About seven years ago I was diagnosed with having bipolar disorder. I ended up being on Geodon, Depakote, Lithium, Xanax, Topamax, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Zoloft just to name a few. In the end, I was on about 15 different medications.
From these medications, I experienced, illusions, hallucinations, anxiety, panic attacks, feeling electricity throughout my body, ongoing headaches, migrains, vertigo, and so on. Obviously the meds did absolutely nothing for me.
Five years into my diagnosis, I find out that I am not bipolar, in fact, my shrink records that I have a mood disorder NOS. Ok, whatever. So, after that official diagnosis, my shrink retires! Yeah, with that, I go off meds. Wasn't into nor did I have the energy to see another shrink to repeat my story all over again and then pay all that money. So, off meds I went.
I did, however, continue counseling with my counselor who, by the way, never truly was convinced that I was bipolar. I have to admit, as we all experience different symptoms, I never attempted suicide, never cut myself, never was hospitalized, never did major shopping sprees, never tried drugs or have an alcohol problem. Not saying that all these symptoms are bipolar related as we all experience things differently, but they are part of bipolar to some degree.
After about two - three years now being off meds (Five or so on them), being on a spiritual journey, and trying to keep above water, I find out I am an Empath/HSP (Highly Sensitive Person).
Someone mentioned to me one day that they believe that I am an empath, so I researched my little heart out and yup! That is me. In fact, Dr. Michael Smith states, "It is not uncommon for an empath to tell me that he or she has been diagnosed as "Bipolar/Manic Depressive. For more information please read Book of Storms.
I have been researching this new found discovery for me ever since! As far as going off medication, it is a personal choice. But I have to honestly say, going off meds for me, has made my head finally come out of the fog after 25 years of depression, three years of medication, seven years of counseling, and most of my life suffering with the thought that I was different.
ANONYMOUS
3 comments:
I stumbled on your site from Fighting the Darkness.
Hello fellow HSP! :)
I had a similar experience. I was diagnosed with postpartum depression and was taken 100mg of Zoloft. After three weeks I couldn't stand the side effects from the medication. I want to another doctor to get a second opinion and he told me he didn't think I had postpartum depression. After stopping the Zoloft, I felt 100% better. It goes to show you that sometimes you need a second opinion.
Thanks for your insights and for sharing your story. There are so many people I am meeting who have been finding non-drug solutions. Thanks for letting us know about you. xx
Jenna
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