I thought I'd drop by to say hello. I usually just read a couple of my favorite posters and sign out but I want to share the fact things are fine for me. That has not always been the case. I had a very unfortunate incident swing me into a manic state a few years back. I took care of myself by checking into the hospital but not before posting something really off base. I cringe when I read it now. Now I'm stable and I wanted to give hope to those struggling and searching for answers. I believe each case is a puzzle and you have to find the right mix of meds, self-education, pdoc and sometimes therapy to put yourself together and keep you that way. I've given up any fantasy that it will never happen to me again. I write a lot when I'm doing okay and it helps me clear my head to read it when I get too high. I have come back from the depths and the heights to a level I consider "normal" so many times I've lost count. I urge everybody to be their own advocate. You know yourself better than anyone and you deserve the best.
It is encouraging to hear that you have stabilized yourself and are feeling well. Can you share your experience with deep depression? How long did it last? How did you recover from it? Was it accompanied by high anxiety? That is my state now.
Bobo,
Most of my experience has been with delusional mania. Eventually I must face reality after these lofty heights. The fall from the tightrope casts me into my depressions. I've also had what seem like strictly chemical depressions. I'm humming along going about my life and wham!, I don't want to go on. Although these don't last long, usually less then two weeks, it's horrible and debilitating. Yes, I've had increased anxiety and many times in my manic state I've felt paranoid. I would say it's my most dreaded side effect and with all we have to deal with, that's saying a lot. For me, once I see the glimmer of stability while either up or down, I push myself to get back to "normal" as quickly as possible. I allow myself a pity party if needed then it's back in the saddle. Therapy was crucial to my recovery this last time. That's not everybody's solution but it worked for me. I could go on but this is getting long. Due to the nature of this illness nothing stays the same for long so I hope your depression lifts soon. If it helps, I have a "fake it until you make it" credo that has helped me climb out of my pit.