[KrashJ]

It was suggested I post here, so I copy /posted my original intro.

I'm new to the official dx of bipolar. It's only been through my own reading that I can identify with having bipolar II with mixed features. I was hospitalized (not of my own sane thinking) back last Sept. I have a psychiatrist and continued medical follow-ups, but after reading some of these posts, realize even more having a session therapist it's pretty freakin important. I've been seeking. Even my own OP is sending patients to seek therapists on their own because they don't have enough therapists for the patient flow.

So between my own research from a couple of books, online and through others I know with the disorder, I don't feel alone, but need more. There's still so much that's confusing...such as the mixed features. The medications. The lack of real support from the OP. THE WEIGHT GAIN (absolutely messes with my world).*I seek solutions. I'm very grateful to be a recovering addict with over 4yrs clean that has me conditioned to seek solutions to new challenges. THIS IS A CHALLENGE!*

I was rx'd lithium/gabapentin in the hospital, but I was tranquilized 24/7. Couldn't work, couldn't function. Now I'm on depakote/Zoloft. I also take a med for hypothyroidism. I'm still getting stabilized and feeling much less blown apart in my brain, but still struggle with the reality that am now dually-diagnosed. Not just dealing with one disease, but two. Where are the feelings and thought coming from? Which disease, our both? I have the continued challenge of reigning in my anger - mostly at work, and the road rage - and the depression mixed with the hypomania. I hope to learn and get feedback for this from you that have been here and look forward to it.*

Thank you.__________________

[~Christina]

It takes time to get use to the diagnosis of Bipolar for many people, some people never accept the"label" but instead choose to focus on treating the symptoms and struggles that happen, the ups or down , the anxiety etc...

Everyones Bipolar is unique. Bipolar does need to be attacked from all sides Medications, Therapy, Meditation, Mindfulness, Healthy diet, Exercise, Breathing exercises, Sleep hygiene.. the list goes on and on. Sometimes you just need to hang on white knuckles and all.

Getting Bipolar stable can be really hard at times , often feels impossible. But Bipolar always cycles , it always does. So although at times it feels as though you will never feel better, just keep working on managing your symptoms, learning what coping skills work for you. You will learn all kinds of ways people go about life with Bipolar as part of it here.

Welcome to PC Look forward to getting to know you.

[KrashJ]

Thank you. I've been taking a very active role in my recovery. Somewhat of a holistic take. Being in NA/AA has given me the tools of meditation and living by spiritual principles. Recently I've gotten serious with a healthier diet and going to the gym with a personal trainer to help with the weight gain and a way to displace some of this manic energy and hypomania.

I don't mind the label. I'm actually comforted by it because it gives Nye something slid to work with.

The label was suggested to me when I was first getting clean. I dismissed it because every addict in early recovery has bipolar symptoms. I relapsed 2 years later and was tossed that label again by a different therapist. Dismissed again. 4 1/2 yrs later...the dismissal but me in the *****. I went in for severe depression only to find out I was being treated for half a disease. I'm listening now. Being proactive.

I'm understanding now that the meds are not a "cure". Just a way to hopefully tone down the major settings and the right combination can take time. As an addict...of course I want a NOW fix. As a recovering addict...I have to trust the process.