You may have seen ketamine making headlines recently as a promising drug therapy for treatment-resistant depression, or “TRD.” (What’s TRD? Health care professionals define it as receiving at least two different antidepressants– for at least six weeks in a row, and at an adequate dosage – but experiencing less than a 50% improvement in depressive symptoms.) So,… Continue reading Can ketamine help when antidepressants don’t? A closer look at the off-label drug that’s in the spotlight
Category: Bipolar disorder
Getting out of bed: The “One hour rule” and other tips
Does getting out of bed in the morning ever seem like an overwhelming task? You’re not alone. PatientsLikeMe members are talking about it a lot in the mental health forum. Read on to learn what’s worked for others on difficult mornings. Give yourself no more than an hour Elyse Raffery, contributor to The Mighty, shared… Continue reading Getting out of bed: The “One hour rule” and other tips
Life-changing second opinion stories: “I decided to get a second and third opinion…”
Stories showing the importance of second opinions have been popping up in the media and on PatientsLikeMe. Check out the recent news headlines, hear a remarkable story of a PatientsLikeMe member who received a life-saving lung transplant after getting a second (and third) opinion, and share your own experience of piecing together your health puzzle.… Continue reading Life-changing second opinion stories: “I decided to get a second and third opinion…”
5 tips for practicing self-care when your chronic illness is trying to take over
As a woman with bipolar disorder I and PTSD, I can pretty safely say that no two days are the same. There are days when the world is sunshine and roses; life is grand! Then there are days when the inside of my brain is trying to run the show without me, and it’s leaving… Continue reading 5 tips for practicing self-care when your chronic illness is trying to take over
Meet Christopher – “PTSD is not just soldiers whining and complaining about struggles in life”
Say hello to Christopher (ChrisBC), a father, musician and Purple Heart recipient living with PTSD and bipolar disorder. We recently caught up with him to hear about how PTSD affected his marriage and how his diagnosis pushed him get the help he needed and connect with his feelings. Keep reading to learn how he copes… Continue reading Meet Christopher – “PTSD is not just soldiers whining and complaining about struggles in life”
Patients at work: Member Nancy on being her own boss
We recently launched a blog series about patients who’ve started (or are gearing up to launch) their own businesses, sparking a discussion around how to manage your health without giving up on your career goals. Say hello to Nancy (@spicerna), who sat down with us to discuss how she finds a balance between living with… Continue reading Patients at work: Member Nancy on being her own boss
Patients at work: Member Jenny launches online craft shop on Etsy
A few weeks ago, we kicked off a new blog series about patients who have started (or are working on launching) their own businesses. We’ll be featuring some enterprising members and learning more about how they manage their health and their career goals at the same time. Today, we’d like introduce Jenny, (jhound), a… Continue reading Patients at work: Member Jenny launches online craft shop on Etsy
“In my own words” – PatientsLikeMe member Eleanor writes about her journey with bipolar II: Part 3
Over the past few months, Eleanor (redblack) has been sharing about her bipolar II on the blog, and today, we’re posting the final part of her series (thank you Eleanor for being so open and taking the time to share with everyone)! Eleanor talks about her relationship with her psychiatrist Jon and how they recently… Continue reading “In my own words” – PatientsLikeMe member Eleanor writes about her journey with bipolar II: Part 3
“In my own words” – PatientsLikeMe member Eleanor writes about her journey with bipolar II: Part 2
Back in May, Eleanor (redblack) wrote about her some of her experiences with bipolar II to help spread the word for Mental Health Awareness Month. She’s continuing this month by sharing about the personal support system she’s developed through a wonderful relationship with her husband Jim, her special bond with a particular mood community member… Continue reading “In my own words” – PatientsLikeMe member Eleanor writes about her journey with bipolar II: Part 2
“In my own words” – PatientsLikeMe member Eleanor writes about her journey with bipolar II: Part I
We just posted that May is Mental Health Month, and so we wanted to help raise awareness by getting the patient perspective out there. PatientsLikeMe member Eleanor (redblack) first experienced bipolar II as a young woman, and she’s been managing her mental health with the help of her family and psychiatrist ever since. She shared… Continue reading “In my own words” – PatientsLikeMe member Eleanor writes about her journey with bipolar II: Part I