[exclamationpoint]

I posted this in the forum for introductions, but I thought I'd post this here as well, since my bipolar II diagnosis is my main reason for joining the site.

A year and a half ago I was re-diagnosed with bipolar II. I had been diagnosed eight years ago, but after a while I decided I didn't agree and stopped treatment. Things were fine for a while, but then I went through a serious depression. I was extremely suicidal and finally told a friend, who told me I had to get treatment or he would intervene. Now I am back on medication, seeing a therapist once a week and in group therapy as well.

I'm having trouble fully accepting the diagnosis and I've found treatment and medication incredibly confusing, overwhelming, frustrating, and tiring. I'm hoping to find people who understand. The people in my life are very supportive, but they don't really know what having a mental illness is like, and I feel like they don't understand my behavior and feelings sometimes. It's hard for me to articulate my experience because grappling with the diagnosis and the many mood changes I've experienced from trial-and-error medication adjustments are confusing to me as well as to them. I find myself often questioning the diagnosis, my moods, and treatment.

I'm hoping that I can find support, and maybe make some positive contributions to this community as well.

[Victoria'smom]

I think acceptance for DX and a persons treatment plan is ever changing. You'll find plenty of understanding here. Welcome.

[Travelinglady]

Hey, exclamationpoint, and welcome to the Community! You are in a place where we understand. Feel free to join in with getting help and in giving help, when you are up it!

I have sure been through all sorts of meds and doc changes, etc. And, of course, ups and downs!

[Nammu]

I can understand that, I still have some trouble accepting it.

Welcome

[sarahblue]

Welcome, exclamationpoint. You're not alone

[lilypup]

Welcome to you. There's not much that others here have not experienced and they will support you. I find it very therapeutic to post and learn from others. Keep "talking"...you'll feel better.

[~Christina]

Welcome to PC .. Loads of support here

[Curiosity77]

Welcome!

[swheaton]

Welcome! We are extremely supportive here.

[wildflowerchild25]

I have the same story. Diagnosed eight years ago but never agreed with it, thought my issues were more trauma based so when I dealt with that I quit treatment. I was ok - manageable mood swings - for six years before symptoms worsened a year and a half ago. I self harmed for the first time in six years and husband said you're getting help now.

Over the last eighteen months I have struggled with acceptance the most. First acceptance that I even had bipolar and then acceptance that it was as severe as it really is. Now I am struggling with finding a medication combo that will work for me and it is, as you say, exhausting.

You are definitely not alone. Welcome to PC!

[littlemiss44]

Finding out that we truly have mi can be very hard to accept. I was in shock ten years ago when I was first dx. Getting the right med combo was the hardest part. But now I'm stable for the most part. I still have breakthrough episodes which suck but I deal with it. It's much better than constant depression and mania. Welcome to the group! You are not alone. Hugs

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

[exclamationpoint]

Thank you all so much for the welcome. I already feel supported by your kind words. I hope to talk to you more around the forums.

[inflammable]

I'm new too, and also have trouble with accepting my diagnosis (and have been recently re-diagnosed). So you're not alone with that!

[moremi]

Welcome! I have a similar story, I was diagnosed 6 years ago after a hospitalization. I didnt believe the diagnoses was correct so I quit the meds as soon as I got out. I stuggled a bit but did ok for the following year until I was hospitalized again. I still didnt fully believe it but knew something wasnt right. I started to research bipolar and in doing so I found tjat I am a classic bipolar 1. I believe you will find you get what you need here and by researching.