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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by chrisg27 on June 15, 2010, at 2:40:05
Hey, I have been on and off counseled since I was a little kid. I have been given prescriptions for ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, all kinds of stuff. All of my doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists said that because of my family background that I am most likely the same as them; depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety problems, alcoholic, etc. I have recently read more and more into this cyclothymia thing, and this sounds more like me. I'll have a short period of 1 to 2 weeks tops feelings normal, successful, powerful, on top of things, sometimes like superman. Soon after, I'll have a sometimes shorter period of extreme sadness, dread, hate, cynicalness, etc. I never thought of my moods being like a "cycle" such as the seasons. The only problem is I really dislike medication, the side effects, the permanent changes to your brain, and so on, I want to know if there is anything (except medicine) I could try to help control my moods. I just want to be normal all the time, I'm tired of changing my personality for people and hiding what I'm really thinking and feeling. Most people think I'm normal but it's only because I've gotten so good at masking it all. Also, sometimes I'll have days where I will feel fine all day and then suddenly something insignificant or mildly irritating will suddenly turn me into a irritable and very depressed person. That sounds more like bipolar but it's not all the time. I hate being fully aware of this, I could probably remember when my mood swings are scheduled better than when I have work.
Posted by chujoe on June 15, 2010, at 7:54:23
In reply to Cyclothymia, posted by chrisg27 on June 15, 2010, at 2:40:05
Hi Chris G. Welcome to Psychobabble. From your description it doesn't sound as if you have had very good medical or psychiatric advice. And I do think there is an unfortunate tendency -- especially in the US -- to medicate children & give them psychiatric diagnoses w/o careful evaluation or attention to psychological issues. You are right to be skeptical of those who tell you to take this medication or that one when they can't even settle on a diagnosis.
Having said that, and speaking only for myself, I have found that developing a good relationship with a psychiatrist (or other clinician such as a nurse practitioner) knowledgeable about psychiatric issues has been very valuable to me, as has the careful use of psychiatric medications.
The choice of whether or not to take meds, ultimately, is yours. You have to balance the upside against the downside and decide what to do. If you really don't want to take psychiatric drugs, you will probably want to think about your health in holistic terms. Are you getting enough exercise? Sleep? How's your diet? Use of alcohol or other recreational drugs? (Those are psych meds, too, remember.) You might look into taking some supplements, but I'd advise trying one or maybe two things at a time to see how they affect you: start with vitamin C & fish oil, perhaps. Other folks on this forum may be able to make other suggestions.
Posted by Phillipa on June 15, 2010, at 10:59:04
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia » chrisg27, posted by chujoe on June 15, 2010, at 7:54:23
Hi welcome to babble also. I feel Cujoe has given some good advise. What do you feel? Phillipa. And what meds have you been on?
Posted by linkadge on June 15, 2010, at 15:31:04
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia, posted by Phillipa on June 15, 2010, at 10:59:04
Omega3 and taurine come to mind as alternative treatments for bipolar (milder forms). Vitamine C and magnesium can also help (as mentioned).
Linkadge
Posted by SLS on June 15, 2010, at 16:57:10
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia, posted by linkadge on June 15, 2010, at 15:31:04
> Omega3 and taurine come to mind as alternative treatments for bipolar (milder forms). Vitamine C and magnesium can also help (as mentioned).
Perhaps NAC (N-acetylcysteine)?
- Scott
Posted by mellow on June 16, 2010, at 4:27:36
In reply to Cyclothymia, posted by chrisg27 on June 15, 2010, at 2:40:05
Chris, welcome to babble.I was diagnosed cyclothymic briefly on my journey to a bipolar II diagnosis. I was told i was ADHD as a little kid, diagnosed with depression and anxiety as a teenager and had a drinking problem as a young adult. Seems like we have a lot in common.
I really had no choice but to take medication when i got my diagnosis b/c i was in terrible shape, but i can understand how you might not want to take that step yet.
I definitely believe in alternative treatments. A few supplements that have worked well in combination with my medications are Omega 3 fish oil, Magnesium Glycinate, B vitamins, and vitamin D. You may want to start with just a good fish oil (something that has a high EPA and DHA content, you can find that on the label) and maybe a Multi Vitamin.
Try to keep a regular sleep schedule and get some exercise. Check out the Alternative board for sure! There are a lot of people who are successful just taking supplements to treat their illnesses. Find what works for you.
Keep us posted. You'll find a lot of good advice around here.
-mellow
Posted by chrisg27 on June 17, 2010, at 12:23:14
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia, posted by SLS on June 15, 2010, at 16:57:10
I'm not quite sure if I'm replying to everyone doing this, but I hope everyone can read it.
Thank you for the advice, I think I will start trying some supplements because I have always had good luck with those anyway. I like the fish oil, magnesium, and Omega3 ideas. I have heard those have very good responses in the body. I do get a lot of exercise and I eat well off and on. I used to play lots of sports so Carbs and Protein was all I would eat. I try to get a little of everything, and have gotten in the habit of reading Nutritional Labels. As for psychiatric medication, I don't want to take them, I know they work for many people, but I really don't want to take pills for this.
Thank you again to everyone who replied to my post.
-Chris
This is the end of the thread.
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