[k12573n]

I have finally started seeing a therapist after years of struggling with uncontrollable emotions, depression, anxiety, manic episodes, etc., all unaffirmed by those around me. She says she believes I am likely bipolar from what I have told her about my problems.

My therapist worked in a hospital for 11 years. She said because of her medical background, she will be quicker to refer me to a doctor who can prescribe me medication if I decide to go that route than other therapists might be.

I'm just curious to hear of other people's experiences with first being diagnosed and the process of finding which medications work for them.

I really appreciate any advice you guys have; I'm kind of nervous about being on medication (never have been before) but I do believe it has the potential to help me if I can find what works best for me.

[gayleggg]

It has been a struggle for me to find the right combination of meds. I'm med resistant.
But what I'm taking seems to be working a little. My doctor just raised my dosage so I'm hoping that I will feel better soon. When you find one that works, it's really wonderful because you feel more like youself before the bipolar and depressive episodes.

I have been diagnosed for 7 yrs, it takes some time to get the meds just right but once you do it gives a lot of relief. But dont be discouraged if sometimes meds have to be changed occasionally. I have been on different combos depending on what state is most prominent, depression or mania.

[ultramar]

I'd wait on diagnosis until you've been evaluated by a psychiatrist -they're the ones who give the 'official' diagnoses; your 'about me' suggests different possibilities, it's so hard to make these diagnoses and the pdoc may want to hold off for a while as she/he gets to know you before making a determination.

While waiting for the pdoc appointment, you can start to keep a log of your moods: describe them, how long they last, what triggers them. This might help you at the visit to describe what is going on.

Best of luck!

[Victoria'smom]

I was originally Dx'd by a GP and put immediately on a mood stabilizer. Then referred to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist played around with my meds and dx. every month. I was more unstable with her (and so was my husband) then we ever had been. We moved I got a good pdoc. We were both immediately dx'd with bipolar. I immediately got tagged as BP w/ psychosis. All of our other dx's came later once we were stable.

If I had the option I would try therapy before resigning myself to forever meds. I could never keep a mood chart I did much better with a tweaked version of this that also included hrs slept, notes and if I did/n't take my meds.

ultramar- depending on the therapists qualifications they can Dx. mental health issues. In some states they can even prescribe medication.

Having a mood diary is a great way to help out your doctors with a correct diagnosis. Monitor your moods, and what has happened in your life that may have influenced these moods or anxiety etc. If your moods change during the day write this down too. Also keep a record of how much you are sleeping as this can affect mood.

[Faraway tree]

I realised I was bipolar when I was 19 after I smoked a bit of pot and went completely nuts.
But I was in total denial and when I get sick I lose my insight and I thought I should be able to keep on top of it using the zillions of techniques I knw because (ironically) I work in mental Heath.

Anyway last year I went to the doc (when I was 25).

First I went to the GP and handed him a letter saying why I thought I was bipolar because I knew I'd freak out and not tell him stuff from forgetting. He was like ok I think your right but I'll send you to a psychiatrist to get officially diagnosed and started on some meds.

So I saw the psychiatrist who is a really nice guy ad he agreed and started me on epilim (depokte or something in the states) and ohhhh my goodness it was so good! My brain was so quiet for the first time in years!!! I could think and concentrate better and I could sleep and I felt relaxed.... It was so good I wish I'd done it whn I was 19 (though moving cities every 18months did keep life interesting).

Anyway it wasn't all smooth sailing because after I while I bombed out and we had to adjust a couple of times but yes, hopefully for you it is a relief like it was for me. Also makes it easier to keep taking the little buggers because I like them (though I hate o admit it!)

I think they are saving my life though....