[ljohnson6032]

Hello, my name is Laura and I was recently diagnosed with a mild case of acute mania. I am 25 years old and although the signs were pretty apparent, I'm still in shock from my doctor's conclusion. I was also diagnosed with adult ADHD three years ago, and have been medicated since that time. I have a somewhat full understanding of what this disorder means, since I have a degree in psychology. Nevertheless I'm scared for what this means for my future and possible hindrance of my goal of becoming a counselor myself.

This is a condition that runs in my family. My mother is type 1 and my grandmother suffered from bipolar disorder with symptoms of psychosis during a time when professionals did not have the current understanding and medication that they do now. I was put on 25 mg of Lamotrigine, which I take before bedtime. I've only been on it for a few days but it makes me feel a little more sedated than I'm comfortable with.

I guess my biggest challenge is just coming to terms with the reality of my situation. I admit that I've been somewhat self-destructive over the past year or so, putting myself at serious risk from decisions made without proper evaluation. I'm scared that I'll become a victim to the stigmas that are associated with having such a mental disorder. I'm hoping that I'll be able to find the motivation to overcome such challenges and assist in empowering those of us who were dealt such cards.

[lotusflames]

I guess the thing to remember is that bipolar can be managed and it shouldn't stop you getting to where you want to be. It's up to you if you decided to tell people about your dx and its nothing to be ashamed of

[madisgram]

just me, i selectively tell ppl about being bipolar, etc. there is so much social stigma re this out there. i'm not ashamed but it's a way to protect myself from ppl who are not educated about our MI.
as for you having the life you desire i believe now that you're on meds you will find you're balanced in mood once you hit the therapeutic level. i returned to a corporate career and my MI didn't interfere from me being quite successful. not bragging, btw. hopefully the sedative effect you are experiencing will lessen as your body gets used to it.

[blueoctober]

Welcome Laura.

[kathleen slattery]

Originally Posted by madisgram

just me, i selectively tell ppl about being bipolar, etc. there is so much social stigma re this out there. i'm not ashamed but it's a way to protect myself from ppl who are not educated about our MI.
as for you having the life you desire i believe now that you're on meds you will find you're balanced in mood once you hit the therapeutic level. i returned to a corporate career and my MI didn't interfere from me being quite successful. not bragging, btw. hopefully the sedative effect you are experiencing will lessen as your body gets used to it.

///

I agree with this assessment; that you should just selectively let who and who not to know about it, because the stigma attached to this sort of stuff exists, and people who might not know much about it get uncomfortable; they might start to treat you differently. It's unfortunate, but that's the way that it is.
I know how the original poster feels - it feels like a death sentence has been commuted upon you when you first find out. But I'd nip it in the bud now, instead of not recognizing the illness, and ending up in a psychosis. I'm no longer able to work in the capacity that I once was, as I had a highly stressful corporate position, but I keep myself busy in other areas, and feel that I won't let this thing get the best of me. It doesn't have to!

[kathleen slattery]

Originally Posted by madisgram

just me, i selectively tell ppl about being bipolar, etc. there is so much social stigma re this out there. i'm not ashamed but it's a way to protect myself from ppl who are not educated about our MI.
as for you having the life you desire i believe now that you're on meds you will find you're balanced in mood once you hit the therapeutic level. i returned to a corporate career and my MI didn't interfere from me being quite successful. not bragging, btw. hopefully the sedative effect you are experiencing will lessen as your body gets used to it.

///

I agree with this assessment; that you should just selectively let who and who not to know about it, because the stigma attached to this sort of stuff exists, and people who might not know much about it get uncomfortable; they might start to treat you differently. It's unfortunate, but that's the way that it is.
I know how the original poster feels - it feels like a death sentence has been commuted upon you when you first find out. But I'd nip it in the bud now, instead of not recognizing the illness, and ending up in a psychosis. I'm no longer able to work in the capacity that I once was, as I had a highly stressful corporate position, but I keep myself busy in other areas, and feel that I won't let this thing get the best of me. It doesn't have to!