Hi Ashley,
At this point, I really think it is the meds. Apparently Lamictal really agrees with me (have been on it for 4 weeks now). I really want it to keep working (this is the best I have felt in over a year) and not get that dreaded rash.
Since I have been diagnosed as having bipolar II, I think my depression may be more chemical in nature as compared to negative life situations or thinking. I do have some life situation issues and emotional issues to deal with (see the post on marriage issues), but ever since I started getting medicated, those issues just don't seem that big of a deal now. I truly think I was blowing everything out of proportion and making the life issues seem much worse than they really are. I had always been able to cope just fine with problems or frustrations in the past, but over the course of this last year, I just couldn't anymore. It was all just too much. I stopped eating, stopped bathing, and stopped getting out bed. I am now amazed at how truly debilitating depression is.
So yes, I think the meds are starting to make a difference. I also went out and did some things I used to really enjoy this week, such as poke around in thrift stores and go to the library. I had stopped doing that because I enjoyed nothing. The med that is working now is the 4th med I have tried.
I am scheduled to increase the dose next week, and I am really nervous about changing the dose. I think I am happy on this dose, but the doc said a higher dose is needed for true therapeutic benefits.
Even though I think the root of my depression is chemical in nature, I am still going to work through the program and get counseling (and hopefully marriage counseling), just to make sure I am treating all aspects of the illness.
