[arya1211]

I'm new and fresh out of a manic/hypomanic phase. The details are horribly embarassing but not as bad as they could have been given my thought process. I switched from a primary doctor to a psychiatrist in Novermber 2013 after I ended up inpatient for suicidal thoughts. My new psychiatrist diagnosed me with major depression and started taking me off Abilify. I agree with this because the dose was making me basically catatonic.

I called my psychiatrist's office and moved up my appt. I'm seeing my therapist this week and she's aware of my latest episode. She originally diagnosed me with bipolar II.

I'm here because I need to talk and figure out how to manage my illness. Which is funny because I have a masters of social work.

[canada58]

Hi,

My name is J. I have just recently been diagnosed with bipolar, and I also suffer from addiction. I have been misdiagnosed for over 10 years, I think the first time I was diagnosed with depression was around age 14, and I am 26 now. I had what most would describe as a 'good' life I suppose. I'm good at school, athletic, had tons of friends, came from a decent family. But even when I've seemed to have everything, I could never stay happy long. And the lows just seem to get worse and worse. I turned to alcohol, and different drugs along the way. I got straight A's in high school and never really needed to study. But University has been a different story. Last year I was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed ritalin. At the time I seemed to have everything going for me. I had a good job, was in my 2nd year of University, was in very good shape, I even ran a couple half marathons. I was also dating a guy who I thought was the love of my life. I was drinking often, but it wasn't a huge problem, and I hadn't touched weed or cocaine in years. Well the ritalin seemed to help at first, but I think I may have just liked the way it made me feel, and how I didn't get hungry. I was also diagnosed with bulimia at a young age, which I manage, but never really goes away. Eventually I started snorting the ritalin. Even when I wasn't doing that, things weren't going well. Everything started getting more extreme more often. My highs were wonderful, but got out of hand, and the lows were terrible to the point where I wouldn't get out of bed for days or weeks, and lie to my boyfriend about, because how do you explain that to someone. I get angry very easily, and sometimes I just can't handle anything. I pushed him away, and have pretty much destroyed every relationship in my life. My university career has suffered and just keeps getting worse. I can't get my self to exercise or go see friends or do much of anything. And just the other day I lost my job. I've completely isolated myself. I'm hoping medication may help me feel a little better?? But I really don't know what to do next, or how to repair my life. Any advice of what's worked for anyone, or anything hopeful would be nice to hear at this point. thanks.

[ThanksForSharing]

Hi All- Im new to this and dont know if the post I just tried to add was deleted or not... It has helped me read everyone's story, so I thought it would be good for me to share my own experience. I have a long history of anxiety (I have a degree in worrying) with sleep loss growing up which can get the better of me. In my early 20s after lots of anxiety and losing a tremendous amount of sleep- had a full blown manic episode and was hospitalized. The public nature of the episode did not help my anxiety issues... After counseling and lithium and various sleeping meds was fairly stable for over 20 years- then had some thyroid reaction to lithium and my PCP and I thought it might be ok to go without meds. Was ok for over a year but after chronic stress and another serious spike in anxiety- and right after I was put on Trazadone for sleep (which also happens to be an antidepressant and can cause mania), I wigged out again and had another hospitalization. Left my home and job in the process but am lucky to have support from friends and family. On seroquel now which seems to help but insurance problems making it pricey, hoping a cheaper med solution can be worked out. Trying to decide what to do for work so that I dont add to my anxiety issues but no solutions falling into my lap after several months. Tired of crying myself to sleep not knowing my future, hoping that tomorrow is a bettter day. Thanks for your stories which help me feel less alone and more human.

Hi Thanks- It might be worth your while to contact Astra Zeneca (the maker of Seroquel). They offer help with obtaining Seroquel, either free or low-cost. I signed up for their program (very easy to do) & received my Seroquel free for a year.

[Roblovescats]

Hey everybody!!! Just looking for people to chat with... Off all week.

Sent from the dark side of the moon

[ThanksForSharing]

Many thanks to sisterags for the info on seroquel!

[veneezer]

Originally Posted by Merlin

Welcome to our forum! Come in and introduce yourself to other members!! This thread is place for new members to get the attention and feedback of the older members, or older members to give more information about themselves. They can discuss diagnosis, treatment or another other topic of their disorder and older members will respond.

I created this introduction thread due to the number of introductions posted on the "Bipolar Chat" sticky. The Bipolar Chat that I lead is now scheduled on Fridays at 9 PM EST. It will cover a variety of topics which will be posted in the chat announcement and outlines will also be posted for those unable to make the chats. The first Friday of the month Wingin'it will lead an open Bipolar Chat. Those will Bipolar are also invited to the Depression Chat on Wednesday at 9 PM EST, but there will be significant overlap in topic.

Hello,

I have Bipolar I disorder and have used Lamictal and Lexapro consistently for about 12 years. With my doctor's approval, I am slowly tapering off of the Lexapro, as I intend to have a baby in the next 1 1/2 years. I am using fish oil to aid in the depression. Has anyone had success with a monotherapy like Lamictal? What experiences have you had with fish oil? I take Omega Brite, which has been recommended by my doctor. How have your experiences with pregnancy been? Thanks

[Roblovescats]

My experience with pregnancy wasn't too bad. My wife interrupted my sleep a little and she was very insensitive about her timing with labor in the middle of the night and asking me to stay awake while she was having contractions. It was exhausting and I was a bit tired and cranky after but eventually she gave birth and I got some rest. I had trouble explaining to my wife that it's the baby you slap to make cry not the husband but I think in the excitement she may have been a bit confused on that detail. The screaming during labor was some of the loudest the nurses had ever experienced according to what I heard them say, but in my defense my wife was really digging her nails into my arm while pushing and it hurt. I was a trooper though and got through it.

Sent from the dark side of the moon

[in-balance]

Hi, my name is Michelle. I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychotic features since December of 1999. I have been truly blessed as I journey on in my recovery, meeting so many positive people (including psychiatrists, case workers, peers, and mental health professionals among others). Despite a huge manic/psychotic episode in 2013, I've decided to take that relapse and learn how to tweak my own game plan as I approach mental health and self-acceptance. 2014 has been good to me, and I'm so glad I found this forum.

[constant thoughts]

Hi everyyone. I dont get on the Internet much but I was recently diagnosed with bipolar1 withhhypomania, anxiety,&depression.I am currently taking cymbalta for it but it doesnt help my mind from racing or at times what seems like screaming at me ahhhh! Does anyone else have this problem constantly or does anyone know something thatmight help me cope better with this?

Originally Posted by ThanksForSharing

Many thanks to sisterags for the info on seroquel!

You're welcome. Could you get help?

[princess_ria]

hi all i'm new here. i diagnosed myself in 10th grade (1996) but it took until the end of 11th grade for the drs to figure it out. i've been seeing the same psychiatrist the whole time, and i need a new one; he specializes in kids. the issue is insurance. finally found a great therapist after years of not seeing one due to poor treatment. no stranger to the local mental hospitals.

took a while, but last october 29th, the day i got out of the hospital for the third time that year, i decided i needed to rethink my life. best decision i ever made. i'm so happy right now ☺ it's been a hard road i've traveled since 1996, but it's finally starting to look bright.

[constant thoughts]

Originally Posted by Polly23

Hi Guys,
I am a new member. I am really looking forward to chatting with you all.
I was diagnosed with bipolar last fall at 41, after I went on my antidepressants for the 4th or 5th time. I would start them for 6 months or so, go off of them, then restart which led me into severe rapid cycling and I have pretty much lived in a mixed state on and off since. I was started on Valroic Acid and my dose increase then I gained almost 10 lbs in less than 3 weeks. I am to be reassessed next week, but I am a little scared as it seems it takes most of you alot of trials of different meds before you get the right combination.
Most importantly, I am a wife and a mother of 3 awesome kids and they are really my first priority. I hate to burden my husband with all the stuff it is so draining for me to keep on top of. And I would be fine if it was once or twice a week that I need to check out from everyone and go to bed after dinner, but I feel like that often and I fell like I deprive the kids their mom sometimes. Hate crying all the time too. However it's better than the irritability/agitation that comes with the hypomania/mania. I can be such a major "B". Got to try to get to sleep or I know I'll be in trouble tomorrow..Good night for now....

I know exactly how you feel. I am 43 and recently diafnosed. Right now I am taking cymbalta which makes me feel happier and more social but there is alot it doesnt help. I feel like you do most days. U h ave one daughter who is 16 and a boyfriend, two newphews & a wonderful mom who are all very supportive & understanding, but I know how overwhelming & insecure it can make you feel when most days just doing the dishes & making the bed can seem like a battle that leaves you worn out. Its so much worse on the days when my mind is runninf out of control, racing constantly with thoughts! Does your mind do that as well & if so do u have any tips to help get through it? Some days im absolutely exhausted from it by the time everyone gets home.

[liamellie]

L

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hello.
I'm not sure if I posted here or not yet but I suffer with bi-polar disorder. I found out about two years ago and the first year I had it, it was extremely bad. I've always had a lot of up's and down's through my entire life since I was 19 years old but I didn't know what it ever was. Not sure what type I am but I'm dealing with it better than I used too. However things right now are bad for me now cause I'm trying to heal from an abusive partner that I had. He was emotionally and verbally abusive towards me. So on top of my mood swings, I'm also dealing with trauma from being abused as well. Stayed with him for three and a half years and I finally left him last year cause I couldn't handle the abuse any longer.

[grandma21964]

Hi everyone, I don't know where to begin.
The idea that I'm possible bipolar scares me. Why? well I know I don't want what I possible have affect the confidence others have in me, especially my husband. Started abilify a little over a month ago and feel so much better. Along with zoloft.
My therapist is going to monitor me and see if I'am leaning or am bipolar.
I have ptsd, with depression if off meds. Ptsd rules my life, which aggravates me. It is better if I stay on meds. Anxiety is not very controllable, either I'am to depressed or too anxious.
For instance:
Sunday was at our meetings (for bible study) and I was moving something, a leg, a arm, a finger, up in down in my seat. I felt like I need to run, not sit. Gee, it was awful.
I don't like feeling this way. At times I stay awake for hours in the evening and cannot sleep. Right now I'am yawning but, I wish I was walking or sleeping, cannot make up my mind.
Any suggestions out there?
Do I sound symptomatic? I have been suicidal if off meds, and love life, so I recognized right away I needed help. I stay on meds and will forever.
Have two dr's that work with me.
It's hard to deal with this at times, I just want to have some sort of control of me. I have hobbies and love them, and also run a small business. These help me to focus on other things and not me.
Please comment and add suggestions, comments, concerns, etc..

Thank you, Grandma

[Allone]

Hi, my name is Kelly, and I'm new here. I'll post more information about myself later, but I'm kind of burned out on writing at the moment, because I just typed up a long post that I'd like to get feedback on.

At this time, I just want to ask if there's anywhere in these forums that I can post what I wrote, where people will actually want to read something so long and involved. It's all about my relationship with a person with whom I just ended our friendship. I think I have good reason to have done so, but I don't trust my own judgment these days. I really don't want to post it if there's not a place for this kind of thing, and especially if people here wouldn't want to read something so long. I'm already kind of embarrassed about the idea of posting it.

Please be honest and don't worry about hurting my feelings. I'm used to that, and it would hurt worse if I posted it and no one wanted to read it. It would be great if there was a section specifically for this kind of subject and where other people post things this long too.

He was my only friend, by the way, which is why this is a big deal to me. Don't worry, I'm not going to be posting novels about every piddly thing in my life.

Thanks,
Kelly

[liamellie]

Hi Kelly, I come close to doing the exact same thing with my fiancé last week..people on here are amazing and have helped me a lot. Hope you find the help you need.

[Margaux1114]

Hi everyone,

My name is Kait and I'm 16 years old. I love writing, reading, and working on my high school journalism staff. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 a year ago, and I'm currently a sophomore at a highly competitive high school.

Previous to being diagnosed, I've had experience with depression, self-harm, and anxiety, but I don't know if it was triggered by the events that were going on at the time, or just a warning sign.

Being bipolar has been weird to say the least. It's like I have this secret, that I'm not normal, like I'm not totally human (I'm different) that everyone would hate me for it.

I've told friends and family members, and all of my friends have left me because of it.

It doesn't help that school is a major trigger for me, stress-wise and because of what happened with my friends, I don't have a lot of people to trust. My family is super supportive, but I still miss having outside friends to talk to, and it's really hard finding people who I think would understand.

[Bipolar in Wichita]

Hi my name is Shelly. I have been diagnosed with bipolar bpd and PTSD.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ziriya2]

Hi, I am recently diagnosed with bipolar. Been seeing a psychologist for a while now and have an appointment with a psychiatrist next month. My general practitioner has me starting out on a few things before the psychiatrist to help out with my dumpiness and mood shifts. Feeling rather confused right now and like I'm in some time-slowed bubble while the rest of the world is crushing in around me. My husband seems pretty disinterested in talking about it and avoids it when I bring it up. Anyway, Hello!

[Espurr1989]

Hello. I've introduced myself in the general new users forum, but I would like to introduce myself to everyone here specifically too. At the beginning of April, I had what could best be described as an episode of mania ending in full blown psychosis that landed me in the emergency room and psych hospital overnight. It wasn't a longer stay thankfully, but neither I or any of my family/friends suspected this at all. I am working with a GP for meds and a therapist. She has touched on the fact that this sounds like bipolar, but I have yet to receive a specific diagnosis, which I would like to have so I can full on get proactive about fighting this and getting things back to normal. Next appointment is tomorrow, so that is my main goal to talk to her about.

Other than that, I would like to get to know others who have had this longer than I have, so that I can see what they have done that helps. I am also 24, married for a year and a half, and a mental health counseling student, ironically, though I am taking the summer off to get my personal health issues worked out and finish up last semester, since getting hospitalized and put on new meds near the end of the semester kind of messed me up a little.

[*BeautifulDisaster*]

hello, i have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for almost 10 years now. i had no idea i had this disease until i went to a doctor about all the feelings i was having an inability to sleep and focus and everything that comes along with this lovely problem ive had quite a few episodes ive lost losts because i simply didnt care and was in denial of needing medicine but i can assure you a doctor will figure out quickly what is going on and youll be fine just communicate how any meds make you feel i went threw a few combos before i found the right one

[Nikkinums]

He'll all My name is Nikkinums and I was diagnosed with bipolar manic depression. For years I struggled and acted out not knowing what was really wrong with me. I am still trying to see which medicine works with me. I just want to find like minded individuals that understand where I am coming from. As I layer in bed one night I have to turn my t.v way up high to keep the voices out of my head. Some days they are nice and others they are just so mean. I feel crazy you all. And to think that I have passed this down to my oldest son. It hurts so bad.

[Honeydew1]

Hi everyone!
I have Bipolar 2, was diagnosed almost three years ago. I'm new to the group. I cycle every two and a half weeks. Though, I'm down/depressed now and since February this is the longest down time. I recently quit my job. My husband says "we got this" financially. I'm wondering if I've traded one stressful thing (my job) to another one, scared causing a trigger for me becoming anxious and more depressed? Lots of questions.