I've been off the lithium for two years now.
*parties*
*awaits relapse*

Good luck. I didn't have any success with CBT but the jury is out on whether or not it works for bipolar. In my case, not. I can see how it could work though. Sensible approach. Very best of luck.
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Wed 27 Jul 2011, 17:16, 1 reply, 15 years ago)

It was the primary health trust's choice, I'd have gone back for more psychodynamic therapy if I had the choice.
Thanks though, and good to see that things have settled for you. Do you still have highs and lows?
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 27 Jul 2011, 17:19, Reply)

Not so much, thank god.
Pregnancy hormones calmed me down hugely. I had a perinatal psychiatrist that kept an eye on me for the past year or so to check I wasn't going to go psychotic but fortunately we didn't have to implement her zombie plan (olanzapine). Other than losing the plot a bit when I was on codeine for a while (PTSD-style flashbacks), it's gone okay. I just have to keep an eye on things, really.

I've heard really good things about psychodynamic therapy but have never had a chance to try it.
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Wed 27 Jul 2011, 17:27, Reply)

The therapist I had was fucking fantastic, as good a match I could wish for
after bouncing from psychiatric nurse to counsellor to low-level shit for years. I knew when he said "We're half-way through twenty sessions" that it wouldn't be enough, but I felt good enough to carry on for three years until February this year when my brain rebelled against me. Truthfully though, pleased for you. I must admit, having kiddo here has helped straighten me out to a reasonable extent, it's just external factors have dragged me back.
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 27 Jul 2011, 17:29, Reply)