Depression And Bipolar.

[nikki-uk]

Hi all.

Having a bit of a hard time at the moment with my husband.

Dx'd with celiac disease 14 months ago(he was very ill)-but was unresponsive to gluten-free diet alone and had to go on steroids.

I've read lots of people say their depressive symptoms got better on a gluten-free diet.

My husband never does things by the book-and has had a breakdown after 14 months gluten-free

It seems kind of cruel,that after being physically ill for such a long time,he was finally feeling a bit better,put some weight on etc and now has another illness we have to deal with.

His doctor has only labelled it 'clinical depression'.

However I'm concerned it may be more than that due to his behaviour.

He's extremely paranoid,and has delusions that I'm being unfaithful.

E.g-if I'm on the phone,he thinks I'm making arrangements to meet someone.He's carries my mobile with him everywhere to try and catch me out(he'll have a long wait!).Even if I wear something I haven't wore for a while-he'll read something into that.Silly things.

He says he can't even tell me all the terrible thoughts,because he knows they sound ridiculous.

At least he has insight to his obsessive thoughts about me.

I should point out we've been married nearly 20 yrs-and I've never given him cause to think I'd be unfaithful.

He also has panic attacks if I go to pick the kids up from school-pounding heart,sweating,pacing up and down.

He swings from extreme agitation to sobbing and crying all in one day.

He got himself so worked up the other day he had to be admitted to a psychiatric hosp(he hadn't slept for days)-but only stayed a day as he begged to come home.

So,-he's trying to keep himself busy,and not languish in his thoughts by doing some decorating and diy around the house.I've noticed that he seems almost manic.

Everything about him is rushed.His movements,his speech.Sometimes it difficult to converse with him as he starts to talk about all these grand plans he's gonna do the house.I can't keep up with him.I try to explain to him that we DON'T have the money to do these things(xmas and 3 kids!)but he doesn't seem to hear me.

Yesterday I got a bank statement and it's all gone-no money for xmas now,he's spent it all.I've had to cut his card up.He hasn't worked for many years due to arthritis and the problems celiac disease caused,so we don't have alot .

He's been in this 'manic state' for around 6 weeks now.I'm exhausted.

He's under a home psychiatric team,who visit him everyother day and he's on quite a cocktail of drugs:

Citalopram 20mg a day

Olanzapine(Zyprexa) 15mg aday

Lorazepam1mg up to 3 a day for anxiety.

Any thoughts?Do his symptoms sound more like bipolar?

Thanks for listening guys-I'm so stressed out!

[nettiebeads]

Hi all.

Having a bit of a hard time at the moment with my husband.

Dx'd with celiac disease 14 months ago(he was very ill)-but was unresponsive to gluten-free diet alone and had to go on steroids.

I've read lots of people say their depressive symptoms got better on a gluten-free diet.

My husband never does things by the book-and has had a breakdown after 14 months gluten-free

It seems kind of cruel,that after being physically ill for such a long time,he was finally feeling a bit better,put some weight on etc and now has another illness we have to deal with.

His doctor has only labelled it 'clinical depression'.

However I'm concerned it may be more than that due to his behaviour.

He's extremely paranoid,and has delusions that I'm being unfaithful.

E.g-if I'm on the phone,he thinks I'm making arrangements to meet someone.He's carries my mobile with him everywhere to try and catch me out(he'll have a long wait!).Even if I wear something I haven't wore for a while-he'll read something into that.Silly things.

He says he can't even tell me all the terrible thoughts,because he knows they sound ridiculous.

At least he has insight to his obsessive thoughts about me.

I should point out we've been married nearly 20 yrs-and I've never given him cause to think I'd be unfaithful.

He also has panic attacks if I go to pick the kids up from school-pounding heart,sweating,pacing up and down.

He swings from extreme agitation to sobbing and crying all in one day.

He got himself so worked up the other day he had to be admitted to a psychiatric hosp(he hadn't slept for days)-but only stayed a day as he begged to come home.

So,-he's trying to keep himself busy,and not languish in his thoughts by doing some decorating and diy around the house.I've noticed that he seems almost manic.

Everything about him is rushed.His movements,his speech.Sometimes it difficult to converse with him as he starts to talk about all these grand plans he's gonna do the house.I can't keep up with him.I try to explain to him that we DON'T have the money to do these things(xmas and 3 kids!)but he doesn't seem to hear me.

Yesterday I got a bank statement and it's all gone-no money for xmas now,he's spent it all.I've had to cut his card up.He hasn't worked for many years due to arthritis and the problems celiac disease caused,so we don't have alot .

He's been in this 'manic state' for around 6 weeks now.I'm exhausted.

He's under a home psychiatric team,who visit him everyother day and he's on quite a cocktail of drugs:

Citalopram 20mg a day

Olanzapine(Zyprexa) 15mg aday

Lorazepam1mg up to 3 a day for anxiety.

Any thoughts?Do his symptoms sound more like bipolar?

Thanks for listening guys-I'm so stressed out!

Oh, yeah does that sound bi-polar. And his problems are compounded by celiac disease, but I think mental problems came first. He is much more than clinically depressed. Has the dr. recognized the bipolar? Please feel free to come here for venting, ranting, and support. You sure need it.

Big hug and a shoulder for you to lean on.

Annette

[stef-the-kicking-cuty]

Dx'd with celiac disease 14 months ago(he was very ill)-but was unresponsive to gluten-free diet alone and had to go on steroids.

That might sound stupid. But are you sure he was completely glutenfree? Did you check everything? Toothpaste, soap etc?

Hugs, Stef

[nikki-uk]

That might sound stupid. But are you sure he was completely glutenfree? Did you check everything? Toothpaste, soap etc?

Hugs, Stef

Yup,I checked everything!I'm obsessed.gluten-free diet seems to be working now though after course of steriods.

Many thanks

[Rachel--24]

I'm sure everything's been looked at already but I thought I'd mention that an overactive thyroid can cause those manic type symptoms. Restlessness, anger, mood swings, compulsive behavior, excess energy, sweating, panic attacks, etc. If he hasnt had that checked I'd look into that too. When my Graves Disease was active I had some of those symptoms and everything about me was "rushed"...I couldnt relax.

[cmom]

My mother suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Her obsessive thoughts were of my dad dying. She could not get that picture out of her head. Prozac is absolutely the only thing that helps her live a normal life. BTW, my father is still living.

[thomas3000]

I would find a doc who can test the systems of the body. Where do you live? I'll give you a referral. I would get him off the drugs and take some serotonin boosting nutrients as well as a fish oil supplement..Is your hubby Celtic Irish, or maybe Scandinavian ancestry??? Just curious..He may have food allergies in addition to Gluten/Gliadin....

[Matilda]

..

[jerseyangel]

nikki--I don't have any experience with what you husband is going through, but I would not take him off any meds. yourself. I wish the best for your husband and sincerely hope that you find the answers you need. Wish I could be of more help. Hang in there--I know its rough for you, too

[eeyor-fan]

Hi all.

Having a bit of a hard time at the moment with my husband.

Dx'd with celiac disease 14 months ago(he was very ill)-but was unresponsive to gluten-free diet alone and had to go on steroids.

I've read lots of people say their depressive symptoms got better on a gluten-free diet.

My husband never does things by the book-and has had a breakdown after 14 months gluten-free

It seems kind of cruel,that after being physically ill for such a long time,he was finally feeling a bit better,put some weight on etc and now has another illness we have to deal with.

His doctor has only labelled it 'clinical depression'.

However I'm concerned it may be more than that due to his behaviour.

He's extremely paranoid,and has delusions that I'm being unfaithful.

E.g-if I'm on the phone,he thinks I'm making arrangements to meet someone.He's carries my mobile with him everywhere to try and catch me out(he'll have a long wait!).Even if I wear something I haven't wore for a while-he'll read something into that.Silly things.

He says he can't even tell me all the terrible thoughts,because he knows they sound ridiculous.

At least he has insight to his obsessive thoughts about me.

I should point out we've been married nearly 20 yrs-and I've never given him cause to think I'd be unfaithful.

He also has panic attacks if I go to pick the kids up from school-pounding heart,sweating,pacing up and down.

He swings from extreme agitation to sobbing and crying all in one day.

He got himself so worked up the other day he had to be admitted to a psychiatric hosp(he hadn't slept for days)-but only stayed a day as he begged to come home.

So,-he's trying to keep himself busy,and not languish in his thoughts by doing some decorating and diy around the house.I've noticed that he seems almost manic.

Everything about him is rushed.His movements,his speech.Sometimes it difficult to converse with him as he starts to talk about all these grand plans he's gonna do the house.I can't keep up with him.I try to explain to him that we DON'T have the money to do these things(xmas and 3 kids!)but he doesn't seem to hear me.

Yesterday I got a bank statement and it's all gone-no money for xmas now,he's spent it all.I've had to cut his card up.He hasn't worked for many years due to arthritis and the problems celiac disease caused,so we don't have alot .

He's been in this 'manic state' for around 6 weeks now.I'm exhausted.

He's under a home psychiatric team,who visit him everyother day and he's on quite a cocktail of drugs:

Citalopram 20mg a day

Olanzapine(Zyprexa) 15mg aday

Lorazepam1mg up to 3 a day for anxiety.

Any thoughts?Do his symptoms sound more like bipolar?

Thanks for listening guys-I'm so stressed out!

Actually, it sounds a lot like what my cousin Jay is going through ( edgy, paranoid, delusional). After being gluten-free a while he "snapped" too and was hospitalized. He was diagnosed with (can't spell it) schitzaphrenia. He has been on meds a couple of years now and he is fine 99% of the time. Also be careful that the drugs he is on are gluten free. My cousin and I both have celiac disease, and I myself had problems with depression and OCD in my teens (severe) until they put me on luvox...those problems have been resolved 10 years now.

[thomas3000]

Obviously the meds aren't working since he has symptoms still. Chasing symptoms is the wrong idea. He needs a doctor to check neurotransmitter, hormone, thyroid, adrenal levels. Meds don't cure anything. Find another doctor who will look for root causes and I know many who will do just that.

[nikki-uk]

I'm sure everything's been looked at already but I thought I'd mention that an overactive thyroid can cause those manic type symptoms. Restlessness, anger, mood swings, compulsive behavior, excess energy, sweating, panic attacks, etc. If he hasnt had that checked I'd look into that too. When my Graves Disease was active I had some of those symptoms and everything about me was "rushed"...I couldnt relax.

That's interesting Rachel,having googled 'graves disease' alot of the symptoms do fit.Should be able to get our gp to check his thyroid levels.Thanks

Thanks to evryone else who replied.I am still in contact with the psychiatric team so I will be mentioning his behaviour leaning towards manic.

The last few days he seems to have calmed down a bit,a little more like his old self.Hopefully the meds have started to kick in.(he's been on them for about 3 weeks so far)He's started taking omega 3 as well(another supplement!)

It's interesting that so many of you have experienced(or know someone who has) mental health problems with celiac disease.

The psychiatrist who see my husband says he often see's depression in coeliacs.I wonder why?what's the link?

Anyway thanks for listening,it's good to know I can have a bit of a rant

[Guest olenkae]

It sounds like me 2 years ago, before I went on drugs (depakine and cipralex).

I was totally paranoid about my husband meeting someone else...and I actually knew there was absolutely no reason to feel that way. But I could not help it.

At that time, I was constantly depressed and often manic - agressive, provocative, irritable - I felt like poop and had a really low self esteem. I suppose that's why subconciously I feared that he would leave me one day.

I hated myself...but wanted him to love me.

In my rational moments I could see how ridiculous and insecure I was...and tried to stay aware of it while in my manic phase...but I seriously couldn't help it!

Spending money has also been a problem for me. Even though I am a mathematician...numbers, especially $ are very abstract to me. On those days I feel like everything is possible. I research websites, buy interior design magazines...and make big plans to build a house. I think my husband is a bit scared of it all. WHile he tries to save money for a rainy day...I spent it all so easily. But then - once again - rational days come and a start to save every single penny because I feel like we are totally broke.

While the jealousy went away...my compulsive money spending is still a concern for me...

Cheers,

Aleks

Hi all.

Having a bit of a hard time at the moment with my husband.

Dx'd with celiac disease 14 months ago(he was very ill)-but was unresponsive to gluten-free diet alone and had to go on steroids.

I've read lots of people say their depressive symptoms got better on a gluten-free diet.

My husband never does things by the book-and has had a breakdown after 14 months gluten-free

It seems kind of cruel,that after being physically ill for such a long time,he was finally feeling a bit better,put some weight on etc and now has another illness we have to deal with.

His doctor has only labelled it 'clinical depression'.

However I'm concerned it may be more than that due to his behaviour.

He's extremely paranoid,and has delusions that I'm being unfaithful.

E.g-if I'm on the phone,he thinks I'm making arrangements to meet someone.He's carries my mobile with him everywhere to try and catch me out(he'll have a long wait!).Even if I wear something I haven't wore for a while-he'll read something into that.Silly things.

He says he can't even tell me all the terrible thoughts,because he knows they sound ridiculous.

At least he has insight to his obsessive thoughts about me.

I should point out we've been married nearly 20 yrs-and I've never given him cause to think I'd be unfaithful.

He also has panic attacks if I go to pick the kids up from school-pounding heart,sweating,pacing up and down.

He swings from extreme agitation to sobbing and crying all in one day.

He got himself so worked up the other day he had to be admitted to a psychiatric hosp(he hadn't slept for days)-but only stayed a day as he begged to come home.

So,-he's trying to keep himself busy,and not languish in his thoughts by doing some decorating and diy around the house.I've noticed that he seems almost manic.

Everything about him is rushed.His movements,his speech.Sometimes it difficult to converse with him as he starts to talk about all these grand plans he's gonna do the house.I can't keep up with him.I try to explain to him that we DON'T have the money to do these things(xmas and 3 kids!)but he doesn't seem to hear me.

Yesterday I got a bank statement and it's all gone-no money for xmas now,he's spent it all.I've had to cut his card up.He hasn't worked for many years due to arthritis and the problems celiac disease caused,so we don't have alot .

He's been in this 'manic state' for around 6 weeks now.I'm exhausted.

He's under a home psychiatric team,who visit him everyother day and he's on quite a cocktail of drugs:

Citalopram 20mg a day

Olanzapine(Zyprexa) 15mg aday

Lorazepam1mg up to 3 a day for anxiety.

Any thoughts?Do his symptoms sound more like bipolar?

Thanks for listening guys-I'm so stressed out!

Oh yes! I have similar thoughts!

Whenever my husband travels I need to contact him a few times a day to make sure he is fine.

Sometimes I even check airport homesites to makke sure that his plane landed.

Heh, I lough at this now, but I am really serious about that at those moments.

Alex

My mother suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Her obsessive thoughts were of my dad dying. She could not get that picture out of her head. Prozac is absolutely the only thing that helps her live a normal life. BTW, my father is still living.

[Nevadan]

Hi Nikki-uk

I have little experience with what you and your husband are going thru; however, there is another group of forums, the Brain-Talk Forums, that might offer you some help. These forums specialize in neurological issues and can be found at Open Original Shared Link Two forums of interest that are accessible from this web address are "Bipolar Disorder" and "Gluten Sensitivity/Celiac Disease". (Scroll down the page to click on them) Both are very active.

Hope this helps.

George

[Guest nini]

I've struggled with Depression and Anxiety disorders all of my life and I can relate... I had a friend that was bi polar and unfortunately he killed himself... I wish you the best of luck with this and I hope that his Dr.s can get to the bottom of it and help you.

[ashish]

Hello nini,

Gernally human behaviour have faced many problem like their bodies because they do work hard.so therefore they feel pain , head pain, acute pain etc. whcih that they pass from depression and high blood pressure diseases.so you could have use gernal information like Open Original Shared Linkwhich you could collect many information about solution of depression and bipolar diseases.

[jknnej]

I have a few friends who are bipolar and one who is also schizophrenic. He sounds like he could suffer from either of these disorders.

Do NOT take him off meds!

Whoever said meds don't cure anything, you are right; they only help with symptoms. BUT that is no reason to tell someone not to take them! We don't have a cure for these diseases and if a patient finds the right meds it can save their life. There are so many facets of these diseases we don't understand and although I would love to see a natural cure, even ONE person committing suicide from these diseases is too many for me. So if you've been prescribed meds and you have a good doctor, TAKE them.

My friend Sarah tried suicide 3 times before finding the right meds for her schizophrenia and she is now living a happy, fulfilling life. Is it a cure? No. But is she alive and functioning well without thoughts of suicide? Yes.

It is so irresponsible to give someone that advice. I am not suggesting anything myself; however, I would NOT ignore doctors' orders and take him off meds if that is what they have prescribed. Get a second opinion? Sure. But don't ignore his doctors. They are trying to help him. Forget herbs and natural cures; if he really has bipolar or schizophrenia it's going to take a LOT more than that to keep him safe.

[Rusla]

Hi all.

Having a bit of a hard time at the moment with my husband.

Dx'd with celiac disease 14 months ago(he was very ill)-but was unresponsive to gluten-free diet alone and had to go on steroids.

I've read lots of people say their depressive symptoms got better on a gluten-free diet.

My husband never does things by the book-and has had a breakdown after 14 months gluten-free

It seems kind of cruel,that after being physically ill for such a long time,he was finally feeling a bit better,put some weight on etc and now has another illness we have to deal with.

His doctor has only labelled it 'clinical depression'.

However I'm concerned it may be more than that due to his behaviour.

He's extremely paranoid,and has delusions that I'm being unfaithful.

E.g-if I'm on the phone,he thinks I'm making arrangements to meet someone.He's carries my mobile with him everywhere to try and catch me out(he'll have a long wait!).Even if I wear something I haven't wore for a while-he'll read something into that.Silly things.

He says he can't even tell me all the terrible thoughts,because he knows they sound ridiculous.

At least he has insight to his obsessive thoughts about me.

I should point out we've been married nearly 20 yrs-and I've never given him cause to think I'd be unfaithful.

He also has panic attacks if I go to pick the kids up from school-pounding heart,sweating,pacing up and down.

He swings from extreme agitation to sobbing and crying all in one day.

He got himself so worked up the other day he had to be admitted to a psychiatric hosp(he hadn't slept for days)-but only stayed a day as he begged to come home.

So,-he's trying to keep himself busy,and not languish in his thoughts by doing some decorating and diy around the house.I've noticed that he seems almost manic.

Everything about him is rushed.His movements,his speech.Sometimes it difficult to converse with him as he starts to talk about all these grand plans he's gonna do the house.I can't keep up with him.I try to explain to him that we DON'T have the money to do these things(xmas and 3 kids!)but he doesn't seem to hear me.

Yesterday I got a bank statement and it's all gone-no money for xmas now,he's spent it all.I've had to cut his card up.He hasn't worked for many years due to arthritis and the problems celiac disease caused,so we don't have alot .

He's been in this 'manic state' for around 6 weeks now.I'm exhausted.

He's under a home psychiatric team,who visit him everyother day and he's on quite a cocktail of drugs:

Citalopram 20mg a day

Olanzapine(Zyprexa) 15mg aday

Lorazepam1mg up to 3 a day for anxiety.

Any thoughts?Do his symptoms sound more like bipolar?

Thanks for listening guys-I'm so stressed out!

Many normal anti depressant drugs do not work on bipolar's and can actually do more harm than good. Not only that but he does sound very bipolar. There are many different levels and types of bipolarism and he is not a rapid cycler. Rapid cyclers do not stay in manic or depressive very long and can go in and out many times a day. He is the type that will stay in depressive or manic mode for a long time. The delusions are part of the disorder and so is the spending. Many bipolars spend in their manic states or some even think they are President or whatever. Bipolar can also be a hereditary disorder. However, not all bipolars are alike, just like all Celiac's are not alike. Some are able to control themselves without the drugs because they have had to learn to due to drug allergies. However, your husband may have to be hospitalized so that they can regulate the drugs or find ones that work for him and get him under control.

It is hard on you and your family it is hard on his body but to him it is normal .It would help if they had him on drugs that would help. Many make the mistake of believing that manic means happy and laughing it usually means harder to deal with than depression. When some are in their manic states for long periods of time they are agitating to others and out of control. Do not take him off the drugs but have a serious *alone* talk with the team and tell them everything when they come.

[cathangell]

Dear Nikki; Just wanted to let you know about my daughter because it may give you some ideas to help your husband. She is bipolar. ( I have many family members who are ). Over the years we have found that she is extremely sensitive to numerous medications and will have extreme mood swings on alot of them. She has a terrible reaction to steroids. She cannot take any tranquilizers. She cannot take most mood stabilizers.

On top of her mental symptoms she started having alot of physical symptoms including rashes,dizziness, nausea, headaches, coughing, ataxia, diarrhea, dyspepsia, severe back and leg pain, and terrible fatigue. We started going to numerous specialists. After getting nowhere we begged her GP to brainstorm for a diagnosis and he suggested celiac disease. While waiting for blood test results I went out and purchased gluten free food and just asked her to try the diet. Within 24 hours her diarrhea and dyspepsia were gone.

She still has symptoms after being on the diet for 7 months and were are refining it. We have had to go organic on alot of food because I think she is sensitive to sulfites in many foods that are gluten free but seem to make her sick. Her blood test was negative but we don't care since this diet is helping her. I have noticed her moods stabilizing. She no longer has manic episodes , but still has depression and anxiety which seem to me to be directly related to what she eats.

I know from experience that a bad reaction to steroids in particular can have negative effects that last for months. My grandson ( also bipolar ) was on steroids for meningitis and stayed sick for I think about six months. Hope this may help you. cathangell

[Silver-naki]

I have a few friends who are bipolar and one who is also schizophrenic. He sounds like he could suffer from either of these disorders.

Do NOT take him off meds!

Whoever said meds don't cure anything, you are right; they only help with symptoms. BUT that is no reason to tell someone not to take them! We don't have a cure for these diseases and if a patient finds the right meds it can save their life. There are so many facets of these diseases we don't understand and although I would love to see a natural cure, even ONE person committing suicide from these diseases is too many for me. So if you've been prescribed meds and you have a good doctor, TAKE them.

My friend Sarah tried suicide 3 times before finding the right meds for her schizophrenia and she is now living a happy, fulfilling life. Is it a cure? No. But is she alive and functioning well without thoughts of suicide? Yes.

It is so irresponsible to give someone that advice. I am not suggesting anything myself; however, I would NOT ignore doctors' orders and take him off meds if that is what they have prescribed. Get a second opinion? Sure. But don't ignore his doctors. They are trying to help him. Forget herbs and natural cures; if he really has bipolar or schizophrenia it's going to take a LOT more than that to keep him safe.

I have been reading the Posts here in regards to the topic of BIPOLAR. I have to agree with jknnej here, as this was excellent advise. The reason I can say this, is I am 100% disabled (on SSD disability) with BIPOLAR II disorder.

I could sit here & write an huge NOVEL on the subject, and tell all of my "woes" and the horrors I've went thru with being a Bipolar, but I shall spare you. This is not a fun disorder to have, & to put it bluntly, it is "life-threatening." Now then... we have the subject of being CELIAC on top of being Bipolar--- which is what I am. I just started my gluten-free diet right before Christmas, and needless to say, I'm going thru vast amounts of change within my entire system & digestive tract. I feel like the "Lone Ranger" as well!

It took me years to learn about my Bipolar disorder, and now, I have years ahead of me to get myself "un-glutened" on top of it all---- Lots of work, for this ole` body!! From what I am reading, there are so many folks out there, who have a multitude of combined "illnesses" they must work thru, and so, this makes me feel a bit better knowing "Tonto & I" can move forward! "Hi-Ho Silver!!!"

I would encourage any of you, (or ones concerned with Family Members) to NOT give up on the MED profiles & Professional help you may be seeking, in regards to other disorders, such as Bipolar, etc; etc; Without my MEDS, I'd be right back in the Hospital, and would NOT be "well." Period. Bipolar is serious folks, & it needs to be attended to, outside of the Celiac problems. Get the help you need to manage your Bipolar or other Mental health issues, as well as following a gluten-free diet and all...... this is the best advise I can give to anyone. Take it from me... I KNOW.

I have a long way to go in my studies with Celiac & gluten-free, but that is what GOD gave us "brain cells" for... is to venture out, & learn these things for ourselves. Don't ever give up hope on yourselves, or your loved ones with Mental Health issues. I know there's much controversy out there in regards to "anti-depressant" chemicals, (i.e. "drugs") and going ORGANIC, and such things as this....... My personal advice, is to do BOTH. I'd rather be taking Pharmacutical drugs & be WELL "mentally," and at the same time, also take care of my diet as well. If one does not have "peace of mind," they don't have much of anything. Think about it. "Chemical imbalances" & Mental disorders are a hell all in their own, so take care of your Mental health..... because without that, you can't take care of your body needs.

Being Celiac and Bipolar is a double-whammy, as is the case with many other folks who might suffer with various other physical issues & disorders. Each one of us is different, & we all have our "Crosses to bear" within this Life. I would encourage anyone out there suffering with Mental health issues to stick with a good Doctor or Specialist, and follow thru with the regiment of MEDICATIONS.

Read jknney's Post again here, because it was "right on." Hope this helps some of you out there... and if you would like to discuss the topic of being Bipolar & Celiac, I would be more than happy to share some of my own personal experiences... hopefully, without having to get on a "Soapbox!" Keep your chins up, because there is "hope" for all of us! Many blessings!

[Rusla]

Silver,

You are far from alone, as I am a rapid cycler. I wonder just how many bipolars have celiac and vice versa. I have had to learn to control my bipolar without meds as my sensitivity to meds made it impossible to use them. I have noticed since being gluten-free that my hair trigger temper isn't as bad.

[Silver-naki]

Rusla! It's always good to hear from you! Thanks for Posting!

You know, you brought up a subject of how many Bipolar's & Celiac folks might be out there~ There are probably alot more of us then one might think, huh? (this is what I believe anyway.)

You must be so very strong, to be able to control your Bipolar WITHOUT the help of MEDS. Gosh, personally speaking here, this would be literally impossible for ME (myself) to do... I tried it once, and guess what? I ended up in the Emergency Room. Yep. I got all MAD one day, disgusted, & QUIT taking all of my pills... for over a week! WRONG MOVE on my part~

If you can believe this one or not, but I too, have a high sensitivity to many MEDS, & also many Vitamins & such. But. I guess my system is getting much better, (or immune to some of them) because it seems the older I get, the more I can tolerate some of these things. Soooo, I do understand the sensitivity issues.

I am so glad to know, that somebody else out here suffers with "temper" problems associated with Bipolar & such...... I am also wondering if in the future, being on a "gluten-free" diet, if this will perhaps "curb" much of my temper issues as well? I use to be worse with my temper, than what I am now, and I literally had to watch out for not getting myself thrown in JAIL! Laugh!!!

Before I became "gluten-free," I never paid much attention to my DIET, as that was never an issue with me. After studying & researching, and now going gluten-free, I do realize how very important it is now to my over-all health.... "mentally" as well. I think "eating habits" in general are a hard thing to control, with just about everybody. Since the time we are kids, I don't think most of us even stop to **think** what we are putting into our mouths! (like sour green apples & mud-pies while out playing!) LOL!

In all honestly, I truly wish I did NOT have to take any form of MEDS for my Bipolar, but I have it severe enough, that I dare not even try that again. For an example, I go into "seizures" if I don't have the correct combo of MEDS & chemicals in my system. Yep. I am on a combination of Psyche MEDS for the Bipolar II. This helps balance-out my brain chemistry. Thankfully, thru the course of the last several years, my Doctor has been able to cut-me-back on dosages of many of my MEDS and all. I am grateful for that...

Thanks Rusla, & keep Posting!!!!

[Jnkmnky]

[Guest BERNESES]

Nikki- Be wary of the advice you get regarding Bipolar and mental illness in general. Bipolar IS life-threatening as Silver naki (I think) pointed out. And someone else mentioned that anti-depressants can make bipolar worse. This is true. Many people who are Bipolar need to be on a very low dose of antidepressants and a mood stabilizer or anti-psychotic. I have been diagnosed with clinical depression but my best friend is bipolar II and she is on about 5 different medications. However, what's she's on works well for her and she has an excellent quality of life.

Exercise will help and so will the gluten-free diet as well as the Omega 3 BUT in the case of a severe clinical mental illness, these things may not be enough to change the brain chemistry. You can exercise till you're blue in the face but it's not going to prevent a manic episode. I firmly believe that depression is chemical (my opinion).

Also, there is a fairly high correlation between depression, bipolar, schizophrenia and celiac's. in fact, i was just reading an article that recommended anyone with schizophrenia should be tested for Celiac's.

Also, you know it takes awhile for meds to kick in (3-4 weeks minimum) and then you often have to tweak the dosage. hang in there and let us know how evrything is. (((Hugs)))), B

oh- i didn't mean to say you shouldn't exercise jmkny- just that sometimes it's not enough depending on the severity. It DEFINITELY helps though.

[BYUCeliac]

"He's extremely paranoid,and has delusions that I'm being unfaithful.

E.g-if I'm on the phone,he thinks I'm making arrangements to meet someone.He's carries my mobile with him everywhere to try and catch me out(he'll have a long wait!).Even if I wear something I haven't wore for a while-he'll read something into that.Silly things.

He says he can't even tell me all the terrible thoughts,because he knows they sound ridiculous.

At least he has insight to his obsessive thoughts about me.

I should point out we've been married nearly 20 yrs-and I've never given him cause to think I'd be unfaithful."

Nicki,

My husband is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. It is kind of like a cross between bi-polar and schizophrenia. I really feel for what you are going through. Your husband's paranoid thoughts and delusions are very serious. If you haven't already, you must get his doctors take this seriously. Do not take him off meds! It may take quite a few trials with different meds to find which ones help him.

Kathy