![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by brynb on July 18, 2012, at 18:55:22
I wasn't sure where to post this, but I was wondering what constitutes remission for MDD and Bipolar. My last depressive episode ended about 4-5 weeks ago, and my mood is good, but I'm still lethargic and irritable. Is there a specific period of time used to determine whether you're in remission?
I'd like to start working part-time again, but I'm fearful of getting stressed out.
Thanks in advance...
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on July 18, 2012, at 22:03:01
In reply to What constitutes remission?, posted by brynb on July 18, 2012, at 18:55:22
Unfortunately, it isn't always black and white. I've had many partial remissions. I'd also say if you are still having some notable symptoms it is too early to call it a remission. Lethargic and irritable are pretty key symptoms of depression. In fact, to diagnose depression, you only need depressed mood OR irritability. You can be depressed without depressed mood!
That said, I don't think you need to be 100% well to carry on with your life. Is it possible to go back PT and if it is too much, back off again?
Best,
EE
Posted by Phillipa on July 18, 2012, at 23:17:47
In reply to Re: What constitutes remission?, posted by Emily Elizabeth on July 18, 2012, at 22:03:01
Work always tended to Occupy my mind and keep me from thinking of my problems and focus on others. I'd do the part time. Phillipa
Posted by brynb on July 19, 2012, at 9:02:44
In reply to Re: What constitutes remission?, posted by Emily Elizabeth on July 18, 2012, at 22:03:01
> Lethargic and irritable are pretty key symptoms of depression. In fact, to diagnose depression, you only need depressed mood OR irritability. You can be depressed without depressed mood!
I'm grateful my mood is improved, but the lethargy and irritability are pretty much always present.
> That said, I don't think you need to be 100% well to carry on with your life.
I agree. I don't know if I've ever felt 100% anyway. But anything is better than my "norm".
Thanks, ee.
-b
Posted by papillon2 on July 21, 2012, at 8:58:04
In reply to Re: What constitutes remission? » Emily Elizabeth, posted by brynb on July 19, 2012, at 9:02:44
I saw from your reply to another thread that you are an English teacher. English teachers are the BEST! As a former English nerd I wanted to be best friends with all my teachers, LOL.
If my depression weren't so disabling, I'd be a secondary school English teacher. I had to drop out of university and have trouble holding down jobs as lethargy, diurnal mood variation and concentration problems make me an unreliable employee. I hate it.
I hope you can go back to inspiring your students soon. I have only ever experienced partial remission. What I have learnt, however, is that if you leave it too long before going back to work, anxiety sets in and it's harder to take the leap. It's a delicate balance.
Good luck!
Posted by brynb on July 21, 2012, at 11:10:07
In reply to Re: What constitutes remission?, posted by papillon2 on July 21, 2012, at 8:58:04
Thanks, papillon ;). I was an English nerd too! I'm hoping I'll have a position come September at the school where I was working last. For now, I'm taking it easy and trying to get some freelance writing work.
I hear you about being unreliable--it's not "acceptable" to call in to work "depressed". I hope you will feel well enough to pursue your dreams when the time is right. You might be able to tutor in the interim (good money AND gratifying work).
By the way, I love Leonard Cohen. He and Bob Dylan are two of my favorite "poets".
Be well :).
-B
Posted by phidippus on July 26, 2012, at 21:15:51
In reply to What constitutes remission?, posted by brynb on July 18, 2012, at 18:55:22
There is no specific time period in which one caan expect to fully remit from a bout of MDD. In fact, it might be difficult to reach normality, as MDD is a recurrent disorder. Just take it one day at a time and go for that part-time job. It will help you structure your time and may aactually help with stress.
Eric
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.