Hi..

I just got diagnosed yesterday with Bipolar Disorder. I feel so hopeless and alone.. and a bit ashamed. I've always thought I was just depressed, but after being diagnosed it makes perfect sense. I joined this site for a sense of community. I haven't started my medication, as my doctor advised me I need to conquer my addiction to Tramadol (I take 50mg a day). She thinks that it will take me about a month to quit my addiction and then I can start 15mg of Abilify a day. Do you folks have any advice or words of wisdom? I'm really scared. I'm 25 by the way

Welcome to PC. What I would tell you is try not to be discouraged. It can take a very long time to find a med combo that works. Also, don't rely solely on meds. They CAN help, but they will not alleviate all your symptoms permanently. Too many people expect meds to totally cure them, and become despondent when they don't. Therapy can help with behavioral changes. Different types - CBT, DBT, etcetera. If I were you I would do some research about this illness and all available treatments so you can decide which is the bet route for you.

Remember, Abilify may be helpful in the short term but isn't really a long term drug as Abilify is an antispychotic, extremely powerful and may cause involuntary permanent tics of the face and neck.

Yes, learn all you can about the condition. Online and at bookstores! Newer books are better than old ones. Look at recommended book list here. Get yourself a therapist (T). A good T can be of great help and give you the emotional support you need. So can we!

Don't tell everyone you know. Be very selective with who you tell. You don't have to tell anyone, except those you trust, if you wish. Come here a lot for support, okay? Good luck.

The best advice I've heard is you are the same today as you were last week. Now you just have a DX to know what types of things can help. Try to make a list of thing you want to do in life. Get a therapist as soon as possible.

Welcome PC I wish you the best of luck in finding the right combo of meds. It took three hospitalizations for me to find the right combo.

I had almost the same feelings as yours when I was told that I am bipolar.

The first and foremost thing to do is study as much as possible regarding bipolarity. There are plenty of online resources, many of them are good. You can try some books too, there are plenty of them.

The strategy to manage bipolarity depends on your symptoms and experiences. But, being just dependent on meds is not gonna work in the long run. So, good nutrition, regular sleep, exercise, watchful life are few useful tools in managing bipolarity.

Anyways, after a while, I felt that I should not worry. Because, its just a condition of the body and mind and its manageable.

Hey, there is absolutely NOTHING to be ashamed about! Those of us with BP have an illness. It's not really any different than diabetes. Our brains just don't make or handle hormones like they are supposed to, just like a diabetics pancreas doesn't make or handle insulin well.

Talk, talk, talk and then talk some more. Ask questions. Hopefully you can learn your triggers and learn to know when you're entering an "episode". Meds can and often do make a world of difference.

First of all, don't get discouraged. And second, you are not alone! The site you're on is FULL of us & we all try to help each other. I'm 44 & have been dealing with this most of, if not all of my life but was treated for depression for years before they figured out it was bpd. Let your Dr know if the meds give you ANY problems. My first meds had undesirable effects. They could have to change it a few times or you might get lucky . If you need us, find one of us. Hop around on a few threads & read about us. It won't take you long to find people just like you! You're going to be ok.

Hey, if you're accepting your diagnosis right away and seeking solutions you're way ahead of me. I ignored my problems for years, right up until they almost completely destroyed my life.

Try not to be too scared, though. I'm only on my second med and it seems to be helping a lot without serious side effects. Not to say there's nothing you can do to help yourself other than meds, but you may be shocked by how big a difference evening out your brain chemicals can make in your life.

And yes, it's absolutely not something to be ashamed of, anymore than diabetes or any other chronic condition. Don't let others shame you just because the problem is in your brain instead of your pancreas.

Don't feel alone and ashamed. I also have bi-polar. If you want to meet face to face with other folk who have bi-polar, google "Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance" with the name of your city. You may even wind up with the one closest to your zip code.

Knowing why you feel the way you do will eventually make it less horrific as you go through it. This is a great place to come to talk. I agree with what PrairieCat said. You may be tempted to tell others because now it makes sense why you feel the way you do... don't. Personally I don't think people should even tell family and friends. They won't understand and it will change their attitudes and views if you. It's not your fault but there is a stigma and you need to be selective of who you are open with about this information. Err on the side of not telling. Come here for hugs. We understand you! You're not alone and there is nothing to be ashamed about.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you, everyone! I'm currently going through withdrawals from Tramadol, and it's hellacious. I have about two more weeks go to before I'm off of it. My doctor said I can't take it with Abilify, as they have severe interactions with each other. My dad and boyfriend have been extremely supportive since my diagnosis and are even reading up on BPD to try to better understand. This community is so wonderful, and I'm thankful for you all. My dad has Type 1 diabetes and has said the same thing.. That there should be no shame in having something that you can't control. I can't wait to start therapy and the Abilify. Do you think starting in 15mg is too much? I don't know if weight/size has anything to do with doing, but I'm a relatively small person

Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about the dosage. I personally have never been on Abilify but I have been, and am on, other antipsychotics and they are usually started at the lowest dose.

You are definitely NOT alone out there, believe me! And although I too was ashamed of my diagnosis in the beginning, there really is no more to be ashamed of than there would be in a diagnosis of cancer or pneumonia, or any other disease. We didn't ask for this. It's not our fault. We just have to deal with it, is all.

Fifteen is a lot, I feel. I started on five and went up to fifteen. Fifteen actually made me too slow...I felt and thought normally but my processing time was delayed. It was weird. I had to back off to ten. BUT I am very med sensitive.

Bring it up with your doctor just to be sure.

Good luck with getting off tramadol. My husband is on Vicodin for a back injury and he usually doesn't take it on the weekend - even just those two days put him into withdrawal. It sucks!