About Bipolar Disorder: Treating Depression Like Chronic Pain

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Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping and Support From Marcia Purse, your Guide to Bipolar Disorder I have fibromyalgia that is now well-controlled but once was all but crippling. My job involved typing all day then. Due to intense arm pain, I wore wrap bandages from knuckles to elbows for months to help me get by; later, when the pain moved to my back, I had to shift my position and that of the keyboard over and over to minimize the agony. Managing that pain was a daily struggle. A reader suggests that managing depression can be looked at in the same way. Treat Depression Like Chronic Pain It's hard to get out of bed. Simple tasks take enormous effort. Leaving the house is unthinkable. Routine chores stop you dead in your tracks. All these symptoms of depression could also be effects of physical pain. Long-time forum member Snoggle talks about managing depression as managing pain. See More About:  coping with depression  living with bipolar disorder  Your Symptoms Come From Your Bipolar Disorder Here's a cautionary tale from a woman whose doctors, one after another, dismissed serious physical symptoms as psychosomatic because they knew she had bipolar disorder. She thinks she might have died if she hadn't gotten lucky with one doctor, and she offers some advice you should read. See More About:  dealing with doctors  thyroid problems  goiter Three Bipolar Meds Unsafe During Pregnancy While there are many concerns about taking medications for bipolar disorder during pregnancy, three drugs sometimes prescribed for bipolar disorder are considered entirely unsafe for pregnant women. These three drugs have a high risk of causing birth defects or causing infants to go through withdrawal. See More About:  pregnancy and bipolar disorder  birth defects  medications Physical Conditions That Can Mimic Bipolar Disorder Before you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, your doctor should rule out certain physical conditions that can produce symptoms similar to those of BP. See More About:  diagnosing bipolar disorder  differential diagnosis  Bipolar Disorder Ads Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Psychotic Manic Depression Treating Depression Bipolar Psychosis Featured Articles Summertime: Bipolar Medications and Heatstroke Sunburn and Bipolar Drugs What Is Post-Partum Psychosis Lamictal and Anxiety About Bipolar Disorder on Facebook Follow on Twitter   More from About.com Backyard Chickens 101 Dabble in the self-sufficient, eco-friendly life with these essential chicken-raising tips. More> 24 Amazing Container Gardens These gorgeous and creative gardens prove it doesn't take a lot of space to create something special. More> This newsletter is written by: Marcia Purse Bipolar Disorder Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Bipolar Disorder newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   What We're Talking About Bipolar 1 or 2 Been Feeling Tired and Depressed Can Therapy Help??? Advertisement