SirLance

Who diagnosed you? If your GP, you should probably see a specialist for formal diagnostic procedures before you make any decisions. You should understand your options and how any choice might affect you.

Pills have side effects, and can cause major issues if you stop taking them without a proper weaning program (i.e. Paxil, which is the most commonly prescribed med for SAD).

Therapy can help you understand and adjust your behavior and reactions.

You may need both, but don't go by what a general practitioner says. Definitely see a specialist.

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Suzz04

As for information based on a previous post about the lack of motivation.

Just to let you know, I didn't go on the meds because of lack of motivation. That's really funny for me, because, I've been battling it without meds for over 10 years. I went through a time where there wasn't much information on having the bipolar disorder to where it comes out they found out more and more.

I'm not saying that meds are the cure all for everything. However, the meds were my LAST choice and option. I was on that last option when I started them. I talked with my doctor on a monthly basis to track progress of things I tried. When something didn't work, I moved on to the next.

After 5 years of being a wreck, I had two options left. For me it was either take the meds for the sake of my family, (I have a 9yr old daughter) or go completely insane and lose my family.

I have people that have supported me these last few years and have watched me make no progress with other options. I went from having NO self-control when I would swing from manic to depressive times to being able to deal with the swings alot easier.

Over 5 years of trying is a long time. I'm not sure how long other people have went. There comes a time when you truly have to re-examine yourself and decide if you want to continue to live as a emotional wreck on a hourly basis to being able to get through the day without freaking out.

I tried to go back to college 2 years ago. I cried on a daily basis and barely was able to make it through class. Irrational to you as it seems, to me it was not. Being around strangers or too many people was worst nightmare coming true in front of me that I couldn't wake up from.

Without seeming rude... but, if you haven't been there... don't assume to know what the person is going through. It's a totally different world when you've lived through it. And it's a different world for someone who lives with that person as well. You completely have no idea of the pain and anguish a person goes through when they have that problem. My disorder has made my daughter's life a living hell. She never knew when I was going to be depressed to the point of suicide or so happy that it was scary.

I was living on a hourly basis. Just trying to make it through the day. Forgive me if the meds are "how they saved my life", but I wish I had done it alot sooner for the sake of how I've lived the past 10 years.

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Edited for mispelling