The tragedy of untreated depression or bipolar disorder

[steve2470]

Last edited Sat Jun 9, 2018, 11:07 AM - Edit history (1)

I'm referring to news reports about Kate Spade, which may not be true ultimately.

There's a report that she persistently refused treatment, and that she had bipolar disorder. It might not be true.

If it is true, I am saddened of course but not totally shocked that she finally resorted to suicide. Suicide is the bitter end of trying to cope with untreated depression or bipolar disorder. Both of those illnesses will grind you down until suicide appears to be the best option.

If you have depression or bipolar disorder or think you might have one of them, go get evaluated at least by your family doctor. If he or she refers you to a psychiatrist, just go! Think of the psychiatrist as the specialist in this field, like an ear/nose/throat person or a gastroenterologist is for their fields.

If the doctor recommends medication, at least educate yourself thoroughly before you say NO. If your depression is only mild and the first time occurrence, you might get away with saying no. If your depression is much more chronic and/or recurring and more moderate to severe, my bias is towards people taking meds. Anyway, at least educate yourself and ask questions.

ETA: So sorry I forgot mentioning talk therapy. It helps with both diseases, especially depression. With bipolar disorder, at least someone can discuss how to cope with his or her illness with the therapist or doctor and get support. With depression, the patient can discuss realistic strategies on how to cope better and also get support.

My sincerest sympathies to the child and family of Kate Spade

ETA2: I guess we can add Anthony Bourdain to this OP. I don't know whether he was getting any treatment for depression.

[mahina]

1. Do you think the talk therapy part is often helpful too?

Mahalo for your OP

[steve2470]

2. oh yes, sorry I forgot that part

Talk therapy is usually very valuable with both diseases. At least with bipolar, the patient can discuss how to cope with it.

So sorry, I'll add this to the OP.

[mahina]

3. Gosh I didn't mean to correct you. I appreciate your OP.

I was really wondering if it is helpful.


I am just learning about this as a class we family member has been struggling for a couple of years and is living with me. He goes to the apts and takes the pills but won’t d the talk therapy part. So far not so great. Any links or resources that come in o mind, if you have a moment to share?

Aloha.

[steve2470]

4. no no it's fine, I didn't take it as a correction :)

I am so used to patients taking "the path of least resistance", which is just taking medications. Talk therapy requires a much more substantial commitment of time, so people tend not to do it. Yes, ideally speaking, medication and talk therapy is the gold standard, at least for depression. I also think bipolar patients can benefit, at least from 1) learning about their diagnosis; 2) learning about the medication involved; 3) accepting the life-long diagnosis (there is no known cure); and 4) learning how to cope with it.

[steve2470]

5. he has depression or bipolar ? nt

[mahina]

6. Depression.

The meds did seem to help, a little.

Thank you

[steve2470]

7. this link will get you started

https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-treatment-options#1

There's a lot of info on the internet.

[steve2470]

8. also this one

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356013

[mahina]

9. Mahalo nui.

I actually think 45’s election contributed to the situation.

Onward! Aloha.

[BigmanPigman]

10. Talk therapy is also recommended for Borderline Personality Disorder

which is often misdiagnosed as bipolar. Medications have limited effect with this issue so far.