Question: How do you deal with being depressed...

My father just recently kicked me out of his house because I cut my step mother off while she was talking. I also have just happened to be decreaseing my anti-depressants. I have been doing really well so far but when this happened i kindof went bakwards. My boyfriend lives on the opposite coast as well so he and I can only talk on the phone. He doesn't know how to handle this either all he really wants to do is punch my father in the face. But anyways my trick is writing in a journal, for me it was always hard to express my feelings to others and writing just allowed me to get it all out. Also talk to people you trust about what you are feeling because the worst thing you can do is keep it all in

I'm bipolar myself. Take your meds as directed and meet with your therapist /psychologist. That's what I do.

I was diagnosed with bi polar when I was 15, and since then its been a up and down struggle. the guy im with now, was with me last year, but broke up with me, when i started constantly drinking and smoking pot and ended up in hospital on the brink of been locked up. im type 2, so i also get physcosis when my cycle gets too high or low, and i tried using drink and weed to control it. i dont drink and i dont touch drugs anymore, and weve been together again for the past 10 months after a six month spilt. HE still finds it really hard at times, because my meds dont always work for everything, and i get serve depression, and nasty agressive highs. he also finds it hard to understand how i can be okay one day, and not leaving the house, or acting mental the next. but he trys his best, and i try to make sure i explain things and make it as easy as possible for him to understand. its not a easy illness, but it could be worse, and as i view it, its given me the ablity to understand other people better, which means i can help others (: im on tegretol, quientipine, and venaflaxen (spelt them wrong, but i tend not to keep a good memory haha) and these help quite a bit. i know its really hard, but if hes truely worth it, hell help you (:

I have Bipolar and really struggle with the depressive episodes. Therapy and medication can really help you, but they can only do so much, you need to learn to help yourself too. Try to notice the changes in mood and any triggers, so you can deal with them head on when an episode starts. I found that finding out about Bipolar Disorder and it's effects really helped me, as you learn to recognise the difference between having a bad day and the beginning of an episode. When you feel a depressive episode coming on, do things you enjoy doing and avoid stressful situations where possible.

I find writing down what's in my head really helps. When you're dealing with strong emotions, it's quite hard to think rationally, so looking back at what you wrote when you're in a different frame of mind, can help you identify things about yourself and your moods, that otherwise you might not notice.

It's important to let your boyfriend know what's going on with you and not to take things personally. I have codewords with my partner to signal to him what I need at certain times, like when I'm feeling prickly and irritable, I say down time and he knows to give me some peace and quiet. He's really good with it and it's really helped because I get what I need and he doesn't get screamed at. To do this you need to work out what you need when you feel a certain way and work it out with your boyfriend, sometimes you may need him to ask what's wrong before you feel you can talk about things, sometimes you might just need him to hug you and tell you it's alright. Remember it's hard on him too so reassure him that you love him and try to be as open as possible with him about your Bipolar.

Hope this helps
Kizzie x

yeah bipolar comes with depression
bipolar is also known as manic depression when u have periods of feeling great, then down periods.

I currently am going through a stage of depression, although it is not severe, but it too is taking its toll on my relationship. However I am beginning to move on, and I can honestly say that has only been because my boyfriend has taken the time to ask why I am feeling so down and largely supporting me as best as he can. Admittedly I feel terrible if something small happens and I overreact, and in doing so take it out on him for whatever reason, but I do my best to apologise and explain. I have since given my boyfriend tips for avoiding such a situation, almost second-guessing opportunities for him such as sending me a text at the beginning of the day or something like that; maybe you could ask the same of your boyfriend? Not necessarily texts, but to do something that cheers you up and may give you some strength to get past the problems? That way he at least knows he can actively do something and do his best to support you through these times.

I'd also recommend, as above, going to a therapist. It will most likely help, especially in diagnosing the problem etc.

This is only slightly funny because I'm going to see a psychiatrist in 45 minutes to start my medication evaluation...

If you are officially diagnosed as having Bipolar Depression, I'm going to assume you've already spoken to some sort of therapist about your condition, and/or a psychiatrist. If you're on medication and it's not working, you need to tell your psychiatrist. If you're only doing therapy, you need to talk to your psychologist or therapy leader or whomever, and see if they can refer you to a good psychiatrist to try a medication treatment.

If you haven't been officially diagnosed, you need to talk to a professional, soon - and not just for the sake of your relationship. Having Bipolar Depression (or any kind of dysthymia/depression) takes a major toll on ALL aspects of your life.

You should also consider trying a couples counseling session with your boyfriend. He just needs to know that what is wrong with you is the result of a disorder, and not anything he has done/is doing wrong.

Hope this helps. Best of luck

Your depression comes with your bipolar disorder. If you have not been officially diagnosed with these I would see your doctor. My ex was going through the same thing that you are and they have wonderful medications you can take which help symptoms drastically! Bipolar disorder is not something that will cure itself so without medication you wont feel any better.

If your taking medication and seeing a therapist, and thats not working, then you should see a doctor. Both of those are managable, so you should go see your doctor