Just Diagnosed As Bipolar: Afraid Of Medication?
I am 18 and today I was finally diagnosed as Bipolar type 1, and my therapist wants to recommend me to a psychiatrist to put me on medication. However, I am very afraid of getting on the medication. I am afraid that by taking it, my personality will become by-products of the medication and I’ll lose the normal range of being happy and sad that most feel. Being a songwriter and musician, I am also TERRIFIED of losing my creativity and losing that edge that makes me do my job very well. Are these just unfounded fears? I guess I just feel that the medication will turn me into this zombie and I just won’t be me anymore.
Would I be able to treat this extremely well without medication? Perhaps my fears are just getting the best of me. Any help and expertise in this from people who go through it – or anyone – will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Another question is, if I did go on these, is there a “going back?” In other words, is there a permanent change that the medication has on your brain, even if you STOPPED them or would you go back to exactly how you were before? Thanks again.
Tagged with: afraid • Bipolar • diagnosed • Just • Medication
Filed under: Bipolar Type 1
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it helps alot of people , they often think they dont need it or think they are better after using it for awhile but then stop taking it and turn into crazy people , no offense. it really depends if it is disrupting your life, my sis is bipolar and she needs the meds, she can live without it but with consequences, mood swings, no self control, schizophrenic behavior, depression, happiness to extremes. but im no expert.
It will take awhile to get the correct medication that works for you. It will take experimentation on your psychiatrist’s behalf. Some medications probably will have negative side effects as you described. When you find the one that works for you, it’ll be peachy.
I have bipolar disorder as well. I was terribly worried when diagnosed. I take Lamictal and it has only enhanced my creativity. I’m no zombie. Don’t be afraid but do be realistic and determined. Good luck! Be strong. You aren’t alone.
Dear friend,
I understand every line you’ve written. The pain and fear reflected in them. I am a Writer, and I know what it means to lose one’s creative energy. Please don’t lose heart. If the doctor has recommended medicines, do take them. But do check out what are the after effects. Do a research on the web. http://www.webmd.com is a good source.
But that aside, I want you to learn more about ‘Yoga.’ It’s an ancient form of excercise and Meditation invented by ancient Indian hermits. Swami Ramdev is one modern-day expert. You can visit his site and learn more about Yogic practices that can solve mental turmoil, and help resolve inner conflicts.
The URL is:
http://www.swamiramdevyogacamp.org/
Do read spiritual texts, if you find them interesting. It has helped me in tough times. One in particular is the Buddhist text – DHAMMAPADA – complied by Eknath Easwaran.
Hope you find comfort. Do feel free to mail me at nene_soberman@yahoo.com if you need support. Bye and God Bless.
The only truly successful treatment for bipolar disorder is medication. If you can survive without it, more power to you, but the only thing that will level out the severe ups and downs is medication. Personally, I can’t function without medication. I become dangerously depressed and impulsive. I’ll admit I’m not quite as creative as I was before medication, but I feel the closest to “normal” that I’ve been in about six years.
Medication doesn’t change who you are, or your normal range of emotions. It doesn’t turn you into a zombie. It puts you back to where you were before you got sick, more or less … when you find the right combination of medications for you. It can take a while to find that combination, but it’s worth it.
Mate your worries are pretty common amonst bipolar people, myself included. Firstly, these medications dont change your personality – your illness can but the medications dont touch it. As for creativity i cant really say from personal experience because i dont get the creativity side of it, i get the ‘lets see how manic i can go’ part instead and i go stupid. But i do know musicians who are bipolar and medicated and they are fantastic at what they do.
There are medications available that wont sedate you so you wont feel like a zombie but control your symptoms. And if you stop taking them, you havent permanently changed, all your symptoms come back in time so its generally not a good thing to stop the meds.
It can be a very destructive illness for those who arent diagnosed or treated so in my opinion its better and safer for yourself and others to be treated for it.
any questions or worries send me an email
good luck
First off, let me preface this by saying my dad is Bi-Polar so I have some experience with the illness.
Sorry to hear you have it but it’s great you got an early diagnoses. I can understand how you would be afraid of taking medication…especially one’s that alter how you think. As far as I know, you should still be able to feel the normal range of emotions. One thing that is common with people who are Bi-Polar is the heightened creativity. I know it must be very scary to think you would lose that but honestly, that is a part of who you are and I don’t believe that any medication can just erase that. If you really want to know more though, talk with your doctor about the concerns you have.
Why I think you should definitely take the medication-
My father was diagnosed in his early 20′s and took medication. He lived an ordinary life…it kept most of his problems at bay. Unfortunately, he thought he was cured so he quit his medication. Without realizing it, he slipped back into his old ways, actually much worse, but refused to take any medication because he didn’t think he needed it. No one could convince him that he did. He was never on any medication during my childhood and that is my greatest regret. I witnessed his volatile temper, mood swings, moments of insanity…everything. I was fortunate to have some excellent times with him when I believe he was who he really is(without the Bi-Polar). He was loving, and tender. I would crave for him to be that way but he would just slip away from me and become “his other self”. The worst part was, he never realized it. We are estranged now because I just can’t carry on a relationship with him. He’s wrecked my life, and his own.
Please, please strongly consider taking medication. I know how scared you must be but to live the best life you can- you really need to, for your sake and the one’s you love. Sadly, there aren’t any permanent cures from it and I haven’t heard of any none medicinal remedies. It will be okay. I’m so glad you recognize that something is wrong-that’s great.
I sincerely hope this helps and best of luck to you.
Well my friend if a psychiatrist tell you to take you medication or you go crazy and the cops will be sent to a loony bin where they force you to take medication
I too have been diagnosed and I thought and worried about the same things. Honestly, I have not lost my personality, as much as I feared that, I feel that I made the right decision. You should try medication because it will only get worse, and your problems will only persist, if you do not find something or do something about it. Trust me, take the medication, your life will be soo much different and soo much better. Good luck! Please help yourself and try it, because you are truly the most important person to yourself, you have to do what is best for you.
the meds will stabilize you for a time that you need help. which may not be necessary for longterm. your creative edge will still be there with an ability to focus. and project. and all will be good. you have no need to fear. med is something you control. and if you do not like you do not take. but it will not turn you into something you are not. if you have talent now you will have talent then.
You will not lose the the normal range of emotions of being happy and sad because you are not experiencing that normal range – yours is extreme. The medication will help return your range of emotions back to normal. You will still be happy and sad, but it won’t be to the point of rock bottom depression or risky manicky behavior. The medication helps keep you functioning on a stable basis day to day so you don’t have all those rapid ups and downs.
If you have side effects from the medications, tell your doctor. It may make you tired for the first few days, but if you feel like a zombie ask to go on a different med. There are a variety of mood stabilizers out there and each work differently for everyone.
do a little research and find yourself an acupunturist/naturist. Just do well on your research because there are ones that only take your money.
I had about everything, a lil schizo, this, that, anger etc. you name it. Acupunture did the trick.
After a few sessions I was getting A’s in my tests (at college) and my drawings (art major) got much better.
Hi, I have a 17year old grandaughter who was just diagnosed bipolar too, and like you they are throwing drugs at the problems, they have already changed her meds once, and added zoloft, I am worried because I don’t know if meds are the answer for everyone either. Where she was very active in school, dance, and other activities, on the meds she has become very lethargic, and blah. So I understand what your fear are. I would tell the doctor of your concerns, and that you have read up on it and ask if there is anyother way. If not could you take a milder form of medication then most folks?