Quote:
Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse
Technically, one can be diagnosed as bipolar if they have a single episode of mania, even without depression. I'm rather surprised that you didn't get a "label" in the hospital...that's where almost every inpatient is diagnosed. Still, I wouldn't be in any hurry to get that label, because once you have it, it follows you forever. Wishing you the best, and welcome to PC.
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Not in a hurry, I think that is why I am not diagnosed. In my country they rather not label people unless the illness is a disadvantage for the person. I assume they are pretty sure I'm bipolar, after that manic episode, but I got stable by myself. I left the hospital. A few months later I got myself a full-time job, after being on sick-leave for exhaustion almost a year. (I have been working all my life until that year, I am 38 years old).
I also told them it was merely a work-accident, I was fixing something inside my brain, and it was a temporary neuro-psychosis.
Thing is that my husband finds me a bit hard to live with at times, because I am lacking energy to do anything (still not depressed, or maybe I am, just not suicidal) when I am bored at work. My body react in a way that is not normal. I am very energetic when I am in that state, and just as drained when I am not.
I have therefor agreed to talk to someone, and atleast listen to what they have to say. My doctor was really happy about that decision, so I get a feeling that they see more difficulties than I do myself.
If I get diagnosed I will try my best to be a positive voice for this, not only focus on the bad things, but show that many of us living with this could function better with more understanding and that we can be resources for society if they just help us out a bit. Of course, some can't work at all, but everyone deserves to be seen as a whole human being, not only as an illness. There are many lovely people living with this. I have read here for a while, and you all seem to be very including and warm people- caring for eachother, even when struggling with a hard phase yourself.
All the best,
C