New here...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
New here...
9
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 9:51pm
Hi to all... I'm a 27-yr old bipolar and have been looking around for a safe place to talk about my life. I used to LIVE on the parenting boards here when my ds was a baby, so I always think of iVillage as a safe, reputable place to hang out. I don't know why I think I need to talk about things, but sometimes I feel like I need some people who might have a CLUE as to what I'm going through. I've only recently decided to medicate... I thought I didn't want to do it, but my depression episodes were lasting longer and longer, and the mania wasn't getting my through like it used to... so a month ago I started on Abilify to stablize my moods, and I'm starting Lexapro tomorrow. Right now I am utterly depressed and it's so hard on my family (dh and two kids ages 6 and almost 3). Are their any other moms here?
Avatar for littlemascara
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-11-2003
In reply to: valerie20
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 10:55pm
I am new on the board too....and am also a mom and on abilify! So I can relate to how you feel VERY much. I am glad we both decided to post here! So far I already feel better. :) Today was a bad day for me and just posting here and reading helped. I think there's a lot of nice, supportive people (and more moms too!) here. I hope having a place to "talk" will help you feel better too.

littlemascara
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
In reply to: valerie20
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 11:05pm

Valerie,


Welcome, I'm glad you found us--this is a great place of support and a wonderful group of women (any lurker guys; please speak up!).


I understand where you are coming from about meds--while I wholeheartedly believe they are the way to go I also hate my dependence on them (including non-psych meds).

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2003
In reply to: valerie20
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 11:43pm

Hi! Yes, I'm a mom to a 10 year old DS. What a handful he can be, especially in the summer.

You will find this board exceptionally supportive and all of the ladies here are wonderful. At times, a majority of us are in a depressed mode and may not post, but just know that we're reading and will respond when we are able to do so.

I am currently on Lamictal 200 mg per day and I can see a huge change. I don't want to get a bat and beat my husband with it (as much), so I view that as an improvement.

HUGS and welcome

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2002
In reply to: valerie20
Fri, 06-24-2005 - 5:04am

I'm not a mom, but welcome to the board. I like this board- I'm not a fan of bp support groups, but I do find this a nice alternative.

I think you did the right thing deciding to medicate. I know that at least in my case, medication is the only way I can get through. I take neurontin and geodon, and I supplement that with ativan and sleeping pills to help with the insomnia bug that can bring on mania (I am up now due to the fact that I just got married and I am out of town and forgot to pack my ativan and ambien).

Express!
Beth "Petrouchka"

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: valerie20
Fri, 06-24-2005 - 8:07am

I felt better about a week into Abilify as well... it really knocked the mania down (aggitation, aggression, anger and all that jazz) but the good parts as well (energy, good feelings, creativity) and left me with the depression. I'm TRYING to remember that it IS good w/o the irritability, but right now I pretty much just feel like crap. I started the Lexapro today, I hope this is some help.

It is very nice to meet you and maybe have a little 'med buddy', lol!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: valerie20
Fri, 06-24-2005 - 8:10am
Thanks Marci, I'll check that thread out... and thanks for the warm welcome :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: valerie20
Fri, 06-24-2005 - 8:15am
Thanks for the welcome... interesting that you should point the low-traffic on the board when depression is lurking. That's my big problem is I shut out my friends (cyber or otherwise) when I probably need the support the most. That's why I came here, to force myself to make some connections. At least I'm in good company ;)
Avatar for schitz
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2004
In reply to: valerie20
Fri, 06-24-2005 - 11:58am

((((Valerie))))

You are so right that you have found the right place to talk! Welcome to the board (aka "home" :) at least for me!)

I'm sorry that things are difficult right now. Hopefully the meds will straighten that out, although they need to level out first.

And yes there are definately other parents on the board. I don't happen to be one of them *groans from half the board*

Hugs,
Amanda

Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
In reply to: valerie20
Fri, 06-24-2005 - 1:32pm
Welcome to the board. I'm not a mother, though I long to be one. Just wanted to pop in and say HOWDY from WV. =o)
Hugs & Hope
Carla