Bipolar ? (possible triggers)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Bipolar ? (possible triggers)
5
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 1:47pm

Hi, my name is Gina. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder since HS. I am now in my 40's so it has been quite some time. I have been on many medications and am currently taking Lexapro 10 mg./day for depression and have a prescription for Trazadone for sleep, which I rarely use.

About 3/4 of the time I function fine with the help of meds, diet, and an exercise program. About once a month I am so depressed for at least one day that I can barely function. (Coincidentaly, this is usually the week after my period, usually.) This has been going on for the past 20 or so years. Last month I called in sick three days and basically stayed home and slept. This week I managed to drag myself into work and so what I had to do, but just barely. Today I couldn't get myself out of bed and called in sick. I have body aches, a headache, and look pale. These strange symptoms occur in a cyclar (?sp) fashion and are predictable. When I get like this, I don't eat right, or exercise, and avoid all activities but the basics as getting through them is hard enough. I feel lightheaded and confused. Like I said, these symptoms are predicable.

For a while I have been wondering if I am bipolar although these symptoms don't fit the typical description of bipolar, my symptoms do have a cycle. What do you think? I am going to my doctor for my yearly checkup soon and wonder if I should ask about this. Do these symptoms sound familiar to anyone? Any help is appreciated....Gina.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 4:03pm

Hi Gina,

First off, I am sorry that you suffer from the symptoms you described. Depression is so hard to deal with.

Secondly, I can't really offer you any insight as to whether you might be bipolar, only a doctor can test and diagnose that.

There are some really good websites out there that list all the symptoms and have short 'self-tests' that you can then print out and take to your doctor. Here is one of them: http://www.dbsalliance.org/info/bipolar.html

If you want to know more, you can also just google 'bipolar disorder' and hundreds of sites will come up.

I hope this helps...

Catherine

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 5:50pm

Gina,


Welcome to the board, I'm glad you found us!


It could be BP and you are one of those folks that just have more problems with depression than the up/manic side of it.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 6:20pm
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I will definitely address this when I go for my physical. I just have a few days to go before school is over (I'm a teacher) and then I will have the time and mental space for myself. Thank you again...Gina.
Avatar for littlemascara
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-11-2003
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 6:49pm
Hi! I am new here on the board too. I wouldn't dare give a diagnosis, but I know how you feel, that's for sure. I think it's a *really* good idea to talk to your DR. Is s/he a GP? If so, do you have a pdoc or can you get a referral? You may get more help that route. I wish you best of luck and hope you get some relief and answers soon. Keep us updated!

littlemascara
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Fri, 06-24-2005 - 11:10am

Thank you for your response. Actually, I don't have a pdoc, but I think I definitely am in need of a referral. I am doing a bit better today. I got my hair done yesterday and the cleaning lady came in, so both of these things gave me a little lift. I know you're not supposed to do this, but I also increased my dose of Lexapro, took an extra half. Still feel very drained, tired, no energy and stressed. Thank god school is almost over. I read your post and I hope you are doing better by now, too!

Gina