to know that you're not alone in rapid-cycling!!!

~JoAnne

[girl_interrupted]

Wow... this is so interesting to hear.

I'm bipolar too. I'm only into my second week of induction so I'm not sure how my meds will fit into the picture. We'll see.

[SabrinaN]

Are there any symptoms to being bi polar? Just curious. I know it probably involves going to the Dr but I dont have Insurance at the moment and fear any kind of Dr office billing $$$ I basically dont have the money anyhow.

I have always suffered thru depression since I was a teenager and quit taking any medication because of how it made me feel..un-alive.

Now it may be something more( and always has been) and I am trying to better myself but I am sinking deeper into the pit of ****.

You guys seem to know what your talking about so I thought I'd ask. :confused

Best Regards,
Sabrina

[JandLsMom]

Re: Manic depression

i would not suggest going off your bipolar meds just because your on atkins. My son is bipolar and they actually needed to UP his depakene after a month on Atkins because he was manic. With the metabolism speeding up on low carb you might need an INCREASE in your meds, you better be careful. My son is also a rapid cycler. The good news is, after gaining 60 lbs in 6 mos on the meds, he was able to lose 9 lbs this month on Atkins so far!!

[Kiasmama]

Re: Manic depression

I"m bipolar, although the depression is by far the worst part of it. The manias are very manageable. I would agree with those saying talk to your doc....don't just get off meds without his supervision.

For me......I've come to accept that I have a medical problem. I know it's cliche' but some people have insulin problems, some have thyroid problems, some have brain chemical problems. Why does it seem like a "weakness" if you have to be on medication to control your moods? I think it's a shame so many people look at it as being....weak rather than a medical issue. Along with that....there are soooo many different medications and combinations, if you don't like the way one makes you feel, try another. It took me about three years to finally find a medication that agreed with me.

I am by no means saying everyone who is on these meds needs to stay on them for ever, but is that such a bad thing if it happens? I've tried twice to be off meds and it just didn't work. So I've accepted that I have a medical condition that needs medication. I take suppliments every day so one more pill doesn't really matter.

There is NO reason today why someone should be on meds that make them feel like a zombie. There is also no reason why you shouldn't be able to enjoy life like a "normal" person. Sometimes it just takes some tweaking. Good luck everyone.

[ttdriver]

Re: Manic depression

Elle, you are so right.




Betty

[Moochiecat]

Re: Manic depression

While this is a relevant conversation, I want to point out that it is an old thread that has been resurrected and Sabrina's question about bipolar was posted May 27th, 2005.

[Kiasmama]

Re: Manic depression

That's funny....I never even looked at the date. Oh well.....burned some cals typing.