Last week, I wrote a blog titled Medicating Mental Illness for a Lifetime, and it is a topic I could write books on if I felt inclined. Having taken medication for bipolar disorder for over ten years now, I constantly wonder what it might be doing to my body. Even though my blood tests assure me that my body is working as it should, I cannot seem to shake the reality that I will need psychiatric medication to live a stable life. And even with it, I still cycle with the months. Winter is always tough, and it is because of this that, in my life, I believe the benefit outweighs the risk. I share my thoughts on taking psychiatric medication in the video.
Recovering from Mental Illness Blog
Thoughts on Taking Psychiatric Medication
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4 Responses to Thoughts on Taking Psychiatric Medication
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I completely relate to this post. Every saturday I pull out all my bottles and sort them into my pill organizer for the next week. Do I hate being on so much medication? Yep. Do I wonder about the long term effects? Sure do. Do I think they have saved my life? Without a doubt. The treatment that is best is different for everyone of course, but for me working with my dr to find the best combo of meds has allowed me to live a much more functional and fulfilling life and that keeps me filling up those little slots every week.
Hi, Lindsay:
I agree. I am so thankful these medications work. I know many people are not so lucky. I count my blessing (perhaps not when I am horribly depressed) enough to understand how lucky I, we, are.
Sincerely,
NJC
please send me the list of your meds; did you say you also take Saphris? my son, 23, has stopped taking his meds for bi-polar – I think about 3+ weeks ago and he’s very manic, grandiose ideas, won’t can’t stop talking, not in reality. His Psychiatrist, therapist, and our family doesn’t know what to do….he was on lithium, depacote, and Zoloft.
were you ever non-compliant? Any suggestions?
thanks so much,
Joan
Hi, Joan:
Because I was so young when I was diagnosed I was certainly non-compliant for a long time. I hated taking medication and did not understand why I had to. It is very common for people with BPD to stop taking their meds, unfortunately. I do not take Saphris (though I probably have in the past), right now I take:
Seroquel to sleep
Lithium
Lamictal
Prozac and
Concerta
My suggestion, although I speak from experience only, is to contact his health team which it seems you have. Sometimes, the only option is hospitalization where he could become well again.
Hang in there please, my heart goes out to you.
And the old adage, “this too shall pass” is always appropriate….
Sincerely,
Natalie