Hope please!

[MarmadukeM]

i have been up and down since last summer when I had a
really bad depressive episode (bipolar type 2)
since then I got quite a lot better and I thought I was ok again as mood had levelled off for the last few weeks with new antidepressant (escitalopram 10mg) but the last few days I’ve started with the early waking, the anxiety, bad stomach and dark thoughts.
anyone else been similar and it wa just blip and part of the recovery? If so any tips on how to manage it?
I can increase the antidepressant so I will try that I think as I’ve been on it 5 weeks so I’m sure I can go up now. It’s disheartening to say the least 😖

The thing with antidepressants is that they take 8 weeks to fully get in your system to work fully so obviously you've got a few weeks yet for that to start.if youve been told you can increase your dose then I absolutely would do that because hopefully it will even you back out. Hope you feel better soon 😊

@Devilsmommy Thanks, I think what’s upset me is that I seemed to be feeling good on them then it’s tanked again. Yes I’m asking to increase x

I had bipolar depressive episode recently. They upped my lithium a little and I got melatonin for sleep. A good initial improvement and then I also tanked. They upped lithium a little more and I’m back feeling my usual self. Tired, grumpy and emotional about it all but definitely back to myself. I would definitely try the increase first and see how you get on.
It is so hard to describe how awful it is on the inside. I’m starting to forget and I went through it. I hope you feel loads better very soon.

@GreasySpoonMemories thanks - yes it really is, it’s like I know my thought processes are disordered but I can’t seem to do anything about it and then I start getting worried I’m becoming unwell and it’s a vicious circle.
I am glad to hear you feel more yourself and that you’ve had similar and come out the other side xx

I think it’s important to remember with bipolar that there is a neurotransmitter type issue in the brain and you really can’t out think this type of depression (although lifestyle choices impact being able to stay well), it absolutely has to be medically resolved. My dark thoughts disappeared when the dose was increased and the melatonin resolved my lack of sleep.

Have you been able to increase your dose?

@GreasySpoonMemories i did not! The nurse said the psychiatrist wants to wait till my review next Wednesday before adjusting anything so have to do 6 full weeks first 😖
to be fair, the appointment with the nurse was really good, she is very good at her job and it was an hour long talking about stressors and windows of tolerance etc. I feel more positive for the talk as can kind of see how maybe I have tanked a bit x