[brypowers]

If you are diagnosed, it is not the end of the world. I have a very high government security clearance and am bipolar. Firstly, ask for help. This is by far the most difficult thing to do. You will be asked "Why you are here and what your expectations are?" Expect to be seen by a psychologist, then by a psychiatrist, (difference is a psychiatrist prescribes meds), and given a case manager or therapist. For me, this is someone who checks in with you monthly. I infrequently need help sorting out my emotions and making good decisions, so I go to psychotherapist when times get difficult.

I had to experiment with the medications. For the first three years after diagnosis, gave up on medication because it wasn't helping. They said it would, but it didn't. Don't give up. There are amazing treatment options, try something for a week or two, then call up the doc if it isn't giving you the results you would like.

Initially I was given Lithium and Prosac, they didn't help. I was given anti-psychotic medication, they made me fat and twitch. My girlfriend, now wife, was taking cymbalta, (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine). Feeling, no better at all, and after having lost my job, I started a personal experiment with her meds, and identified a huge difference! Not the recommended method for finding what works for you, but hopefully, letting you know that is what I had to do for myself. But, probably the biggest change was introduced when I began taking Lamotrigine, an anti-convulsive medication, usually prescribed for epilepsy.

This combo has changed my life. The lamotrigine takes the edge of the emotional roller-coaster and the cymbalta balances my depression.

Best advice, be your own advocate. Take notes on your situation. Remember it is a life-long ailment that can be beat into remission. Trust your doctor, but learn as much as possible about your unique situation and don't stop until you begin to feel your potential to pursue happiness in this life...

[tnlibrarian]

Good advice!

[dragonfly2]

Thanks for this.

I was wondering if you could reply to another post on this forum. It was posted by a bipolar member who had questions about obtaining government security clearances and I think your insights could be helpful.

Here's a link:

http://forums.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=212130

Thanks!