Chat, I think the difference would be in the origin of the depression i.e. external influence in comparison to internal. That's the way I understand it anyway as I do not understand depression as well. Especially in the medical terms that it is discussed in BWS. I can understand the situation you are talking about as I have been there when Mom and Dad passed away and as my divorce unfolded and folded. Both of us are very lucky in that we can find a way out of it somehow. I hope that relief comes soon for whatever it is that makes you cry.

I still do not understand bi-polar or even hormonal depression. I can appreciate that it must be difficult to live with it but, apart from that, I really do not know how to support anyone who has got it without seeming to be shallow with what I may have to say to that person. I can only pray that each day is a better day for anyone who suffers from it.

I am not about to add to the confusion, but I do know that without anti-depressants, my life would be miserable. I do not have situation depression (a death in the family, losing a job, etc) but rather have a chemical imbalance that is very easily fixed by an AD.

Vicki, your voice has been missed around here. I am glad to hear that you have been able to find the right combination of drugs for you and you sound like you are under proper care.

As far as supporting anyone with any disease, Lola, I would suggest that you just be you. You are a pretty neat lady, and I dare say just your presence and understanding and acceptance would be enough for anyone suffering from any disease.

By the way, Lola, did I ever say thank you for taking Dennis to see the Queen play? You have no idea how happy it made me that you were so willing to take on Dennis for the evening.

You have, Ann. That same evening. And, once again, you're welcome. But most of all, thanks for trusting me to look after Dennis.

I'm not sure if I'd exactly explain depression as internal vs external, it's more complicated than that. It's a chemical imbalance for people with MI. Something is missing in the physiological makeup of that person. Anno, I think you got it right, in some way. Situation depression rather than chemical imbalance.

Chatty, I'm so sorry you're in a situation where you are crying most of the time and the losses you have suffered in your life. If you're not seeking medication therapy, does or would cognitive therapy help? I know, I use a combination of both, with my psychiatrist and my therapist, and they both really help me, together and separately. I will keep you in my prayers for comfort for your pain.

Lola, I don't think there's any special way you have to learn how to support BP or any other MI, just be respectful and kind, like you always are. As Anno said, just be you, and you'll be fine.

Dancer, Thanks for the heads up on Neurontin. I see my PM doctor soon. I will discuss my concerns and options with him. When he first put me on it, it was only a temp measure until we got the results back from the MRI of my spine. I'll PM you shortly re: other PM options.

I'd rather not be on something that has such drastic side effects, and is not FDA approved for what he's treating me for.

vickie sounds like a trickie time.

i do not have bp but was once taken off effecsor (ad for cyclical depresion wich i originalie gave into under the notion of post birth depresion). Anyway so fast (too fast my chemist told me) that i should have been hospitalised it had me feeling awfull and i listen to my chemist, looked at myself, talked too frends and became even more confused...it happens when one preofesional contradicts the other, well it dose in my head.

I felt awfull and could't control my effect but they started another ad quick (the reason why i had to come off one type) Do you know how long its expected to last, your current withdrawel or bodie/brain chemistry to balance out? Can they even tell that much?

In your oppinion did you have too many manic effisodes in the first place?...
while on anti depresents what did you do with your manic eppisodes?
Now off ad what are the expected treatment opptions for a minic high or even a low?

a lot of questions i know, i have several frends (male and female) with bp and i still trying to get a proper handle on the condision in itself as i end up talking with them at several times and don't even know what to say at times.

chatty
sometimes people view medicasion as a weekness from within that person, or a tendancy to be morbide or self piting. Some do do that others do not.

i held all those attitudes for myself and thought people who medicated weer cheating!! don't know what they wer cheating but thats my attutude, or was my attitude.

my owen attitude pride and profesional pride kept me in the dark for a long time, and every morning it was like trying to jump start a car with a dead battery, then it needed started every few hours over the day.

the methods, counselling, self-development, meditasion, prayer an all the usule stuff to rase me beyond my current mood was all consumming. I worked but internalie it was a constant battle to be or at lest behave in an even way.

i gave into myself when L was 6 mounths, got inicalie diagnosed as being post partum depresed, which from their was a esier blow to my pride than having to admit this state was or had been constant for all of my life from at lest 9 or 10.

so it was about attitude that "not giving in" or up which was or could have killed me one day.
that stoped me reciving help and getting a level playing field from which to live life.

that perhapps the diffrence between situasional and chemistry behind depresion.

situasional you'll cry, hurt and heal from....the other will be resilient ongoing regardless of what one dose, it will always be their regardless of anything els in life and what one dose about it.

So in a sense its bringing into balance uneven distributed nurotransmitters via chemical means. as out brane chemistry is just chemical anyway.

perhapps thats why you never allowed depresion to consume you...your chemical levels were ok in the first place.

The events you described (widowed etc) you cope with and handled ok in thir owen time and in the best way and in normale ways, for your hurt to be felt relived and healed.

are you doing anyhing for the situasion, if not removing the hurtfull thing from your life then what are your support structures like? are you getting enough support?

what avenues are avalable to you that are also acceptable to you?

VICKIE
nice to see ya back. I was actulie talking about you with anothr bommer ladie and we both wondered were you had been. now we know and good your back

Celtic, there is nothing that anyone can do. I just have to accept the situation as it is and wait it out. Something will happen eventually and he'll leave, but what, or when I haven't a clue.

Vicki, thank YOU for taking the time to tell us what it is like for you. I do happen to know that bi-P is difficult to treat in that what works for one may not work for another. I was on Depakote for a while and that made me fat and stupid. Also, I use eye drops because 1) the air is dry in CO 2) I don't cry, thus no tears. The most important thing is how YOU are feeling as you make these adjustments. I hope it is all for the best.