[lilred3382]

I made the first steps and saw a pdoc a few weeks ago, (sorry been so long since i posted) he confirmed what I was told a while back. BP 2, add, ptsd, gad, and a few other things.

Though the thing is I insisted of doing this on my own, which is probably a waste of even going to the dr. anyways do you all have any suggestions on what to try to keep me in order.

I also have a job interview thursday, I really want the job, but my mind is telling me Im no good and dont deserve it etc. Then i get a zillion and 30 other thoughts in the going to go along with them.

Can y'all please keep your fingers crossed this all works out for me and that everything will be ok?

[laur88]

fingers crossed for sure! good luck!

[PT52]

fingers crossed and lots of hugs!

[Travelinglady]

Originally Posted by PT52

fingers crossed and lots of hugs!

You got it! Fingers and toes crossed! Congrats for taking the first step! ADD, did you say? Lots of good books out there about it. One of my sons, who is a confirmed "genius"--I don't just say so myself) has ADD. You CAN be successful even with that DX and a bunch of others!

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by lilred3382

Though the thing is I insisted of doing this on my own, which is probably a waste of even going to the dr. anyways do you all have any suggestions on what to try to keep me in order.

When you say you insisted on doing this on your own what do you mean?

If you are looking for what to do for managing bipolar this is a list that I made up for someone else who was newly diagnosed:

1. Take meds as prescribed.
2. Educate yourself on the illness.
3. Be honest with your psychiatrist, GP, therapist etc.
4. Be honest about your concerns with medication side effects etc. Stopping meds to "show" your doctor that they don't work only affects the patient.
5. Get regular sleep, if you can't sleep ask for a prescription for sleep to be taken regularly or as needed.
6. Eat properly i.e. avoid excessive caffeine, junk food etc.
7. Avoid alcohol.
8. Avoid non-prescription drugs and/or drugs not prescribed to you.
9. Exercise regularly.
10. Set a routine for yourself i.e. getting up at the same time, going to sleep at the same time.
11. Surround yourself with people that fill you up.
12. Take time for yourself.
13. Be patient. The med regime for many diagnosed does take time, but it's worth taking the time.
14. Write in a journal especially with how you are feeling right now; that way if you ever considered going off meds it may help you make a better decision.
15. Track your mood. Great free one online at http://www.medhelp.org/land/mood-tracker

And finally remember you aren't your diagnosis. You have bipolar, but you aren't bipolar.

[lilred3382]

Thank you all. Not sure if I said this because I got 98 thoughts going at once so I cant remember what I have said.

This job would be way better for me, as I would be getting nearly 3 times what I make now, plus benefits which are extremely important.

ADD the only bad this I cant really focus when I need to and that frustrates me so bad. It seems to be pretty manageable so far.

I meant do this on my own, as in no medications. I dont really believe in taking pills. I view them as some sort of poison going into my system.

[sugahorse1]

Please can I recommend you speak to your pdoc to assist with choosing some meds for you. BlueOctober is VERY clued up on the positive changes you can make in your life to make things easier, but at the end of the day it is chemical imbalance, and you will need meds. I started with depression about 8 years ago. But I denied it. I tried the Vitamin B route. Then things were ok, except for the odd depressive spell. 2 years ago, when I was also a bit older, I took it upon myself to see a pdoc. He then diagnosed Major Depressive Episode, sent me to hospital for 3 days and started my meds. After that didn't left and I felt he didn't care much about me, I went to another pdoc. She suspected BP II and started me on a mood stabiliser too. Then I left her and am now with a pdoc I feel I can work with, and a T too. The stresses of adult life made me battle with depression more than I thought was possible. I need meds to help me. I hardly have hypomanic spells, but I notice my cycles. (Sorry about my personal history - but I feel it is pertinent)

I wish you strength and support you regardless.

Holding thumbs about the job!

[venusss]

Originally Posted by lilred3382

Thank you all. Not sure if I said this because I got 98 thoughts going at once so I cant remember what I have said.

This job would be way better for me, as I would be getting nearly 3 times what I make now, plus benefits which are extremely important.

ADD the only bad this I cant really focus when I need to and that frustrates me so bad. It seems to be pretty manageable so far.

I meant do this on my own, as in no medications. I dont really believe in taking pills. I view them as some sort of poison going into my system.

well, unlike the others, I will say this is possible route and can work. Try to explore natural remedies. Try to eat as healthy as possible. Eat lot of fish and legumen. And nuts, they contain minerals and the good fats that you need.
Have you tried yoga? It helps a lot. Inner peace can do a lot for your well-being.

And most importantly... stay focused. Have an aim in your life and go for it. Every day, even if it sometimes takes a lot of strenght.

also... good luck with your job.

[Moreta]

Originally Posted by sugahorse

Please can I recommend you speak to your pdoc to assist with choosing some meds for you. BlueOctober is VERY clued up on the positive changes you can make in your life to make things easier, but at the end of the day it is chemical imbablance, and you will need meds. I started with depression about 8 years ago. But I denied it. I tried the Vitamin B route. Then things were ok, except for the odd depressive spell. 2 years ago, when I was also a bit older, I took it upon myself to see a pdoc. He then diagnosed Major Depressive Episode, sent me to hospital for 3 days and started my meds. After that didn't left and I felt he didn't care much about me, I went to another pdoc. She suspected BP II and started me on a mood stabiliser too. Then I left her and am now with a pdoc I feel I can work with, and a T too. The stresses of adult life made me battle with depression more than I thought was possible. I need meds to help me. I hardly have hypomanic spells, but I notice my cycles. (Sorry about my personal history - but I feel it is pertinent)

I wish you strength and support you regardless.

Holding thumbs about the job!

sugahorse, is completely right on this one. Bipolar is a chemical imbalance, and while natural remedies may work for a while, most of the time medication is needed.

Also, blueoctober, that's a good list. *keeps for later*

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by Moreta

Also, blueoctober, that's a good list. *keeps for later

I just wanted to point out that #1 on the list I gave is "Take meds as prescribed".

For me none of the other stuff I mention will do anything unless I take my medication. I don't deny that there are people that can function without medication, but for many (myself included) without treating the illness with medication the illness will progress and the symptoms will become worse and/or harder to treat.

Lilred, this is definitely your own decision, but I just wanted to point out that I wasn't proposing someone not take medication for bipolar.

[PT52]

Originally Posted by lilred3382

Thank you all. Not sure if I said this because I got 98 thoughts going at once so I cant remember what I have said.

This job would be way better for me, as I would be getting nearly 3 times what I make now, plus benefits which are extremely important.

ADD the only bad this I cant really focus when I need to and that frustrates me so bad. It seems to be pretty manageable so far.

I meant do this on my own, as in no medications. I dont really believe in taking pills. I view them as some sort of poison going into my system.

Another vote for medication: because something is natural doesn't mean it's not a drug/poison. I would suggest doing a lot of research before you make a decision.

I was diagnosed ADD and depression/anxiety at first, before I started meds. I know now I'm not ADD, I was just in hypomanic phase. I had difficulty focusing at work, too..I could still function but it was tiring. Once I was on a mood stabilizer, I had more focus. And those 98 thoughts going at once? They now take their turn calmly and politely (most of the time), so I can actually get the benefit from each one.

Hope the job interview goes well, give yourself as much positive encouragement that you can. Here's a hug for starters..

Hi lilred! It may be that non-med things can help for those younger/earlier in the game or for those whose symptoms are milder. (Also remember the deceptive power of periods of remission.)
BUT, as blueoctober says:

Originally Posted by blueoctober

but for many (myself included) without treating the illness with medication the illness will progress and the symptoms will become worse and/or harder to treat.

This has been my experience as well and over decades, so it's had plenty of time to play out(!) And the untreated progression (for that is what I had, being undiagnosed despite heaps of evidence --hello denial! ) is most unpleasant. More often, more extreme lows, and the highs coming progressively more often with nasty and destructive irritability.)

If you feel very strongly about no meds, by all means give it a go. I've held pretty strong positions on various things over the years, so I get it.

Here is the thing. Please keep an open mind and be willing to admit when this is not working for you. Or not working well enough. Holding a position is one thing. If it leads to your own detriment that is something else altogether. Many people mistakenly believe that considering a different belief shows a lack of conviction. Not true. It is a strong sign of intelligence to be able to take new evidence into consideration even and especially if it challenges a cherished belief. It takes courage. Not telling you that you have to change your beliefs of course(!), it's just something important to keep in mind should the occasion arise. (I had such an occasion with the birth of my son --who is 18 today btw! If I'd not been able to admit what wasn't working, he would very likely not have survived the birth. So I don't say this lightly. Some things are just that important to be flexible about.)

Best wishes for whatever you choose and by all means keep us posted!