[blue_eyed_panda]

I got evaluated today.

Near the end she asked me what I thought I might be and I said "perhaps a little bit bipolar or something like it" and she said she agreed. Bipolar II specifically.

Perhaps with OCD as well, and maybe a some ADD as well.

I told her I want to get what's going on in my head to the point where I can have a family and achieve some life dreams that have been really hard for me thus far partially due to my ups and downs.

I'm not sure how I feel as being confirmed as BP II, it doesn't make things better but maybe now I can figure things out?

[~Christina]

Well, Now you can work from here on what is going to help you find stability. Being Bipolar comes with issues that you can learn to handle... it just takes patience and hard work.

Bipolar needs to be attacked from all sides .. medications can certainly help but they can only do so much, Finding a good Therapist I feel is a must, they can help you build up skills you can use.

Also you may need to make lifestyle changes.. Good sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating is so important, also learning coping skills is a must have. Learning the skills and knowing how to actually "use" them when the time comes is also very important., Mindfulness and Meditation I find is very helpful

Getting the diagnosis can be overwhelming.. Trust me there is hope... You will find everyone around here has there own story and offer any advice possible,, Pick and choose.. see what works for you.

Glad you found PC. Welcome

[Row Jimmy]

Welcome to the boards. IMO, a diagnosis gives us direction and allows us to figure out strategies that work best for us. Everyone is different and since there's no pathology to mental illness, I can say with 100% certainty that there isn't a doctor on earth that can *cleanly* diagnose a mental illness. Hopefully, we receive a good course of action which in a lot of ways, keeps it simple! I agree with Christina - good habits are very important. For me, things like rest and routine, exercise, meditation, medication, good food, no booze, and a de-focus on work have all helped. I try to stay mindful about my ranting, paranoia, splitting, and anger. But different things work for different people so we all rock on to our own tune! Good luck.

[blue_eyed_panda]

Exercise and coping are definitely something I struggle with. And as much as I hate to admit it, when I'm down I struggle with hygiene.

Interestingly enough my psychiatrist suggested I learn to play a new instrument (cause I've forgotten how to play the flute lol), since music and patterns came up and music really helps me.

I do like her a lot since I feel like she was the first Dr that listened to certain things that have always concerned me, but that many therapists had dismissed.

[Hexagram]

Welcome to the disorder! You may qualify for federal disability benefits, including Medicare!

[BipolaRNurse]

Welcome fellow Bipolarian! The diagnosis may be hard to accept right away, but it does help direct our care and gives us an explanation for some of our behaviors and actions. We can't blame everything on our disease process but in time, most of us figure out what is us versus what is bipolar.

In the meantime, enjoy the forums and getting/giving support. Glad you're here!