KateMonster's reply history at Help.com

[quote hhicksellis6]Does bipolar 2 have less severe ups and downs than bipolar 1?[/quote]

Bipolar 2 means fewer ups with more severe downs–frequently it’s misdiagnosed as depression

A combination of meds and therapy is usually best, but sometimes you can manage with only one or the other. It’s really a personal thing. As is medication–for example, youwantlexie suggests lamictal. I was on it and gave me a dangerous rash. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with it; it just wasn’t the right one for me. If you and your therapist decide to go the medicine route, be prepared to try a couple in order to see what works best for you.

It is not selfish to pursue your dreams rather than live up to your “potential.” There’s no guarantee that, gifted though you may be, you’d cure cancer or achieve something similar. If you really want to be a designer, go for it!

I’m also a gifted student pursuing a career that is (according to my peers and professors) “beneath” me. I don’t really care because I know I find my choice fulfilling and worthwhile. Try approaching your passion in this way.

You should tell him, but you ought to give your brother a heads up, too

Omega-3s and ****. John’s wort are both natural remedies for depression–I need medication to keep my depression under control, but when I had to go off meds for a little while, the ****. John’s wort worked pretty well.

Do try to stay open to the idea of meds–if you truly need them, they can be the best thing for you. Try not to worry about people knowing–the only people who know I’m depressed know because I told them.

For now, indulge in any little thing that makes you the slightest bit happy (as long as it’s not self-destructive). Watch your favorite movies, listen to your favorite music, read your favorite books. Sometimes, when I’m feeling really down, I find my favorite things from my childhood to comfort me (animated movies, for example).

Hope some of these things help

Depression can also cause a lack of energy, which may be why it’s hard for you to bounce back from the exercise.

Are you taking birth control or any other medications? Birth control can cause changes in your sex drive and how much you enjoy it. Several medications can have a similar effect. Also, if you go into it thinking “I must have an orgasm,” you’re less likely to achieve one. Focus on enjoying the act itself.

Take comfort in knowing that you’re doing all the right things for yourself. Get to a therapist as soon as you can and keep talking to family and friends for now.

Try indulging in the things that do make you happy (as long as they aren’t self-destructive). Dark chocolate can raise your serotonin levels, so if you have a sweet tooth eat chocolate. Watch your favorite movies, listen to your favorite music. Sometimes just wearing my favorite clothes makes me feel a little bit better when I’m depressed. These probably won’t make you feel totally better, but it can make the wait to see a therapist more bearable.

If your mom tries to blame you for this, say “It’s out of my control now. That’s why I need to see a doctor. Then I’ll know how to handle these feelings.” Or something to that effect–whatever feels natural to you.

And by the way, I’m 20 and my mom still calls to make sure I go to the appointments she makes for me.

First of all, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Right now these things are beyond your control, and you’re doing the right thing by trying to get help.

When you says she freaks out on you, what do you mean? Does she get mad or accuse you of faking it? Or does she get very worried?

To start the conversation, you mention that you’ve been having trouble sleeping lately. If she asks why (or even if she doesn’t!) calmly explain your symptoms and ask to see a doctor.

I’d suggest that you see your “regular” doctor first. Most MDs can perform simple mental health screening and get you a referral to a psychiatrist or a councelor

I haven’t been able to overcome my bipolar without meds, but what helped me during the times I’ve been off medication was knitting. When I was manic, it gave me something to focus on, and if the pattern was really hard, it forced me to slow down a little bit.

I know knitting is incredibly girly (although I knew a guy whose psychiatrist “perscribed” it to him to calm anxiety), but I’ve found that doing any work with my hands helps keep me focused during mania.

He’s very much a gamer and scifi nut. And he’s pretty open about his emotions

I’m the same way. My depression is like the monster under my bed; as soon as I try to fall asleep it’s there. Plus, it’s hard work keep all those emotions in during the day.

But keeping problems inside is really unhealthy. If you want to change certain things about yourself, try to find someone to talk to so that you work through those feelings rather than bottle them up.

I agree with babacup–if you’re GPA is good enough to stay in school, then it’s good enough for you to get a job. How much longer do you have before you graduate? There may still be time for you to improve, but even if there isn’t, you’re not doomed to a menial job.

Do you think you could talk to an academic or career adviser? They might be able to give you more insights.

Most people have that kind of response when there’s any change in the family. I freaked out when my mom was pregnant with my sister, even though I got along with my younger brother just fine.

If you’re dad’s idea was out of the blue, then it’s probably a little shocking. Talk to your parents so that they know you’re confused about this. Maybe your dad will explain things better and you’ll get a better idea of how you feel about the situation.