A Little Help/Share Your Stories/Tips

Hello everyone,

I hope you're all having a nice day.

I just wanted to share my story with others in hopes that it might help someone and maybe I receive some insight as well.

I've recently been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at age 18. It all started on July 9th of 2015, the day that my world changed forever. I was helping a customer at my local ice cream shop and didn't realize that the trapdoor into the cellar was open. I stepped backwards towards the cash register and fell 15 ft, head first into the concrete basement, missing all of the stairs and hitting the bottom. I fractured my spine and lost lots of blood. I was in the hospital for 2 nights and 3 days.

After leaving the hospital, that's when things started going downhill. My depression started spiking and I had what my psychologist calls a "manic episode". I went into town and spent over $400 in less than 15 minutes. I didn't remember what store I went into and where I was. Since that point in time, It's been an upwards battle with medications.

I'm thankful to say I've finally found an incredible neuropsychiatrist who is helping me tremendously. I'm currently on 500mg of Depakote, 100mg of Zoloft, 20mg of Topamax, and 1 mg of Xanax 4X per day.

What I think I'm meaning to ask is: how do you get through this horrible disease? I have constant anxiety attacks. Some days I feel exuberant and incredible. Others, not so much. I hate the roller coaster I'm going through.

Well, that's enough about me! Tell me all about yourselves!

Hello bdeslaur. People here have a lot of understanding for others and we all
have a story to tell so I am sure you will find lots of support here.
The one tip I could give you right now is fairly simple.
Find some thing you love to do (for me its fishing) and do it often.
It helps to free your mind from all the racing thoughts and gives you hours
of pleasure which in turn helps you feel better all around.
I know it sounds simplistic and there is no one answer for dealing with bipolar
but find what you love and submerge yourself in it.
It has helped me a great deal.

Yes. I love bass fishing when I'm at the Lake house.
Here I swim in the ocean. An hour +15 minutes today!
I used to paint, but I haven't had inspiration lately.

My cat gives me tons of pleasure. I can meditate to watching her nap. She has a little kitty sheet of her own at the foot of my bed.

Do you have a good Psychiatrist?!meds? Therapy?

Thank you everyone. I appreciate all of the responses.

Yes, I'm currently seeing a top-of-the-line neuropsychiatrist who has put me on some Ritalin, anti depressants, and anti psychotics. Things seem to be settling down. I really appreciate it. It's nice to know some other people are going through similar things to me.