Hi guys

Miss Laura · Sep 15, 2010 at 08:09 PM

I am going through the process of being diagnosised with Bipolar Disorder.

I am unsure what to feel and think about this new theory. Its not a new theory to me as I have suspected it was Bipolar as did my friends.

Guess its me that's finding it hard to get my head around.

Anyways... I mainly write on the depression section. But since I am possibly Bipolar I thought I would spend time on this section reading up etc etc..

Travelinglady · Sep 15, 2010 at 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Laura

I am going through the process of being diagnosised with Bipolar Disorder.

I am unsure what to feel and think about this new theory. Its not a new theory to me as I have suspected it was Bipolar as did my friends.

Guess its me that's finding it hard to get my head around.

Anyways... I mainly write on the depression section. But since I am possibly Bipolar I thought I would spend time on this section reading up etc etc..

Hi to you, too, Miss Laura. You're welcome any time, whether you do end up getting diagnosed as bipolar. If so, then we're certainly here for you. I was diagnosed ten years ago--it's been quite a ride, but I'm here to tell the tale, to offer support, and to continue to seek knowledge and help from fellow souls.

blueoctober · Sep 15, 2010 at 09:12 PM

Hi Miss Laura; welcome to the bipolar group. You may want to start tracking your mood to see if there is any pattern to it. I found a great one online at http://www.medhelp.org/land/mood-tracker

Hi guys

Amazonmom · Sep 15, 2010 at 11:55 PM

Welcome to the bipolar group! We don't bite. I think this group is one of the most friendly on PC. Nobody will judge you if you have a manic day and rant about silly crap. Nobody will judge you if you have a depressed day and just feel like crying.

sugahorse1 · Sep 16, 2010 at 12:56 AM

HI and welcome. You'll definitely find support and a wealth of information here.
Don't be too concerned about the actual dx - in the end it basically means you can start looking at ways of treating yourself and start to be happy and live a fulfilling life again.

Sep 16, 2010 at 04:41 AM

Hello, and welcome!

As sugahorse has already said, it's the issues behind the diagnosis that count - not the actual label. (although the label does help to better identify the issues!)

I hope you find support and friendship here.

vjdragonfly · Sep 16, 2010 at 01:29 PM

Welcome Miss Laura!!! I can understand having difficulty wrapping your mind around being BP. I was dx 2 years ago and I still find myself in denial at times. I know there has been a big change in my life since I was dx. It has been a bit of a rocky road trying to find the right meds but I have hope to living a relatively normal life. So again welcome to the group and if you are dx with bipolar we are here to listen and give the best advice we can.

thinker22 · Sep 16, 2010 at 02:45 PM

Yes, welcome. Everyone I've met on the site, since my diagnosis in Jun of '09, has been super friendly and encouraging. I hope you'll feel at home here and post anything you're struggling with or are overjoyed about and everything in between. I love this site. People who have been through so much tend to be the most compassionate in the world. We've got a great group and I'm proud to be a part of it. Whether or not you get the official diagnosis, you are still always welcome to post. Many of us were misdiagnosed with unipolar depression before anyone saw our mania or hypomania for what it was. So big

and take care.

Miss Laura · Sep 16, 2010 at 06:34 PM

WOW!!! Thanks Guys for all your replies.....

BlueOctober.... I am gonna look at your link. My mood diary is not much its so small and not enough room to write anything in detail. I do the mood tracker on here though and have done so for ages.

Sugahorse... I am just worrying like mad about the "label" I know I must sound vain but I work with guys with Autism and Bipolar so I am really scared about a few of them knowing as in the past people have spoke out of "profession" about me to them.

I am really trying so hard to act "normal" and not out of character as my family don't know about bipolar or the fact I even saw a Psychiatrist. They freaked when I was seeing a counsellor. Constantly wanting to know what we spoke about, why I was seeing her, why would I have to talk much since I have lived a good life etc etc etc!!! People say I worry too much... But this is me

I have had yesterday and today depressed mornings and afternoons and then manic late afternoons and evenings. I fell asleep about 3am this morning. My sleep is annoying me more now as I am exhausted

Travelinglady · Sep 16, 2010 at 09:43 PM

Hi, again, Miss Laura....To respond to your comments---I, too, struggle about who to tell. I've shared with a few of my friends--not all--but I suspect word has gotten around. Frankly, I think "bipolar" is considered more socially acceptable now--especially as some famous people have acknowledged that they have it. But I know what you mean about wanting to "appear normal."

As far as your family, if you feel like they need consoling, you can let them know that being bipolar is a medical condition--not caused by a bad childhood or whatever. It's more of a problem with the chemicals that the brain produces (neurotransmitters.)

And the other folks are right, we are not our diagnoses. Diagnoses just help doctors figure out better how to help us.

blueoctober · Sep 16, 2010 at 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Laura

I have had yesterday and today depressed mornings and afternoons and then manic late afternoons and evenings. I fell asleep about 3am this morning. My sleep is annoying me more now as I am exhausted

Sleep is very important especially for a person with BP. If you haven't already, you may want to speak to your p-doc about the issues you are having with your sleep.

Miss Laura · Sep 17, 2010 at 06:00 AM

Hey PAYNE1,

I have spoken to friends about my depression and they have mostly all turned their backs on me. I only have a small group of friends now and only 2 of them know. Most of my friends are work friends and that is another reason to keep my mouth shut. I hate people talking about me and that is what they are doing.

I don't want to be treated any differently and I fear some will. Which is NOT what I want. I want people to just think of me as "Laura" NOT "ill"

My folks will find out soon enough I fear as willl my sister. I have not told my other half as we have only been going out a short period of time neary 2 months. He knows I have depression, but that's about it. He talks a lot to my sister and I don't want her told by anyone. So he has been deliberately not been told. I so need him though. We haven't seen each other in a week as we live in different cities. Seeing him on Saturday though.

I know, I should just chill out as many people have told me but I just can't

Miss Laura · Sep 17, 2010 at 06:03 AM

Hey blueoctober,

I have been on sleeping tablets which were then upped and nothing seems to work. I have a hypnosis cd too and that doesn't work either.

I feel indestructable about sleep as no matter how much or how little I get I function and manage to live a "sort" of life. Even if I am dead by mid afternoon

Both GP(s) and Psychiatrist know about sleep issues

blueoctober · Sep 17, 2010 at 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Laura

I feel indestructable about sleep as no matter how much or how little I get I function and manage to live a "sort" of life. Even if I am dead by mid afternoon

That can be the nature of the illness. Prior to being diagnosed some nights I would get 3 hours sleep, do a full day at work, go to the gym, ride my horse etc. etc. The issue with the lack of sleep is it can trigger either hypomania, mania or major depression. I hope something starts to work for you. Sleeping tabs can do the trick for me most times, but like last night I woke up 3 times. You may want to discuss other options. I was on serequel (atypical anti-psychotic) for 2 years and I slept like a baby.

Miss Laura · Sep 17, 2010 at 06:09 PM

I am hoping they are gonna give me something as I really need sleep quickly

Had a great morning and then became manic in the afternoon....... argh!!!!!

laur88 · Sep 18, 2010 at 05:02 PM

I was where you are right now about 5 months ago so I remember quite well how scary it is! The label is scary, new meds are scary,and trying to keep track of how you feel is ridiculously difficult (at least for me, I am forgetful... haha). But you figure things out! You learn that in order to have some control over this disease, you have to put in some effort to keep track of how you feel on a regular basis and you have to contact your pdoc immediately if things start getting bumpy. It's hard but also it will make your life better and more stable once you figure out meds. In the end, even though it may take a while and it may get frustrating (I'm still trying to find the right meds - it's quite the process!), things will work out!

Best of luck!
-L

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Amazonmom Grand Poohbah Member Since Feb 2009 Location: usa Posts: 1,730 15 183 hugs given	Sep 15, 2010 at 11:55 PM #4 Welcome to the bipolar group! We don't bite. I think this group is one of the most friendly on PC. Nobody will judge you if you have a manic day and rant about silly crap. Nobody will judge you if you have a depressed day and just feel like crying. __________________ "Unipolar is boring! Go Bipolar!" Amazonmom is not putting up with bad behavior any more.
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Anonymous32723 Guest Posts: n/a	Sep 16, 2010 at 04:41 AM #6 Hello, and welcome! As sugahorse has already said, it's the issues behind the diagnosis that count - not the actual label. (although the label does help to better identify the issues!) I hope you find support and friendship here.
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Miss Laura Elder Member Since Sep 2008 Location: Scotland, UK Posts: 5,258 15 85 hugs given	Sep 17, 2010 at 06:03 AM #13 Hey blueoctober, I have been on sleeping tablets which were then upped and nothing seems to work. I have a hypnosis cd too and that doesn't work either. I feel indestructable about sleep as no matter how much or how little I get I function and manage to live a "sort" of life. Even if I am dead by mid afternoon Both GP(s) and Psychiatrist know about sleep issues
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Miss Laura Elder Member Since Sep 2008 Location: Scotland, UK Posts: 5,258 15 85 hugs given	Sep 17, 2010 at 06:09 PM #15 I am hoping they are gonna give me something as I really need sleep quickly Had a great morning and then became manic in the afternoon....... argh!!!!!
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