[Rosie23]

I have only recently been diagnosed and on the one hand I am relieved that there is a name for what is always wrong. But on the other hand I am scared to death.
It seems so many of you have struggled so hard with getting the right meds so you can achieve some sense of normal.
But is there life after all of that? I am so afraid of being alone the rest of my life because of this. I don't have any close friends or family for a support system so I am on my own. And naturally frightened.

[Resident Bipolar]

Rosie sweety, I totally understand where you are coming from. It can be a scary thought - being controlled by an illness for the rest of your life.

However...I believe it can be seen as a positive that you are scared because you WANT to be able to control this. I remember admitting to my psychiatrist for the first time that I was scared of a relapse, and she was so proud of me for realizing this as she then knew I want to keep this disorder from ruining my life.



When it comes to medication, it can help stabilize the condition whilst you learn, using other therapies and distraction techniques, how to control your bipolarity. There is nothing to be afraid of, if you feel as though they are restricting you too much...there are hundreds of different dosage and medication combinations and you will eventually find the right one for you.

It's hard to believe that you will eventually be able to live an enjoyable, "normal" life - but it really is possible. Just because bipolar is the horrible life-long mental illness it is, it doesn't mean it has to rule your life and hold you back from making connections to others and becoming a very successful person. Take Stephen Fry, for example. He has severe bipolar disorder/manic depression...yet is extremely successful. And he isn't the only one: there are hundreds of famous; successful people with the condition. In fact...some stand by the illness as being one of their biggest inspirations.

Now you have the diagnoses you can begin to tame the "wild beast" that bipolar disorder is. You will get there eventually. And yes, some medications can indeed make you feel like a zombie - but that doesn't mean you won't find the medication for you. There are developments appearing all the time.

As always, if you need any help or support, please feel free to contact me.
RB ♥

[roads]

I think all new medical problems are frightening. So you've got lots of company there.

"Bipolar" is a word that scares a lot of people because most of the sufferers you hear about aren't successfully treated. Most of us, like me, are getting along--but it could be better. You are right in thinking that the search for the right drugs is pretty much ongoing.

You'll meet some people here who have been stabile for years on the same meds. Lucky folks! The important thing for you now is to be certain of your diagnosis, and have the best therapist and psychiatrist that you can get. You need to be a good match, have good communication between you. You need to have ready access to both of them.

I have bad days, good half days or good night's. I work, go to various events, lead a more or less pleasant life. I'd rather not be bipolar, but being so is not impossible for me to face today. I have no family support but I have a few good friends.

And I have PC. In the few months I've been here I've discovered an amazing amount of compassion, generosity, & imaginative coping skills right here. It's quite a community.

[cin1]

this morning i looked at all the pills i take every day, and i said, "with all these meds, am i even a person" . but if i didn't take meds, i would be in a psych ward the rest of my life - i choose the meds.

[Resident Bipolar]

Originally Posted by cin1

this morning i looked at all the pills i take every day, and i said, "with all these meds, am i even a person" . but if i didn't take meds, i would be in a psych ward the rest of my life - i choose the meds.

Of course you are.
RB ♥

[Rosie23]

Glad I found this site. There is clearly strength in numbers.

[PinkabellaBombshell]

Medication helped me function. I was living, but not thriving. I didn't laugh, cry, get upset or argue with anyone. It made the lives of the people around me easier. I did what I was told, kept my head down and was content to let everyone else have great lives. I was merely a supporting cast member. Invisible, even. I saw no problem, if everyone was happy, couldn't I just suck it up and take one for the team? I quit my meds after moving 2300 miles from my triggers (family) I had been doing okay until the end of July. I know I need help. I want help. I know I'm not alone.

[faerie_moon_x]

Most important thing to remember is you have bipolar. You are not bipolar. Just like my dad has diabetes, he's not diabetic. Get it? You're you, but you just have a chronic illness.

I'm not on meds. I lead a weird life. I have a full time job. It's a roller coaster. I'm a mom and my kids really love me and I take good care of them. I'm a terrible housekeeper and cook. But I do my best. I have a husband and although he doesn't understand or doesn't think it is real that I"m this way... well, I love him and I know I'm important to him (even if he's bad at showing it most times...) But, my dad was the same with my mom. He didn't want to believe she was dying of cancer but even today he is still in love with her 19 years later.

It is really scary to get a diagnosis, but you can get better and it is a struggle. Not only for us but other people, too. I work at a diabetes education center. People with diabetes struggle big time with getting their illness under control, and they have tools we don't have like they can test their blood glucose. If only we could test our brain chemicals!

And really, what is a "normal" life. Everyone struggles with something. at least we get to know our battle!

You're not alone! Take care of yourself and don't give up!

[venusss]

I guess in a way it is about acceptance. But I am existentialist and agree with some Buddhist traits. So suffering has its place in life. It's not we have to enjoy it, but it has purpose, it is part of life..... and we have capability to survive and live through it.

So yeah, there is a life. I advice stop looking for normality and find what works for you. Maybe we are different for reason. Not to be forced to be like everybody else.... there are strenghts in bipolar, I believe, as well as weakness..... so if it is possible look for a lifestyle that will work for you (and it doesn't have to be that uberregular good-citizen schedule).

Life is a struggle... but struggle is a joy (A LUTA É ALEGRÍA!).

[Miss Laura]

Hey Rosie23,

Welcome to the forum

Everyone of us on here are in some form of turmoil over our BP. Some people are still in denial, some have accepted and some switch between the 2. You have took the 1st step- getting a diagnosis. Now it's to recover and see there is life after diagnosis. PC can help with the funny thoughts/questions we can't ask "normal" people but as someone on here has said what's "normal".

Ye at times I wish I was never diagnosised and ye I have went off my meds as I was thinking I was better than them... not a good idea. You soon learn what work's for you. I am still on the same meds I start on late last year and I am happy with them. But maybe next year or 10 years down the line they will stop working and I will have to go on something else. It's part and parcel of the disorder.

It's not all bad news ok! Remember we are creative people