Originally posted by: Kate on 28 May 2012
Hi there. I was diagnosed with major depression about 2 years ago & have been on antidepressants (SSRI) for most of that time. While they seemed to work OK for the first 6 months or so, they have made little difference in the past year and I have been alternating between weeks of being OK and then weeks of depression regardless of the dosage I have been on. I have started weaning off the meds as a result. My psych has suggested it is a cyclical type depression, but has also distantly mentioned bipolar 2 at times. I had always thought that Bipolar involved having manic episodes as well as depression - but can it also be periods of just being OK and then periods of depression? I have been recommended mood stabilising meds, which are used to treat Bipolar but am reluctant to take them, especially without a formal diagnosis. I was also told that it can take years before bipolar is accurately diagnosed - usually at the onset of a first manic episode - so am worried that this is where things might be heading. While I have read what usually constitutes a 'manic episode' and don't seem to meet that criteria, can it also present as periods of intense anger & irritability instead of the usual highs of mania? Thank you for reading. Kate
