[scstateofmind]

i didn't think that i had an hour's worth of stuff to talk about, but i did. i left the doctor's office with a referral to a psychologist who is to "formally" diagnose me with bipolar disorder to then be referred to a psychiatrist who will take me from there. my doctor told me i exhibited everything that would be required to confirm a diagnosis, but she didn't want to travel outside her field (she's just my general doctor). i called the psychologist today and hopefully will hear back from them within the next couple of days to make an appointment and get this show on the road. I'm at a loss for words right now. I'm relieved to have a name and somewhat of a face to what has been causing me so much trouble lately, but its so surreal. i never thought i would have a mental illness. much less one that requires medicines in order to function "normally". whatever that is anyways.. my doctor didn't go into much detail (once again, not her field of expertise) so I'm just left sitting with so many questions until the psychologist calls me back to make an appointment. and what am i going to say to a counselor? isn't that for people who need to talk things out? what am i going to talk out? there's no reasonable explanation for why i feel like i can take on the world sometimes and theres no reasonable explanation as to why sometimes I'm so depressed i can't get out of bed. there's no logic behind it. so how do i talk that out with someone?

[scstateofmind]

i forget to mention i also have generalized anxiety disorder

[~Christina]

Welcome to PC ..

You will find tons of information and first hand stuff around here .. we all have " stories" of our own unique Bipolar ..

First off dont panic .. You have probably been bipolar for a while and you muddled along so really not much has changed except now you may get a " label"

There is no logic when it comes to bipolar .. There are many things you can do to help yourself stay stable but sometimes bipolar just bites you in the as.s.

Talk therapy can be very helpful believe it or not .. It helps me stay grounded when if not for my T ( therapist) I would be floating off like a mad balloon or sinking into hell.

Things that can help you.

Having a regular sleep schedule is so helpful.
Exercise
Eating healthy
Meditation
Yoga
Mindfulness
Breathing exercises

just to list a few

Again welcome to PC hope your able to find support here like I have

[wildflowerchild25]

A counselor can help you come to terms with the dx, as well as help you find skills to help you manage your episodes. So they're useful.

BP doesn't always require meds. They help but there are people who live successfully without them.

Don't get discouraged. It's a lot to take in but there are many people who manage quite well.

[Souris]

Hullo there. I have GAD along with bipolar disorder as well.
While sometimes you don't have a logical reason for feeling the way you do [which is super frustrating, I know] seeing a therapist actually can help a lot.
They can give helpful tips and suggestions on how to live with this disorder as well as be someone to talk to about all the little stresses so they don't build up so much.
Hopefully you find a good therapist who can help you through all of this, and then you have all of the wonderful people here as well when things get tough. c:

[Trainwreck54]

I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 (this means I only have the milder "hypomania" , less dramatic than the full-blown kind) in 1987, and I've been on lithium since then. Other drugs added over the years.
It is hard to wrap one's mind around daily meds, for life. It's easier if you feel like the windshield's being cleaned; things fit back together and at last make sense.

[Victoria'smom]

Hi

My therapist helps me out a lot. I'm not really a talker but I'll write.

When really depressed you can't get me to hardly say a word. I sit really close to her teary and she'll almost whisper to me. That the things that I'm thinking about myself are untrue, things will get better, she's seen me better and gives me tips that I forgot.

When I'm hypo manic I'm as far away from her as possible because there's not enough room for my word vomit and I so needed to talk the waiting room was torture.

When I'm manic she backs away and becomes a reality checker and generally repeats one or two phrases but spends most of her time convincing me to take my prn.

She tries to help me figure out why I react the way I do inside my mood swings. Helps me stay med compliant. And on and on. Originally this time I went to get help I went solely for therapy. However the center requires you to see a psychiatrist 2x whether you want/need medication or not. My psychiatrist was very understanding and convinced me to try medication again.