Any advise regarding manic depressive illness?

I just started out on some medication to help a problem I have had for awhile. People out there with this illness. Does the medication improve ones mental state? My friends inYahoo, any imformation would be very welcomed. Thanks very much :)

Bless your heart musicman! I deal with a lot of folks who suffer with bi-polar disorder. I can only advise you to listen to your doctor and hope that you have one who listens to you too.

It has been my experience that too many docs don't listen, they just write prescriptions! You have a lot of challenges. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Best of wishes to you. Try to stay strong. Take your vitamin/mineral supplements, stay away from alcohol and take your meds. Ride the storms with us and above all don't give up. Your sense of humor will help to get you through the bad times. so will we! Nana

Manic Depressive Disorder is now called Bipolar Disorder and it can be a debilitating affliction. Medicine does help. The problem is, sometimes you will have to try MANY different kinds/combos before you find what's right for you. A lot of the commonly prescribed drugs cause side effects, you just have to find what you can tolerate and what stabalizes your mood the best. It took me about 8 years and 15 different meds to find a good balance. But now that I have found what works, I am able to live a normal life, and I rarely have manic or depressive episodes.

Yes medication can help very much; however, a course of therapy can be very helpful in giving us some direction toward positive change... it takes work for change, hon.

I have bipolar 1 disorder, and have been in and out of therapy for years....

I hope you get good answers here.

I do not personally have the illness, but as a nurse and someone who has a family member with the disease, YES the medication helps.
My brother used to think he could take his meds only when the symptoms got worse, (hypo-manic), but by this time the cycle was on it's way and he would get manic soon after. When he was on the depressed side, he was taking his meds daily. But once he started his upward swing, he said the meds made him sleepy and wouldn't take them. What was happening was kind of like a drug addict, he liked the energy he got from being on the upswing. The reality was he would soon be out of control. After numerous hardships, he has realized that he has to take his meds EVERYDAY. Just like diabetics need insulin, people with Bipolar disorder need to take whatever meds their Dr. prescibes. It might take an adjustment period to get your medicine right for you, but hang in there. A better life IS possible.
Good luck and most of all, stay safe.

I do not use meds to control my bipolar disorder.
I have made a chart that tracks my cycles of depression and I use it to my advantage in controlling how I feel. My best writing comes at the start of an upswing, so I always know when to be ready to write.
Good luck with yours.

Yes, it does. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago and I've been through several meds. Just go with the flow and pay attention to how you're feeling. Are you getting out and about? Are you doing your usual things? Calling people? What about your family & friends and your activity level? Do you have a good attitude? A great book (if you like to read) is "A Brilliant Madness"..."Living With Manic Depressive Disorder" written by Patty Duke Astin. You will see what that poor lady went through when there was much less known about the disorder. The right meds will really help. I wish you all the best!

i am manic depressive. try just hangin there with good friends. i am here for u dogmicjoe@yahoo.com. tell me the meds u are takin