I have been diagnosed with bipolar II. I started a new raltionship with my T and I'm going to be going to a pdoc in a couple months to start meds. Quite honestly, I am very relieved to finally have a name for what's going on with me. I am a little scared to realize that this is going to be with me for the rest of my life but I am very excited to finally be getting help. Thanks for listening.

Welcome to the club!

But seriously, I agree that having a name for what's going on can be helpful. I hope you find both your therapist and your psychiatrist are helpful for your treatment.

Thanks, Melissa! My therapist seems cool so far. I think we'll get along just fine. And according to her, my psychiatrist (who I won't be seeing 'til sometime in May) has a great reputation so that's comforting to know.

[sunshineanxious]

Wow, lucky you, I have the same diagnosis and was diagnosed 9 months ago. It was awesome to finally be able to say what's been going on since I was 12 (have had 4 really bad depressions, so it was about time).

I'm hoping you are coming to terms with the new label, I remember I was so relieved at the beginning, but still had days I was crying because of: "is this going to be me, for the rest of my life? How am I going to organize this?" and so on.

It will work out, it is crucial to get the right diagnosis. I was wrongly medicated on antidepressants alone for a whole year - two SNRIs.

As you can see on these pages, there are benefits to the illness, such as the creativity that sometimes come with it. Just google: "you don't have to be bipolar to be a creative genius - but it helps!"

[BuggsBunny]

Welcome, High Priestess, to the Bipolar club. It's not such a bad place, really, if you stay on your meds and keep a positive (LOL) outlook on life. Mostly, tho, it's a very supportive group, and there is always someone around to pick you up when you are down, give advice (good and bad), or just plain commiserate with you. I've found it to be a great place to hang out on my stressed days and a nice thing to be able to help others. So welcome aboard, and I hope you enjoy your time here!

[Nixi]

I'm so pleased for u that you've got your diagnosis- I know what you mean- at least you know now and can tackle it -I'm still waiting. Sounds like you've got really good support too x

[BlackPup]

Welcome to the BP club!!!! Hope you can get some meds to help with your symptoms. Glad you have a T - that helps a lot.

[AniManiac]

Welcome to the club, such as it is - it definitely helps to know just what is going on, no question about that! I was wrongly diagnosed for about 15 years, and I'm glad to have it worked out and better treated.

Thank you all for your warm welcomes and support! I think it's great that they have forums like this and that this one is so active. I'm sure I will be here a lot especially since I have much to learn and just know that I'm here if anyone needs an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on.
Today was my first day back at work in a very long time. I've been a stay-at-home mom for four years now. It's an extremely busy store which makes the time go by fast but I can definitely do without the rude customers, although most are pleasant. It's just a weekend job but that makes it to where I will have no day at all to sleep-in and relax so that kinda sucks. Ya do what ya gotta do, right?
Thanks again everyone for being so kind!

[~Christina]

Welcome to PC

[Switch]

Welcome to BP and to PC I have BP2 as well, if it helps to know your not alone. I know it helped me. I'm glad you finally got a dx and are getting treatment. That's amazing.

Welcome. I'm not officially diagnosed, but I may as well be! Hopefully your diagnosis helps you find what you need to lead a successful, & more balanced, lifestyle. We all have to work hard for it, but it happens for all of us with enough persistence.

[BipolaRNurse]

Welcome! I'm new here too, got my diagnosis just before you did and have a lot of the same mixed feelings you're having. In some ways, it's awful because now we have this mental illness that we have to learn to manage; in others, it's a huge relief to finally have a name for what's been bothering us all these years and know that we are not alone.