Howdy y’all.

I’m 25, been suffering from depression for quite a while now according to the docs.

Had a right old scare when I got the suggestion of bi-polar, purely because and somewhat selfishly, this meant that there was a good chance I would never renew a medical, for the pilots licence I once held!

Looking forward to discussing things with everyone here. Had a change of medication from Citalopram to something beginning with Ven that I still can’t remember (GP says 48 hours for prescription, gotta love the NHS!)

Still, I am alive, still at work, the cat has stopped biting me so much and the flat is warm!

Hi there, good to have you on the site.  Can I ask if you have officially been diagnosed with bi-polar depression and does that mean you can’t get a licence renewal?  I hope not.  It’s very depression’ist’ if that’s the case isn’t it? You are certainly not selfish for wanting that renewed. It must be hard work to get it in the first place.  Well done you!
Lots of successful business people have a diagnosis of depression so I hope it won’t affect you getting a licence.  If it does, would a letter from your doctor saying that your bi-polar is under control affect that?
A friend of mine has been diagnosed with bi-polar depression.  I wonder if that means she shouldn’t be driving.  I never thought of that.
My friend was on Venlafaxine which may be what your doctor has prescribed for you.
It worked for her so I hope it works for you.
Glad your cosy at home with your cat.  Take care and hope to hear from you again.  Will

Hi Murph,

Like Will (Hi Will) I too have a friend who has Bi-Polar. Many years ago, before he was diagnosed, he was imprisoned for his actions during a episode of mania. He was released immediately after a psycologocal assement and placed on medication.

The good news is he hasn’t had a depressive or manic episode since so the condition can definitely managed.

Probably the most famous Bi-Polar sufferer in recent history was Winston Churchill - ample evidence of what a sufferer can acheive. You can read a bit more about it by following this link.

http://www.bipolar-lives.com/winston-churchill-and-manic-depression.html

I’m very pleased to read that you are managing to stay positive.

Wishing you all the best.

Karma

Hello Murph, can I say well done for going to your doctor.  Do you feel that you could be bi-polar?
I have a friend who is a pilot who went through a stressful time and he consulted his aviation examiner and the person who gives him his medical every year about going to the doctor and they said that lots of things are taken into consideration but they would always advise someone to be open about a diagnosis and if there was an incident or God forbid an accident were to occur and someone hadn’t been open, the insurance may be invalid.

Anyway enough of the practicalites you probably know that already.
It’s much more important that you’ve taken the situation into your own hands and taken control by getting help and are taking steps to feel better.  I took Venlafaxine for a while.  Has your doctor changed your antidepressant because you didn’t feel it was working?

Pets are good for depression aren’t they so your cat sounds perfect.  You sound grateful too - grateful for your cat, your job and your warm flat.  Gratitude is a great attitude and I feel helps recovery and mental health. 

Do you have any hobbies or things you like doing that you could try doing more of in your spare time Murph.  I think we sometimes focus on the big goals and things and forget that little things in life can make a huge difference.
Hope you’re having a good day today and look forward to hearing from you.  Helen

Howdy all,

I shall be organised about this all:

Will, as far as I know bi-polar is not a driving ban for medical reasons. My fear was that if I was diagnosed, that was the end of any hope of the flying career I still aim to do. I want to fly aeroplanes for a living, even if it is bouncing around as a glorified driving instructor….but if I was given the big “Bi Polar” diagnosis, that dream was dead in the water. I drove my friends and family mad about that kind of worry!

Courtesy of the consultant telling me it isn’t Bi-polar, and it took my Dad’s (after he flew 4,000 miles to be with me) googling it turns out that Dr Aung Tint is pretty well known….......to realise that the dream can still be alive. It’s going to be a much longer struggle, probably more expensive, lots of fighting, but I will get there!

The anti-D’s were changed based on Mr Tint’s recommendation, given he’s written medical papers on Venlafaxine…I’m going to trust him! I was on 60mg of Citalopram before it turned out 60mg was too high!

Anastasia the cat is a pain in the bum, we didn’t train her properly so she is one hell of a naughty kitty!

Helen, hobby wise, I’m a hockey player and up until last year, I was a regional premier division hockey goalkeeper….just gota get back.

Started reading your book recently too…how awesome is the moves towards positivity!

Hello Murph

Welcome to this brilliant web site. Wow I love cats Anstasia Bless.

Wow you are a such a good hockey player, I bet you really enjoy this?

I would like to share: Brian Brodersen, Sermon on The Mount. Gods Cure for Worry and Anxiety.

It helps me with Depression.  I have taken alot of anti D’s Most important I hope you start to feel alot better very soon

Paul

Haha yeah I’ll try and get a picture online, quite possibly the cutest cat ever.

I was playing Regional Premier in the UK, then we got relegated. I’ve been dropped to our clubs 2nd team now because of my rather erratic behaviour!

Gotta say was given Diazepam to try and calm me down if things go a bit too far the wrong way, certainly helped me sleep last night

Just back from an IAPT (improving access to pyschological therapies) appointment.

Firstly, I am struggling to work out what bit they are “improving.”

Nonetheless, have been re-referred for more cognitive behaviour therapy. Only this time, the assessor has me down to a Mr T. Never connected with one of these “pysch” types so much before.

Venlafaxine and Zopiclone are turning me into a zombie so much, I’m expecting Simon Pegg to try to kill me.

Going to re-read your book Helen, with my new found information, whilst waiting for the some-time-coming appointment.

All the best to all,
Murph

Hello Murph, I’ve not heard of IAPT.  How is that meant to help you?  Is it to determine what type of therapy will help and is why you’ve been referred for more CBT?  CBT is about helping one change their way of thinking and give one the tools to do so.  Do you feel that CBT helped in the past?

I know what you mean about feeling zombie like.  My antidepressants made me feel numb.  I find antidepressants a helpful crutch but they are proven to have better results and there is less chance of reoccurrance when combined with talking therapy.  If CBT does work for you then a refresher should really help.  If you don’t feel it’s working however there are other types of talking therapy so don’t give up. 

Steady with those tranquilisers.  A whole one used to knock me out.  My husband used to break them in half for me.

Hang on in there Murph.  Your therapy is starting again soon.  Make sure you get out of it what you want.  This is about you.

Thinking of you and good to hear from you.
Helen