It's Really Difficult Being A Manic Teen = [

[Teashop]

I have sever mood swings. None of my friends are aware that I have bi-polar. I found when I was 15 years old and I am about to turn 18 on December 27th. I am taking Lithium and it works for maybe a few days, and even with my taking it regularly, it stops working and I feel very depressed, self contious, and lonely. What do I do? I don't even like being alive anymore.

[marsha_ann]

Did the Trileptal make any of you tired & sluggish?  That's what he complained of yesterday... but I think he just needs to let his body get use to it.  I think the med might have a 'calming' affect on him & he's mistaking it for being tired.  He just started taking a 1/2 pill Monday night.  So he's only had a total of 2 whole pills (300mg) so far.  I think it's going to take a little longer before we see any results. LOL !!!  

So, if this does help his bipolar symptoms ... then what advice do you give for fixing the ODD behaviors???  Because he is VERY defiant !!!!!

[JillthePill77]

I really like Trileptal.  I went off Depakote and on Trileptal and my mood is MUCH better.  I really didn't want to go off the Depakote, but now I'm sooo glad.  I'll need a lot less blood tests too.

[River89]

Trileptal seems to be the "gateway" mood stabilizer. My best friend and I were both diagnosed bipolar and put on Trileptal. I don't like it that much, but I certainly hope it has better results for you! Good luck!
River

[ames67]

You are most welcome. Glad to know my 12 years of graduate school has paid off! I also worked with a psychologist for 4 years who specialized in neuropsychology and bipolar so I learned a couple things :)

[marsha_ann]

Thanks.  I have emailed 2 members of NAMI around here.  One did reply, but the one in my town has not.  I've written her 3 times now.  Not sure why she wont reply.  

I've heard there are some support groups around here, and I will be checking into those. I definately need some support.  This forum has been a great help !!!!  It's nice to have others to talk to about all of this !!!!  

I'll try to check for messages on here more often.  I've just been busy the past week.  We do have a college here.  My mother works there.  I might get her to look up some psychology professors & see if she knows any of them.  Thanks for that idea !!!!

[ames67]

That msut be so frustrating on the one hand, but on the other, at least there are docs out there who are not overdiagnosing. There is a ton of professional debate on whether or not bipolar exists in kids and determining at what age should the diagnosis be given. In terms of finding the right doc, I would contact doctors and/or therapists in your area regardless of whether or not they take medicaid and see if they can refer you to someone who specializes in it. Also, look for any type of bipolar or depression support group or mental health referral agency in your area, such as Catholic Charities, and see if they can make some suggestions. ANother good resource is www.nami.org the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Also, contact any colleges or universities in your area, especially medical schools, and see if they have mental health (counseling/psychology/psychiatry) graduate programs. If you could find a faculty member that researches it or has research studies on it you may be able to get your son involved in a study with medication trials. Hope this helps, best wishes to you both.