for ppl like me with bipolar disorder, severe depression, or psychotic illnesses

i feel like i ought to write a testimonial about latuda (lurasidone) after being on it for a little over a month now, because it’s still relatively new and unknown. if you are on other medication but still struggling to manage severe symptoms of disorders such as

latuda could be extremely beneficial. in addition to schizoaffective disorder i have treatment resistant bipolar depression (which is as frightening as it sounds). i’ve been managing my symptoms with xanax, lithium, and lamictal, with fair success, until recently when my psychosis and depression became debilitating once again, and those other meds stopped being enough.

i was hesitant to be put on an antispychotic because i had avoided them for years due to the dreaded side effects, but now i know firsthand that they’ve come a long way over the years.

while it’s not an immediate miracle cure, and i’m still researching and tweaking the timing and dosages in order to get the full benefit and lessen the side effects, latuda has been a life saver. before taking it i was unable to even roll over in bed most days, let alone do simple tasks such as showering, laundry, and dishes, but now i’m taking the train into the city for spur of the moment trips, keeping my room clean, exercising, and actually socializing in person. having drive, hope, and motivation again is absolutely wild, and a month ago i never could have predicted regaining it. 

if you want visible evidence, these two pics were taken a month apart:

in the picture on the left i had only once left my bed that day in order to finally shower, and that was my one achievement. executive functioning was at absolute zero. the right pic was taken yesterday on my impromptu solo trip to boston where i walked around all day long, actually blissful and enjoying the outside world.

please come to me with any questions you may have about the medication itself or management of those disorders, and feel free to spread this around!!!