At my last doctor visit I finally surrendered and agreed to adding a new medication. It frightened me to add a new medication. First of all, side effects. Side effects are the worst part because it is a waiting game to see if it will work - or if the side effects will outweigh the benefits.
The new medication, Latuda, has been very successful, thus far. I am at the one month mark which is usually when side effects subside and I learn if it is working for me. Latuda is used to treat bipolar depression, the down-side of Bipolar Disorder.
Like all mental illnesses, it is a challenge and struggle to get through a day. The forgotten ones are those who are Caregivers. Those who love them. Those who don't understand.
Caregivers are drained. All Caregivers have their own lives and their own challenges, much less living with the strains of someone who can reach very deep lows and dangerous highs. When someone you love and care about is struggling with staying alive and the will to live, is hard to watch. Especially when you cannot do a single thing to prevent it. You must watch the downward spiral and try to be there. But, even being there can be challenging. Especially when their own challenges rear their ugly little heads.
Our loved ones are baffled, they know who you are when you reach those precarious balances. But our friends are at a loss. Few know and even fewer understand.
Many friendships to go the side. Loved ones fade.
I am one of the lucky ones. I have a Caregiver who has dedicated his life to caring for me, supporting me. Very few are as blessed as I.
Coming next ... The Rollercoaster ...
