[ManicDad]

Hey. The name's Scott. I got diagnosed as bipolar after a major breakdown in 2000 and I've been up and down ever since. Lately, I've been struggling a lot. I'm not on meds at the moment (might be why!) and I'm starting to slip back into depression. Nothing really serious --- I'm not suicidal or anything. I just don't have the motivation to do much of anything. I wanna stay home and hide in my depressive music and ignore everything around me. Kinda hard to do that when you've got two kids, but I give it my best try!

I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking for out of this board. I think more than anything, I just want people that understand. I don't know anybody in person that has this same condition --- and the few that i've known online I don't talk to much anymore. To me, it's really comforting to know that I'm not insane and I'm not alone. Sometimes, everything gets so overwhelming and I really think I could benefit from people that also go through this to reassure me that I'm not nearly as crazy as I might think I am.

So that's me. Nice to be here. Looking forward to getting to know everybody.

[Trippin2.0]

Hi Scott thanks for sharing your story. I was dxd early 2010 after my dad died, have been symptomatic since 1999 tho. Quit my meds last October, been stable since January, and think my bf left me bcoz of my bp or probly bpd... THERE *sigh* now I've aired my laundry too

[Rosie23]

I don't know anyone either except everyone on here. I'm pretty sure everyone who has BP keeps it to themselves.

I was diagnosed last November, but I had struggled for years with the symptoms before a friend finally suggested that I was probably BP.

I take my meds but still have to work at stability, but some of that is my C-PTSD too. Overall, I am doing way better than I was last fall.

Welcome to the club

[ManicDad]

Thanks for the welcomes.

That sucks about your bf, Trippin. I'm so sorry to hear that.

[Trippin2.0]

Thanks, but hey, life goes on, I got enough to worry about without still trying to figure out why he left, what's sad is that 10yrs of friendship went down the drain, guess he just couldn't deal, and that's ok, we all have limitations AND free will

[ManicDad]

I'm on wife #3 so I understand people that just can't deal. Luckily, I've got a good one now.

[Trippin2.0]

Wow, I can't even fathom getting my ***** to AN alter, you managed to do it thrice... impressive it's great that you've found a good match, makes me happy and hopeful to hear so

[ManicDad]

Hahaha, yeah, I used to be pretty hot. I think that's how we can explain wives 1 and 2.

And absolutely. Hang in there. You can find the right person. Sometimes, it just takes a little longer for them to come around. I'm a big believer in true love.

[roads]

Re: So where do we get the cool member jackets around here?

There were some threads a while back featuring coffee cups, but I think for jackets you still have to design your own... http://www.cafepress.com/?cmp=knc--m...term=cafepress

I'm sure you could get a whole bunch of suggestions, though, about logos, etc., if you get stuck ! Please feel free to visit the forums and post anywhere you feel a connection.

Welcome to PsychCentral.

Roadie

[ManicDad]

Thanks for the welcome.

[Arduos]

Hey again! You know, I just started back on my meds a few weeks ago. Before I started them my outlook on life sounded just like yours. I lost all interest in everything, I felt sad (no matter what) lost, alone and so angry. I can honestly say that I feel so much better! I wake up ready to tackle the world, and this is the first time I actually felt happy in years. I had my doctor start me on a low dose of a mood stabilizer, and antidepressant, so far so good Not knowing anybody with the same problems outside of the computer is hard, but I realize that being here and being able to just talk about my problems and talk to others about their issues helps more than I could have hope. Things will get better, you just have to trust yourself and try to stay positive

[dragonfly2]

ManicDad and Rosie (and anyone else in the US looking for support...), check out www.dbsalliance.org for support groups in your area. This is the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and they are a national organization. They have hundreds of chapters throughout the US that have in-person support groups. Some areas have more groups than others, but hopefully you can find one or more in your area. They're run by people like us, for people like us and they really understand where we're coming from.

[Nixi]

Hi Thx for sharing. I've only just been diagnosed so am quite new to it all really! But you will definitely find lots of understanding and warm, friendly words of advice/ encouragement where needed! Welcome

Hey Scott, nice to meet you.

Well this is a great place you picked I you are looking for understanding. People here are pretty great, wise and welcoming.

I was dx at 17 and again at 27. I accepted it the second time. I had my fair share of ups and downs. I'm in a pretty good place now, this site has helped me emensly. Glad to have you with us.

Anika

[BipolaRNurse]

Hello and Welcome, ManicDad!! I'm new too, both as a member and a correctly-diagnosed BP'er. Here you'll find all sorts of people who know what BP is like, feel the way you feel, and understand you when nothing else in life is making sense.

[~Christina]

Welcome to Pc~

Hope you find this place as helpful and supportive as I have.

Pull up a chair and post away

[ManicDad]

Thanks for the welcomes, everyone.

Dragonfly, that's a great resource, thanks. I'm going to look into that.

[LiteraryLark]

My jacket would say "former wizard" on it. hahaha

I ended up in the hospital when I became Harry Potter. No idea why, and the fact that I had no idea what was wrong about being a wizard still gives me nightmares.

But right now I'm dealing with a little wakeup call, after believing I wasn't really bipolar and ready to go off meds, I'm now experiencing a rollar coaster of laughing when I feel like crying and crying when I feel happy. The past three days has been like this. It's a bit disappointing and now I need to rethink my battle plan. The rest of my life is going to be World War 3, but I'm super confident that I'm going to be the Chuck Norris of war generals and kick BP butt.

So welcome to the club, we're all a little mad here. *sips tea*

[LiteraryLark]

oops, I've been posting bpd instead of bp. I thought they were the same thing! Dx I do not have bpd, just bp....I guess now I won't abbreviate anymore xD

[moremi]

Originally Posted by ManicDad

Hey. The name's Scott. I got diagnosed as bipolar after a major breakdown in 2000 and I've been up and down ever since. Lately, I've been struggling a lot. I'm not on meds at the moment (might be why!) and I'm starting to slip back into depression. Nothing really serious --- I'm not suicidal or anything. I just don't have the motivation to do much of anything. I wanna stay home and hide in my depressive music and ignore everything around me. Kinda hard to do that when you've got two kids, but I give it my best try!

I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking for out of this board. I think more than anything, I just want people that understand. I don't know anybody in person that has this same condition --- and the few that i've known online I don't talk to much anymore. To me, it's really comforting to know that I'm not insane and I'm not alone. Sometimes, everything gets so overwhelming and I really think I could benefit from people that also go through this to reassure me that I'm not nearly as crazy as I might think I am.

So that's me. Nice to be here. Looking forward to getting to know everybody.

Hi Scott!!!

Welcome. You are definately not alone and everyone here is understanding and supportive. Nice to meet ya look forward to getting to know ya.