Treatment options bipolar

Honeypot · ‎03-10-2020

Hi, I’m new here and recently diagnosed bipolar 2. I have had major depression on and off for over 35 years mixed with some intense highs. 2 years ago a psychiatrist diagnosed cyclothymic bipolar and she has adjusted that to bipolar 2. I’ve just started on medication but TMS and DBT have been suggested. The DBT courses are so expensive, $200 each weekly session, which is out of reach. I see a psychologist regularly but I really just ramble on when I’m there. He doesn’t do any particular therapy with me. Can anyone give me thoughts on TMS and DBT please. Or do I just stick with medication? I’m very aware of the thoughts in my head and my personality traits I need to change. I just have immense trouble changing them. Thank you for accepting me.

smallwolf · ‎04-10-2020

hi and welcome to beyond blue.

It does suck when you feel there is something that can help you except the price makes it difficult to access.

On the medication ... it is something to talk with your psychiatrist or GP (or specialist) about? It may take some time for it to become effective. And keep to journal of how it is (or not0 effecting you so that when you chat with them next time, you can tell them whether it was working or not.

On the psychologist ... do you get any homework from them? I do - stuff based on what we chatted about during the session. Perhaps to give some meaning to my rambling. I do that as well.

On bipolar ... you could also have a look at at post in this thread...

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/this-bipolar-life/page/197

Changes take time also. How you think you are compared with 1 month ago, or last year?

Listening to you,

Tim

Honeypot · ‎05-10-2020

Tim

thank you for taking time to reply. I will check the link you suggested.

i have only just begun to keep a mood diary, but so far it upsets me to read it. 3-4 years ago I was on such a high- loving life, social, organised. Now I’m just so emotionless.
just started on medication about 10 days ago. I hope this will make a difference. I will seek more help from my psychologist this week. I know what I need to change about myself, but struggle to know how. I’m a firm believer in medication to help get into a head space to modify my behaviour but not as a sole cure.

thank you again for listening and your suggestions. Much appreciated.

White_Rose · ‎05-10-2020

Hello Honeypot

Welcome to the forum. Glad you found us. The thread Tim recommended to you is huge so use the link to get to the It was started by someone recently (at that time) diagnosed Bipolar 2. I think it would be worth while to go to the beginning and read the first couple of pages which talk about her struggles. Don't try to read too much from the beginning or you will never get to the end. Lots of good stuff there.

It's good you are OK to take medication. So many people refuse and don't give themselves a good chance of managing this illness. I have found if I read my journal after a short time from writing I get upset. You are reliving the life you had a few weeks ago. Wait a bit longer to review your words when some of the distress has passed. Can you make a copy of the relevant bits for your psychiatrist re the effect of your meds? With the psychologist, try writing some questions to ask him/her. I am shocking at remembering too much so I write down what I need to do as I talk. It really helps.

Knowing what you want to change is a start but you do need help to have effective actions to manage the change. The biggest stumbling block is when someone is reluctant to try strategies but you have a good understanding of what needs to happen and the motivation to move forward. Many congratulations.

Mary

romantic_thi3f · ‎05-10-2020

Hi Honeypot,

You made your first post! Woot! 🙂 I'm glad that you were able to figure this out.

Both Tim and Mary have given you some great advice. Have you looked at DBT through a psychologist with a MHCP? This might be a bit more affordable, and sometimes there are even DBT programs in the public health system - very hard to find, but free or next to it.

You asked for some info on TMS and DBT. I haven't tried any of these but I do really like DBT (and have used some of the concepts of it). Here is some more info if you're interested -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Stz--d17ID4

I hope this helps and best of luck with your treatment,

rt