[w00ty]

Just got my diagnosis of BP. Still waiting on results from that horrendous personality test for the official diagnosis, which will almost definitely say the same.

So, while it sucks that I'm "bipolar," it has been a huge relief to me just finally figuring out what was wrong. Luckily, I'm not at all psychotic, and haven't been. But the doc said that I could've been on my way.

Anyways, so yeah... tips, suggestions, whatever?

[rjaimz]

Surround yourself with people who care and understand, just as you are doing now! I was diagnosed 6 years ago and still am figuring things out!
Good luck on your journey we are here for you.

[BlackPup]

learn everything you can about BP.
take your meds
exercise/ eat right
good sleep patterns
get therapy
be kind to yourself
be honest with your pdoc and T

[Forgive77]

Welcome!! What they said. Ditto!! Congrats on finding a way out of the hole!!

[w00ty]

Thanks for the support! It took a lot for me to finally decide to get help, but I'm definitely glad I did. Might I add, after my first ever therapy session, that I am hooked on therapy like crack?

[OneDown]

Originally Posted by BlackPup

learn everything you can about BP.
take your meds
exercise/ eat right
good sleep patterns
get therapy
be kind to yourself
be honest with your pdoc and T

I would second this advice, with a big emphasis on staying on your meds, they really do make things better once you find the right med/dosage. Being honest with your PDoc (Psychiatrist) is another important one. The only thing I would add to this list is to build up your "support network" - the group of friends and family whom you can turn to if you start cycling and need some social support; having someone there who can support you and help you through cycles can really make all the difference.

And welcome to the community!

I definitely agree with BlackPup... I've been trying to take as many at home approaches to healing myself as I can. It's hard & it takes a ridiculous amount of discipline, but it's necessary, lest you spiral out of control too quickly before you can catch yourself. I'm glad you made the decision to get help & at least you like therapy! That is often a part that a lot of people have problems with... I know I'll be one of them, hahah.

[RRU96]

You are not "Bipolar". You may have Bipolar Disorder, but you are NOT BIPOLAR. It is just a part of you. Not you entirely. Don't forget that.

[SunAngel]

Welcome to BP Land, or I can say the BP Jungle. The beast of that jungle (BP Disorder) can be tamed with the above advice. I want to add to take 2 fish oil capsules everyday on a full stomach every single day.

It does take a lot to manage Bipolar Disorder, but it's not the end of the world. I was relieved to get my diagnosis because it explained so much to me about how and what I was feeling. I have had it since childhood so it, to me, was a complete relief to find out I had this disorder.

Welcome to PC. We are all here for you!

[mgran]

My advice is to remember that you are not bipolar. You are an individual who suffers from bipolar disorder. You would not say "it sucks that I am cancer", or even "it sucks that I am schizophrenia," when what you meant was "it sucks that I have cancer/schizophrenia." If you can see that bipolar disorder (or any other mental health issue) is not who you are, but what you suffer from, then it will help you avoid self stigmatisation. I think a lot of people feel stigmatised when they get their diagnoses. My advice is learn to accept yourself for you, and don't accept stigmatisation from anyone, even yourself.

[Anneinside]

Learning about bipolar is very important. The first book I would read is Bipolar for Dummies. It doesn't assume you know anything about bipolar, has a little humor to it and covers many subjects very well... not to mention it is relatively inexpensive.