Questions: Bipolar version

No. I feel horrrible without meds.

Do you have days you feel so tired you don't even want to eat?

I have had days like that yes. I have days when I am not tired so hungry and STILL don't want to eat. So weird.

What does being bipolar mean to you?

The word "bipolar," is a both a justification of my previous and current struggle, while also being an excuse to cop out. It is difficult to draw the line between hiding your head in the sand and facing things you need to and are capable of facing.

What is the worst advice given to you from a nonbipolar person, who you respect?

Hmm the worst advice was from my mom, (who probably is bipolar but isn't diagnosed), she said "throw out the meds you don't need them" It became obvious in later years that I really DID need them.

What's the best advice that you ever received from a bipolar person?

Stop focusing on what other think (hard for me), love myself, get up and do something I enjoy.

How many med changes/signature changes have you had?

Hundreds of med changes. 71, combinations with countless dose changes. 42 different meds at least. I've rarely gone a month without a change in meds in the last 14 years. The last 3-4 months I had no change but this week am trying to slightly lower my clozaril so I feel more motivated.

Do med side effects limit your summer activities?

Since I'm not really doing much this summer, it is hard to say, but I'd say no.

If you could give up one med side effect what one would it be?

Lack of motivation. I don't ever feel like doing anything.

Do you have family members with bipolar?

Cousin and possibly uncle on Dads side and great aunt on Mum's side. Not too many really.

How many times (if at all) have you been IP?

Three times.

The first was a week long. I was 20. I told my therapist about my suicide plans at the end of our session, and he involuntarily committed me. I was out for about three weeks, and then I knew I was one teeny step away fro being actively suicidal, so I went back to the hospital voluntarily for 3 weeks. They put me on an antipsychotic and it made a huge change.

The third time was spring 2015. I was 24. We still didn't know about my bipolar, but my emotions were getting so out of control that I didn't know if I'd be safe in an hour, so I went voluntarily again. I was there for 10 days.

Some of the best decisions of my life. I'd be dead.


What about you? Inpatient history?

Long story short, Been IP 3 times. 2 involuntary and 1 voluntary. I got out in 3 days each time.

Have you ever read a post on PC which made you cry?

Kinda but anything makes me cry especially recently

Question: In what ways does your support network help you?

Sent from my SM-A300FU using Tapatalk

i guess because if i didn't have a support network- emotions and urges will just overflow and i'd be a right mess! (more than i am now)

what part of being bipolar did you struggle with the most to accept when first diagnosed?

I didn't want to be like my father and took a lot of convincing to believe that just because I shared the illness did not mean I would behave as he did.

Did anything make you feel relief when you were diagnosed?

The entire diagnosis made me feel relieved. I was misdiagnosed for 7 years, so treatment wasn't working at all. When I got my bipolar diagnosis, everything finally made sense! I was so relieved. And treatment and meds finally started working. I've never been angry or regretted the diagnosis itself. It's the illness I feel angry about.

Do you ever long for the psych ward? I long for the relief of someone else being responsible for my safety and treatment. It's so exhausting and feels like a heavy burden to try to do it by myself at home.

No I don't want to be in that place. There are a lot of unstable people there and they trigger me.

When was the last time you were hospitalized?

February.

Is bipolar a financial burden for you or does your insurance cover the costs?

It can be a financial burden when I am hospitalized yes, but therapy and meds I can mostly cover with the insurance.

Have you been more manic or depressed lately?

depressed.

do you have someone in your life you can talk about anything with?. (excluding therapists)

My best friend.

What is your most debilitating symptom during an episode of depression?

Being actively suicidal

What does your health insurance cost per month? If you don't mind me asking...

I suppose I can't answer that one, since I live in the UK and we've got the NHS here. Doesn't always work very well but at least we don't have to pay a fortune for health care like in the US! We don't back home in Norway, either, as it is mostly funded by the government, but we do have to pay for medical expenses up to a certain amount each year, a maximum of the NOK equivalent of about $250. Most people won't reach that amount within a year, but those who do receive a "free card" after that. This includes all medical treatment (GP appointments, specialist appointments, medications and so on). Obviously some people will be exempt from medical expenses, like disabled people, the elderly, etc. Because everyone pays some medical expenses and most people don't need extensive medical care, the state is able to fund those who are unfortunate enough to need it. Works pretty well.

Anyway, I'll leave it to someone else to actually answer the question.

I can't answer the cost question either really because I have Medicare. I pay around $100 for Part B (anything outpatient) and $30 for Part D (meds) and I pay out of pocket for dental ($30) and vision ($15). But regular insurance is different.

Did you have symptoms of bipolar or atypical behaviors as a child?

No. Boy genius. Just a little different.

When was bipolar diagnosed for the first time?.

bipolar was diagnosed for me at the first time when i was 31. i am still 31.

whats the most cliche questions you get from family friends about your bipolar or is it mainly ignoring you in general?