I was 46 when finally diagnosed. I was So relieved to get a diagnosis. I had self-diag. at age 15, after reading a biography of Lord Byron. I told my father "I have this. Manic-depression!" Dad said "You are not crazy. You are just a poet" (I was writing poems then & had 8 published when I turned 18)
I kept seeing therapists but they all said things like "creative people are just different." But I knew I was truly in need of meds. I would go months with less than 3 hours' sleep a night. I was pretty high functioning (got 3 college degrees, always had a job---altho' I'd quit jobs due to hearing voices telling me "everyone hates you" or due to just feeling paranoid)
Don't be afraid of the diagnosis. But it has to make sense to you. Read a lot about this conditon. I would suggest "Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison, The Naked Bird Watcher by Suzy Johnston & others listed on this website.Best wishes to you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alice Noodle
Hello, I am newly diagnosed and at this stage I am having big issues accepting the diagnosis, which means I'm constantly off and on meds.
How did you accept your diagnosis?
How long did it take before you felt comfortable with this term being applied to you?
What if my team is actually just wrong but they tell me I "lack insight." How ca. I trust their opinion over my own view of myself!?
I'll post my intro from the welcome thread to give people an idea of my situation right now
"Hello 
My name is Alice and I'm 22. I have recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and I'm having a hard time dealing with it.
I've had a depression every year since I was 13 (I used to say that I began puberty and then "broke")
A psychiatrist diagnosed me when I was 18 but I rejected it and stopped seeking help.
These depressions got more out control until I've had lengthy admissions the last few years for them. I'm told I've had "manic" episodes
Where I've not needed sleep as much, felt like I was "on fire," very personable etc etc. (but I'm very skeptical)
I feel confused about my future and really upset that I won't just get better and have a day where I won't have a mental illness anymore. I wanted to come here to see how people have accepted their diagnosis and to meet other people diagnosed as a young person.
Sorry for the ramble. This is a hard time for me right now  "
Thank you for if you read this or can help.
<b> how do I tell if I actually have bipolar...? </b> |