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January 2016 Moms
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Anyone else have bipolar?

lyannastlyannast member
in January 2016 Moms
I've struggled with mental health from the age of eleven, and been medicated for bipolar for years now. Obviously I'm off medication while pregnant and doing pretty well considering... But oh my goodness, I get so fired up about things! Not even just things people say to me, but if someone insults someone else or doesn't give up their seat for an older person. Just so much..! This is new and weird for me as my diagnosis is bipolar type two.. Typically a depressive disorder with occasional manic episodes. I've never really been an angry person. I'm usually very passive.
My psychologist reckons it's just the extra hormones on top of my current issues but it's freaking me out! Anyone else dealing with this?
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Re: Anyone else have bipolar?

  • seal585seal585 member
    I am also bipolar, but still taking my Abilify. I cannot be without my medicine. I took Abilify my last pregnancy with no complications. I hope things calm down for you
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  • lyannastlyannast member
    Thanks :)

    Honestly, I am doing okay. I'm used to feeling emotional extremes (comes with the territory) I'm just not used to them being quite this extreme :/
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  • sweedishberries44sweedishberries44 member
    Hey! I was diagnosed with cyclothymia (bipolar disorder III - rapid cycling) and have continued to take my medication, as it was advised by all doctors. Even still, I have mood swings an have felt slightly more down than usual, not sure if it's my workload combined with my hormones? Thanks for posting this!
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  • lyannastlyannast member
    No worries, I'm glad some people can relate!

    If you're working a lot, that combined with your exhausted pregnant body and crazy hormone levels, I'd say that would be why.

    I know everyone's way of coping with mental health is different but I personally am a big believer that medication is most effective when crossed with therapy. If you're not seeing someone I'd suggest that.@sweedishberries44 plus having someone unbiased to vent to is ace!
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  • sweedishberries44sweedishberries44 member
    edited June 2015
    I've been followed by a psychiatrist for 2 years now and see her bi weekly (thank god) don't know what I would do without her !! I agree, meds and therapy is the best way.

    I don't know if you have any insight on this, but I'm nervous for once the baby comes.. In terms of my mental health, I've been very stable but I'm nervous about how I'm going to react to the new baby, I'm nervous about pp depression and baby blues..

    Are you nervous too? :/

    @lyannast
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  • lyannastlyannast member
    I love my psych :) she's a little love!

    Oh my goodness, I'm glad you brought that up. I'm SO nervous about that.
    My biological father was abusive and suffered from mental health issues and sadly I learnt a lot of my behaviour from listening to him as a child. I NEVER want to do that to my child. I'm terrified that I won't be able to cope. But I do have a great support network and I know how opposed I am to ever hurt my child emotionally or physically. Also I've always wanted to be a Mum so I'm hoping determination alone and the fact that I'm already aware I'm at risk will help me avoid it.

    And hey, can you PM on here? If you ever need help or are doubting yourself, chances are I'm feeling the same! I'm always up for a chat and willing to help out another fighter!

    We can do it!
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  • sweedishberries44sweedishberries44 member
    @lyannast

    I will definitely take you up on your offer and PM you ! Sometimes it's a struggle and only those going through it understand.

    Thanks for your support. The more the merrier !!
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  • TacoSarahTacoSarah member

    Hi there, lurker from Nov15

    I have bipolar 2 and am 23 weeks. I take Lamtorigine (Lamictal) and have done for 10 years now. It suits me perfectly. I also add in Wellbutrin during depressive episodes which, luckily, only happen from mid January to mid March every year. 

    My usual dosage of Lamotrigine is 150-200 mg daily. During the first trimester I reduced the dosage to 50mg and added in 5mg folic acid. At 14 weeks I increased the dosage to 100mg and straight after the birth I will increase to 200mg and probably add the Wellbutrin.

    I was concerned about the risk of a cleft palate and lip caused by the Lamotrigine, but the risk to me if I didn't take the medication was greater than the risk of a cleft palate to the baby. Thankfully the baby is perfectly formed and growing well.

    I've been advised not to breastfeed if I continue to take Lamotrigine. I did consider switching to another med that is safe, but decided that it's not a good idea to mess with my medication at this stage of my pregnancy. I am very sensitive to medications and it took a long time to find one that suited me, I really don't want to rock the boat now.

    It's upsetting that I won't be able to breastfeed my son, but I think it's best for the both of us that I don't.

    Both my mum and sister suffered with PPD, so I am a little worried. It will be very ironic if I end up being all unicorns and rainbows after the birth. I think if PPD is going to hit me, it's going to happen when my normal depressive episode does, but at least I know when that is going to be, so can plan ahead.

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  • lyannastlyannast member
    @TacoSarah that's awesome that you've been managing so well.. I hope I can do the same!!

    I'm really worried about PPD.
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  • TacoSarahTacoSarah member
    edited July 2015

    @lyannast Thank you and I hope you do too. Don't get me wrong though, there have been days and moments where it's not been great.

    My only truly 'crazy' moment was when implantation happened. I got so angry I smashed a coffee mug on the floor and then I cried because I dented the wooden floor and had to clean up all the mess. I guess the sudden surge in hormones made me flip out. I know it's related to implantation because the exact same thing happened the time before. Right at implantation I went 0 - 60 in seconds and flung a coffee mug across the room into the kitchen sink.

    I gotta stop smashing my coffee mugs :)

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  • lyannastlyannast member
    Haha I was hysterical from about week 3 - week 7, but have calmed down a lot and am actually feeling better now than I have.. Ever really.

    That's so funny that it has exact timing lol @TacoSarah
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  • fghmama6701fghmama6701 member
    Lurker from July 15! Also bipolar type 2. I was on Lamotrigine (Lamictal) like one of the previous posters. 200mg/day, also 50mg/day of trazodone. With my psychiatrist's go-ahead and observation, I opted to quit taking it during pregnancy. The first trimester was a little rocky but I made it through once my hormones evened out a bit.

    Now at 39 weeks and haven't taken them all pregnancy, and also never felt better in my entire life. I plan on breastfeeding, but if I end up having PPD issues (I presume that I will) then I will switch to formula. The same thing won't work for everyone. I am fortunate to be doing well, but that can change any time. Just listen to your body and do what is best for your health, and baby will be happy too. You got this, pregnancy hormones are a curveball but you will be fine mama :) best wishes!
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