So a little background information on me...I was diagnosed with major depression at 15, then at 19 with severe generalized anxiety, then last year at 20, with bipolar 2. So it all kind of fits in together and makes sense. Before being diagnosed I thought I was going crazy. I was constantly depressed, I had moment of clarity. I tried to 'get better', tried to be happy, and whenever it got better, it would only last several weeks, then I would be depressed again. I didn't understand what was going on with me. So getting this diagnosis was great in the sense I no longer 'crazy'. But on the other hand, it then became a life long issue. So i'm still sorting out my medication. I've changed my medication so many times. So aside from all the chemical effects all these different medications have on my body, i'm trying to figure out when happiness isn't mania, or disappointment isn't depressing.
The biggest struggle for me is being hopeful. It's a scary thought that I will have to deal with this for the rest of my life. I will have to find a man who is okay with all these ups and downs. I will have to try to finish university with all these ups and downs (and so far it's been a struggle), I will have to raise kids, and try to do a decent job, with all these ups and downs.
How does everyone else separate themselves from their 'symptoms?'.