If your medication is not working...
Posted: April 5th, 2014, 12:39 pm
I have suffered with mental illness for almost 30 years. At 17, I was diagnosed with clinical depression. Over the next nearly 3 decades I have been on nearly every antidepressant available. Nothing has given me any relief. Three weeks ago, I was at such a low point in my illness. I was suicidal and spending every free moment in bed. My therapist gave me the name of a psychiatrist who she thought I needed to see. Reluctantly I went thinking that he would just put me on another antidepressant that wouldn't work. After talking to him for about 30 minutes, I was surprised to hear him say that he believed that I am actually suffering from Bipolar II. He said that many times when regular antidepressants don't work for an extended period of time, the wrong diagnosis is the reason. He prescribed two new medications: Lamictal and a new mood stabilizer called Latuda. Every day is getting better now. I feel like a different person. I was not only depressed before, but was filled with anger, anxiety and despair. Though I am not at what I would call 100%, I know that I have the right diagnosis now and my new medication will help me to have a much more productive life. Please don't give up looking for an answer for your illnesses. If your meds are not working...please look into your diagnosis further and make sure you are being treated for the right thing!! I know how devastating it is to deal with depression and anxiety and to want to just feel better. It is possible though. I hope this offers you some hope! And never forget...you are not alone!