MJ and Bipolar Disorder
- Thread starter Radio
- Start date
Radio
stay true to yourselves
They all are! hahaBi polar runs all through my Mother's side of the family. It's something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Having to deal with clinical depression is hard enough. Just remember, most fabulous and creative people are a little crazy.
Magic9
Plant Enthusiast
That's a tough one for a few reasons. Not in a real med state, so I have to source carefully. I can't just go grab some....Romulan if I'm getting hypo....for example.
I have had amazing strains though and more than a few in my years. Personal favorites are the Sativa dominant hybrids. Pineapple Express (ignore the gimmicky name please), and True OGK (instant end to a depression fog for me, will be too much for some with bipolar though). Of course, I'd like to keep a heavy sativa, heavy indica, and a balanced hybrid at all times to rotate as needed.
Dosage is usually small amounts. A few 1-5 to get me "level" and then 1-2 more as needed until I go to sleep. Winds up being about 3.5g a week.
Long time user 15+ and even longer with the BPD. I've observed and experimented for long enough to know what works for me. That said, this next part might sound far out. I think (can't prove) that my body adapts the cannabis to what I need at that time. The same strain that keeps me from going too far up, can also keep me from going to far down, with moderate doses. So in the end, strain does play a role, but I have a theory about my own chemistry reaction playing a role also. Sorry if that doesn't make a lot of sense, but I had trouble wording it.
TeeJay1952
Well-Known Member
My Daughter, her Aunt (Wife's sister) and Grandma (wife's Mother) have the BiPolar. Grandma came in and out. After a lifetime of electroshock therapy there wasn't a lot of there, there. Aunty set sail in her fifties and never came back (booked a flight of fantasy and stayed there)After one of daughter's kids died from overdose, my kid was depressed and taking (self proscribed) downers to get through life. MJ pulled her out of a hole and gave her new perspective (it is Jeff Spicoli's perspective but we take what we can.)
Is it perfect? No, but it is better. I haven't had to commit her (or tell her it is a time out for 50 year olds) in a year and half. Once the body's chemistry is out of kilter the Doctors flop about trying this and that attempting to set it all right. It can be a real nightmare as we try to figure out "What is normal?" I told her it is like Christmas morning with her. You never know what you are going to get. Keep plugging away.
Is it perfect? No, but it is better. I haven't had to commit her (or tell her it is a time out for 50 year olds) in a year and half. Once the body's chemistry is out of kilter the Doctors flop about trying this and that attempting to set it all right. It can be a real nightmare as we try to figure out "What is normal?" I told her it is like Christmas morning with her. You never know what you are going to get. Keep plugging away.
You know, I've been thinking about this a little more. I understand that pharmaceutical medication is something many people would like to avoid. But bipolar disorder is pretty high risk.
If you're going the herbal route, I'd find a therapist that you trust enough to disclose your MJ use to and make sure you're seeing them regularly while trying it out to see how it works. A good therapist will be able to pick up on the warning signs of an impending episode.
With enough careful observation, you may get a good sense of how well MJ is or isn't working for you you. Just a suggestion.
If you're going the herbal route, I'd find a therapist that you trust enough to disclose your MJ use to and make sure you're seeing them regularly while trying it out to see how it works. A good therapist will be able to pick up on the warning signs of an impending episode.
With enough careful observation, you may get a good sense of how well MJ is or isn't working for you you. Just a suggestion.
RxPlorer
Well-Known Member
Bipolar here, Hospitalized twice.
I had never touched weed tobacco or any hard drugs before my first hospitalization or even for years after.
When first diagnosed I was on the pharma train and I feel that personally I suffered greatly because of it. My memory has never been the same since my first pharmacutical prescription and there are now years-long gaps in my long term memory.
For the last few years I've managed well through regular Intense exercise and actively working to remove stress from my life. I even had to quit a very high paying job that would surely be a dream for most normal homo sapians.
About 9 months ago I started noticing early signs of a breakdown including major desire to drink regularly to curb anxiety.
That's when my mj research began and after Months of research I finally tried it out.
happy to say that with careful dosing and scheduled regular use I have experienced some of the happiest and most stable months I can remember. personally suffering a low this week but just reflecting on the happiness and great experiences over the last 6 months puts a smile on my face
The ONE thing that worked fairly well for me other than MJ was Gabapentin. I find that interesting since both gaba and mj are known to have a positive impact on epileptic seizures. Unfortunately my system built resistance to Gaba very quickly, which is not happening with mj - it's taking me 2 weeks to get through a gram and I'm ok with that!
Also have to say, there is definitely no miracle cure for either my highs or lows, mj is only one small part of my mental health management. Much can and should be said for having a loving and supportive circle of friends and family. And for having goals and a focus on positively impacting other people. I'm immensely thankful I have that.
I had never touched weed tobacco or any hard drugs before my first hospitalization or even for years after.
When first diagnosed I was on the pharma train and I feel that personally I suffered greatly because of it. My memory has never been the same since my first pharmacutical prescription and there are now years-long gaps in my long term memory.
For the last few years I've managed well through regular Intense exercise and actively working to remove stress from my life. I even had to quit a very high paying job that would surely be a dream for most normal homo sapians.
About 9 months ago I started noticing early signs of a breakdown including major desire to drink regularly to curb anxiety.
That's when my mj research began and after Months of research I finally tried it out.
happy to say that with careful dosing and scheduled regular use I have experienced some of the happiest and most stable months I can remember. personally suffering a low this week but just reflecting on the happiness and great experiences over the last 6 months puts a smile on my face
The ONE thing that worked fairly well for me other than MJ was Gabapentin. I find that interesting since both gaba and mj are known to have a positive impact on epileptic seizures. Unfortunately my system built resistance to Gaba very quickly, which is not happening with mj - it's taking me 2 weeks to get through a gram and I'm ok with that!
Also have to say, there is definitely no miracle cure for either my highs or lows, mj is only one small part of my mental health management. Much can and should be said for having a loving and supportive circle of friends and family. And for having goals and a focus on positively impacting other people. I'm immensely thankful I have that.
I think you might be on to something here. Many (all?) mood stabilizers (the medication given for bipolar disorder) are anti-convulsants.Bipolar here, Hospitalized twice.
I had never touched weed tobacco or any hard drugs before my first hospitalization or even for years after.
When first diagnosed I was on the pharma train and I feel that personally I suffered greatly because of it. My memory has never been the same since my first pharmacutical prescription and there are now years-long gaps in my long term memory.
For the last few years I've managed well through regular Intense exercise and actively working to remove stress from my life. I even had to quit a very high paying job that would surely be a dream for most normal homo sapians.
About 9 months ago I started noticing early signs of a breakdown including major desire to drink regularly to curb anxiety.
That's when my mj research began and after Months of research I finally tried it out.
happy to say that with careful dosing and scheduled regular use I have experienced some of the happiest and most stable months I can remember. personally suffering a low this week but just reflecting on the happiness and great experiences over the last 6 months puts a smile on my face
The ONE thing that worked fairly well for me other than MJ was Gabapentin. I find that interesting since both gaba and mj are known to have a positive impact on epileptic seizures. Unfortunately my system built resistance to Gaba very quickly, which is not happening with mj - it's taking me 2 weeks to get through a gram and I'm ok with that!
Also have to say, there is definitely no miracle cure for either my highs or lows, mj is only one small part of my mental health management. Much can and should be said for having a loving and supportive circle of friends and family. And for having goals and a focus on positively impacting other people. I'm immensely thankful I have that.
I had forgotten about the favorable research with MJ, CBD specifically, and epileptic seizures. This makes me wonder if high CBD strains would be more effective than other strains for mood stabilization.
RxPlorer
Well-Known Member
Yes we are definitely thinking along the same lines.
Since I got my med card I have focused on trying high cbd and 1:1 thc cbd strains. I Can't personally make a comparison between high cbd and high thc strains since I'm only familiar with high cbd. But I CAN say I feel better and more stable now (consistently), than I have through most of my adult life.
Magic9
Plant Enthusiast
The thing with mood stabilizers (lithium, anticonvulsants) is that they mostly only treat the mania side (Lamictal and Depakote being possible exceptions for some).
That's where the SSRIs come in, and generally do not do much for bipolar depression, neither acute episodes or relapse. Furthermore, they may cause rapid cycling. On their own, without a mood stabilizer, the risk for being driven into mania, even psychotic mania is very real.
So for bipolar disorder, generally they go for a mood stabilizer (lithium, antconvulsants, some AAPs,) and an SSRI in conjunction.
That's where the SSRIs come in, and generally do not do much for bipolar depression, neither acute episodes or relapse. Furthermore, they may cause rapid cycling. On their own, without a mood stabilizer, the risk for being driven into mania, even psychotic mania is very real.
So for bipolar disorder, generally they go for a mood stabilizer (lithium, antconvulsants, some AAPs,) and an SSRI in conjunction.
xRUFUSx
special like everyone else
Data for the repository...
Lamictal had a great stabilizing affect on me, though I largely lost the will to create music (ideas/phrases didn't linger in audio memory long enough to connect) and the ability to more freely associate things in general. TBH if somehow I had to kick my life into a normal gear for reasons other than my own (like if I was an unemployed, expecting father for example), I could do it successfully with Lamictal.
Last edited:
ataxian
PALE BLUE DOT
Girl Scout Cookies works during the day time!
Gdp, Blueberry, Snoop Doggy Purple Kush, Earth, Blackwater for night timè.
There are many good ones just that these are available.
The less cannabis the worst I feel?
I quit all drugs!
Cannabis is is a natural plant!
the last time I went to a psychiatrist they suggested lithium. went throughvall the blood testing to even see if I was health enough to take it.... ive seen a number of chemical both perscribed and not.
depression is a symptom... not a condition...
while on lithium I very nearly ended my marriage in violence and rage!
my wife very frighteningly suggested I go (smoke at the time) some weed and throw the lithium in the trash...
I am not saying that your doctor is wrong... but I am saying that if you dont feel right with the pills and feel happier with the herb then damn their system for fucking us out of our happiness!
and fuck them too!
depression is a symptom of a number of conditions and disorders...
im likely an autistic... reformed drug user, meth addict and alchemist.... explain that shit to your physician!
fuck their system and their labels
ive lived a life of misery and fables
id just like to turn the tables
so we can be happy too!
GO CANNABIS
depression is a symptom... not a condition...
while on lithium I very nearly ended my marriage in violence and rage!
my wife very frighteningly suggested I go (smoke at the time) some weed and throw the lithium in the trash...
I am not saying that your doctor is wrong... but I am saying that if you dont feel right with the pills and feel happier with the herb then damn their system for fucking us out of our happiness!
and fuck them too!
depression is a symptom of a number of conditions and disorders...
im likely an autistic... reformed drug user, meth addict and alchemist.... explain that shit to your physician!
fuck their system and their labels
ive lived a life of misery and fables
id just like to turn the tables
so we can be happy too!
GO CANNABIS
Seren
Away with the fairies
.... both gabapentin and amitriptyline can be really effective for neuropathic pain. 
Radio
stay true to yourselves
Fuck yeah man! I have found myself a psychologist who is simialar age to myself (Mid-20's) and is very culturally aware and understanding of my less-than regular cannabis use to reward myself, to sustain my will to go on both physically and mentally, and to alleviate a multitude of symptoms of having a spiritually difficult period of living.the last time I went to a psychiatrist they suggested lithium. went throughvall the blood testing to even see if I was health enough to take it.... ive seen a number of chemical both perscribed and not.
depression is a symptom... not a condition...
while on lithium I very nearly ended my marriage in violence and rage!
my wife very frighteningly suggested I go (smoke at the time) some weed and throw the lithium in the trash...
I am not saying that your doctor is wrong... but I am saying that if you dont feel right with the pills and feel happier with the herb then damn their system for fucking us out of our happiness!
and fuck them too!
depression is a symptom of a number of conditions and disorders...
im likely an autistic... reformed drug user, meth addict and alchemist.... explain that shit to your physician!
fuck their system and their labels
ive lived a life of misery and fables
id just like to turn the tables
so we can be happy too!
I have made it clear that medication is not going to be a solution for me and she thought it was very forward thinking of me to say that before we began, because she also believes that medication is not the solution (thankfully!)
It's going well so far, and there will be less emphasis on a diagnosis and more attention to helping me set up a crisis-prevention net in the event that I temporarily falter in my ability to cope with life's ups&downs (mainly the downs
)This thread should remain the MJ & Bipolar discussion and experience hub, but I only relate to the symptoms of bipolar in a way that does not require a definitive medical diagnosis; as if to say I am just a human being with empathy and understanding.
Much love to all who have been diagnosed, and may the winds of knowledge and strength carry you to a better inner understanding and level of adaption top this world.
I'm in the same camp as @Magic9 ... this is my experience as well.
Sativa leaning strains (C99, Strawberry Diesel, etc.) work better for me when I'm down (makes sense) and anything from a 50/50 Sativa/Indica mix to an Indica dominant mix work well for me when I'm hypomanic to keep me a little more grounded and catch myself rambling and what-not ...
Radio
stay true to yourselves
depression is a symptom of a number of conditions and disorders...
im likely an autistic... reformed drug user, meth addict and alchemist.... explain that shit to your physician!
I relate to you on this one, haha
on a sorta-related note; I have recently met someone with severe Mania. They talk CONSTANTLY, constanttlllyyyy, even 3-4 hours without a break or interuption, constantly going through complex, insightful, open & narrow minded thoughts and opinions, going through phases of low-self worth and grandiose inflated ego and swapping back and forth like there's no tomorrow.
Very energetic, very insightful and involved, very physical and open with his love for people and friends, very passionate, easily irritated and freaked out..
Good guy, but whoah it's a handful! And very intense to be around.
I am finding ways to cope with his intense personality so that I can remain in his presence but its difficult, confronting, verbally abusive and draining sometimes.
Anyone know somebody who has strong manic episodes and can shed some light on it?
Last edited:
TeeJay1952
Well-Known Member
[QUOTE="Very energetic, very insightful and involved, very physical and open with his love for people and friends, very passionate, easily irritated and freaked out..
Good guy, but whoah it's a handful! And very intense to be around.
I am finding ways to cope with his intense personality so that I can remain in his presence but its difficult, confronting, verbally abusive and draining sometimes.
Anyone know somebody who has strong manic episodes and can shed some light on it?[/QUOTE]
With my Bi-Polar daughter it is more like she wears personality quirks like clothes and she changes them daily. Jealous Kim, Working Kim, Controlling Kim, Mama Kim, Helpful Kim, Sad Kim ......and so forth all vie for my attention. Seemingly unaware of each other. Each moment is its own, owing nothing to yesterday. I told her it is always Christmas Morning with her as you never know what your going to get. Like it or hate it, doesn't matter , it is going to change.
Good guy, but whoah it's a handful! And very intense to be around.
I am finding ways to cope with his intense personality so that I can remain in his presence but its difficult, confronting, verbally abusive and draining sometimes.
Anyone know somebody who has strong manic episodes and can shed some light on it?[/QUOTE]
With my Bi-Polar daughter it is more like she wears personality quirks like clothes and she changes them daily. Jealous Kim, Working Kim, Controlling Kim, Mama Kim, Helpful Kim, Sad Kim ......and so forth all vie for my attention. Seemingly unaware of each other. Each moment is its own, owing nothing to yesterday. I told her it is always Christmas Morning with her as you never know what your going to get. Like it or hate it, doesn't matter , it is going to change.
mania is also a symptom of a number of issues...
science is in now finding a great number of correlations between all forms of depression and some other psycological disorders like misdiagnosed schizophrenia and a link to autism not other disorders...
There is a very strong link between the genes that cause parkinsons disease and parkinsonism and autism...
I have recently found that a predisposition to psycological disorder or autism combined with prolonged methamphetamine exposure is a sure way to lead yourself down a road of parkinsonism symptoms...
the greatist of which is cognitive function loss and a number of other depression symptoms... mania... exc.
and then there is this little jewel...
hypoglycemia... the great imitator!
hypoglycemic issues can cause a very wide variety of conditions that literally act just like more serious diseases... one of which is parkinsonism! but can also include crones ms exc exc. fucking weird!
I think we can all tell when we have overconsumed... but can you tell when your underconsuming?
hypoglycemia will actually cause a loss of appetite! so even though you need to eat your mind says fuck you starve!... well mine does!
my point is... when I get really down I always wanna quit! like quiting will help me or something.... Of course I dont live in a happy or even medical state so really its the stigma that gets to me! but its ironic that marjuana is supposed to make you paranoid but when I feel ultra paranoid and manic and I can feel that freezing episode coming if I go and GEY REALLY FUCKING HIGH! everything gets better... like someone turned off the pressure valve... someone turned down the static white noise on the tv... the stomping stopped the crushing feeling I feel in my body eases up.
why would anyone ask anyone to endure that... for legalities sake?
its maddening really!
Magic9
Plant Enthusiast
If he knows he's manic, you could just tell him he is too intense for how you are feeling. Might not be able to tone it down, but it's possible he just doesn't realize how intense he is.
This sounds like a mixed episode. Not sure of the situation, but these have a tendency to be the worst and if he recently started an AD or Abilify, he needs to get back to the doctor ASAP.
Radio
stay true to yourselves
He is unfortunately very aware of his intensity and claims to be in control, but I noticed him get bizarrely defensive and threatening rather quickly. I don't think he knows that he has or constantly experience symptoms that id compare those of a manic episode.
'The situation' is just his normal state from what I have seen. It's full on but I can see he has a good heart and good intentions. Would like to better understand it..
'The situation' is just his normal state from what I have seen. It's full on but I can see he has a good heart and good intentions. Would like to better understand it..
ramacita
New Member
Speaking of "me-search", I'd be really interested to know what, if any, experience people have vaping pure CBD as a means of treating psychiatric disorders. I read somewhere that in the small amount of research done, ingesting CBD had the same effectiveness as atypical anti-psychotic drugs for treating schizophrenic symptoms. Someone very close to me is struggling with a run of difficult mindstates and is currently taking some scary drugs manufactured by Big Pharm. (So scary, in fact, that the federal gov't *mandates* a weekly blood test to make sure that the drug he's supposedly being treated by isn't crashing his white blood cell count and resulting in fatal agranulocytosis).
The state of psychiatry as pharmacology is a travesty. Scientology may be a wacked cult, but they have a definite point about that. Too bad it's them making it. Makes people react against it in kneejerk fashion, as if there are only two points of view to choose from: Big Pharma's or the conspiracy theories of scientology. personally, I'd rather be associated with the kooky cult if I had to choose. Lucky for me, I know I don't.
Apologies for any potentially alienating vehemence in my tone. I am earnestly and deeply interested to talk/listen to anyone with information (or ideas or links) about CBD in the treatment of psychosis or other psychic disturbances.
The state of psychiatry as pharmacology is a travesty. Scientology may be a wacked cult, but they have a definite point about that. Too bad it's them making it. Makes people react against it in kneejerk fashion, as if there are only two points of view to choose from: Big Pharma's or the conspiracy theories of scientology. personally, I'd rather be associated with the kooky cult if I had to choose. Lucky for me, I know I don't.
Apologies for any potentially alienating vehemence in my tone. I am earnestly and deeply interested to talk/listen to anyone with information (or ideas or links) about CBD in the treatment of psychosis or other psychic disturbances.