Julie, I was wondering..why did it take me 35 years for drs to see I have bipolar type 2..I have been on meds for a week and it feels like I am getting worse. I am back in a deep depression..don’t want to be around anyone other than my son who is one..I am afraid..what can I do where can I go other than my drs to get help..I am scared n feel lost. Jennifer
Hi Jennifer. I know how you feel. It took a very long time for me to finally get a bipolar II diagnosis. It’s really easy for hypomania to be missed- people with bipolar I have full blown mania- and that is never missed! But for us, it can always be seen as depression only. Especially if you are someone like myself who basically picked up and traveled when I got manic. So no one really saw me manic more than once.
It can take a long time for meds to work when you first get diagnosed, but they should not make the depression worse. It may mean that it’s the course of your depression and the medications need time to work. This is common and it’s often hard to wait it out, but that is usually what happens. If you are in a deep depression that is suicidal- it’s an easy answer. You must call your health care professional immediately and say what is going on. A new medication can cause depression to worsen depending on the medication- this is not common, but you always have to be careful. If you’re on a anti depressant and you feel suicidal, you must tell your doctor as anti depressants can exacerbate bipolar symptoms in those with bipolar. I want to note that this is RARE, but you have to be careful. Also, if you have bipolar disorder and are only on an anti depressant, this is not the correct treatment of bipolar disorder as it can cause mania. Your health care professional should know about this.
What matters is that YOU know what meds you’re on and why. Then you can ask questions. Thus, if you are in a deep depression, are not sure why it took so long for you to be diagnosed and are not sure how long it normally takes for your particular medications to work, I suggest you call your health care professional tomorrow and say you need to ask some questions. I have found that health care professionals are very helpful when you’re depressed. So please don’t let time go by when you need help! I know you want to help yourself and not only depend on medicine, but you must get your questions answered to make sure you’re getting the right medical attention. Please note that I am not a doctor- but I work with doctors who have verified all of the information I use in my books and on this blog- but do make sure you get advice from medication professionals as well.
I am so glad you wrote because it means you are getting help for yourself. I was so scared when I was dianosed 15 years ago. I thought- what is bipolar II? Why did it take so long for me to find out what was wrong? Now I know it’s common. So you are not alone. I am SO glad you are getting help and learning more about yourself. Your wonderful son will want a stable mom- so get the help you need. He will be so proud of you when he is old enough to understand. It can be hard to do this when you’re depressed. My book Get it Done When You’re Depressed can help right now. One of the tips is to talk to yourself like a drill sargeant. Maybe you can imagine me writing at my dad’s house where I am visiting in Michigan. I am saying- “Jennifer. It’s wonderful that you are getting help and taking medications. It can take a while for them to work. Please call your health care professional tomorrow and get the help you need. I believe in you!”
If you are unsure about the bipolar diagnosis, my book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder is a good first book to read. It helps family members as well.
You can get better and your depression can be treated successful. It just takes time. Good for you for taking care of yourself.
Julie
