Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Finally, it all makes sense.

I recently got very sick. I was in the hospital for about a week... then in outpatient treatment daily for 2 and 1/2 weeks. It was a very long, not fun process. But I learned an absolute TON about myself, and about what I need to do to be a healthy person, physically and mentally.

While I was at the hospital, the doctors discovered that I have bipolar II disorder. In bipolar II, the mania is not quite as manic, generally called hypomania, and is basically just an increase in energy, needing less sleep. But with Bipolar II, the depressive episodes are generally more severe than bipolar I, and last longer. In my case, I was being treated for only depression, and the medications I was taking was only making my symptoms worse, and also making me sick. While I was at the hospital, my meds were changed, to help balance my hormones, and to help stabilize my  moods more.

I've learned alot about CBT and DBT also. They are skills that practically anyone and everyone can use. They help you handle stress differently and kind of reprogram your brain so you can not worry or stress about silly stuff. They've also done wonders to help my anxiety.

With the new meds I'm on, and the new skills I learned, I feel more like myself than I have in years. And it feels wonderful. At the same time, it's still very new. And I'm having to take "baby steps" (I love What about Bob. I think I may watch it tomorrow) to get back into normal life. But I'm on my way.

2 comments:

Jan said...

I so love your honesty. It's painful to have to go through what you have been dealing with (sounds like a long time) -- just know that you can do it and it sounds like you've gotten a lot of help which is wonderful. Hang in there - you have many people who love you and will do anything to help.

I think you're a hero.

Katie and the Mr said...


I just found your blog. I had the same experience that you did. I was being treated for depression (seriously for 3 years), and no meds worked (of course). I found out that I too have bipolar II disorder. It's amazing how much more of you feel like yourself isn't it?