[SunConure]

I'm high functioning bipolar I with psychotic features and I'm very good at disguising my symptoms because I've been dealing with this for 12~ years. For this reason I was hard to diagnose so I only learned what was really wrong with me in 2012 after a *particularly* bad psychotic/mixed episode.

[EDIT] I should mention that just because I'm good at disguising my episodes doesn't mean they don't happen or strongly affect me

Most people don't know I'm mentally ill unless they've been around me during an episode... I'm usually too embarrassed to tell my friends if I'm having a hard time, because I would have to explain everything, and I'm not even sure they would believe me.

I am going to file for disability at my college this term and I'm terrified of what they'll think! I didn't file for it last year and I managed pretty well, but I'm in the middle of a manic episode and I want to be covered in case I crash.

What should I do?

I need to find a psychiatrist out here but I'm having a shockingly hard time finding any who specialize in BP1-psy!!

[manicminer]

I wish I had that option when I was in college. I was not diagnosed previously and crashed mid semester. But I was amazed at the faculty support I got once everything came out. My fraternity brothers let the proper faculty know what was going on initially, but it was up to me to let the others know so I could get help not to fail the semester.

I was just up front about it and asked if there was anything the could do to help me. The most helpful was the dean of my college, as he got me excused from my midterms (went inpatient the Sunday before midterm week) and I was able to make them up after I was out.

Not sure where you go to school, but I found that university system hospitals and their psychiatry programs where excellent for treatment options and I've tried to stick with university affiliated programs since.

[Daonnachd]

I don't think it vital your psychiatrist specialise in bipolar I. Helpful, sure, but not vital. You could probably start by going to the college health center. They may have a psychiatrist on staff full time, but if not, they could refer you to someone local.

After that, it will be more about documentation from the doc than you verbally telling the school.

[SunConure]

Originally Posted by manicminer

I wish I had that option when I was in college. I was not diagnosed previously and crashed mid semester. But I was amazed at the faculty support I got once everything came out. My fraternity brothers let the proper faculty know what was going on initially, but it was up to me to let the others know so I could get help not to fail the semester.

I was just up front about it and asked if there was anything the could do to help me. The most helpful was the dean of my college, as he got me excused from my midterms (went inpatient the Sunday before midterm week) and I was able to make them up after I was out.

Not sure where you go to school, but I found that university system hospitals and their psychiatry programs where excellent for treatment options and I've tried to stick with university affiliated programs since.

Thank you, this is good to hear. I'll go through my school's counselor to find doctors. The term doesn't start for another 2 weeks so hopefully I'll be fine until then......

BTW it's an art school so (not to stereotype but) I'm sure they must deal with this sort of thing a lot.

lol I guess I don't hide mine well. Its usually pointed out to me. Mostly kidding.

My last years of college were when I got sick, but I didn't realize it until I had moved across the country, entered the workforce and almost immediately was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and prescribed lithium. I wish now that I had known what was happening when I was still in school and could avail myself of their treatment resources.

[mjw24]

Are you talking about filing disability through school or through the government? If it's through the government, get on it right away. It takes a while to get approved. I can't remember exactly how long it took me but I remember it took some time. I also have bipolar 1 w mixed manic episodes. Because I found a really good doctor, I've been stable and episode free for 2 years. I think you should have someone you trust and who understands the illness help you pick out a doctor. I would also recommend looking for a cognitive behavioral therapy group if possible. CBT helps us rationalize and restructure our thinking. I do think you are right to be picky about selecting a psychiatrist, but again I'd recommend having someone help you find one. If you are struggling w an episode, your judgement probably isn't where it would be if you were in a more stable State.

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