[desilva]

Hi I am new to this site I was just daignosed with Bi-Polar 1 and I am alittle scared. Does everyone feel like that? I was misdianosed for the laast 20 years and that is upsetting to me. My therapist and psychiatrist put me on disability till I get the right meds. It seems like I am depressed more than manic is that normal?

[desilva]

[desilva]

Has anyone else before they were diagnosed with bi polar use illegal drugs and alcohol?

[Direction]

I was just properly diagnosed in April...spend 2 1/2 years getting now where...the rest of the 20 living in confusion...

[desilva]

Have you found that place yet where you can function pretty well at work?

[Direction]

Critical deadline work yes...last few months have been difficult that is why I dumped the one pdoc...

The one thing I'm good at is my work...when it started effecting work I knew I needed to act fast...

To answer your questions...I've been in one industry over 15 years and have been successful at what I do...

[desilva]

I am wondering since I was just diagnosed after 20 years how long will it take till I can function have you talked to anyone else in this situation?

[FnordianSlip]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
desilva said:
It seems like I am depressed more than manic is that normal?

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

sadly, yeah - that's fairly common for cyclers.

[desilva]

What does that mean? "Cycler" This whole Bi-Polar rollercoaster is exhausting. Does it ever get better?

[mydarlin]

desilva....
First let me say welcome...Second I would like to address your question about use of illegal drugs and alchol...I know I have used before my dx and as far as the whole bp cycle goes....I don't have a clue what to expect next. I am currently in a manic episode.....my husband is worried about the down that will come after this episode...they are always so bad.

Does it ever get better.....with meds and a good T and pdoc things can get better....but you have to decide what you can live with as far as "close to normal".
Btw....what is normal anyhow?

Hang in there.....we are here for you and will give you support. Just make sure that you take your meds and see your doc.

Keep a routine....that often helps with the cycles.
Sorry I couldn't help you more...but I am in the same boat as you are...just waiting for the next cycle.

[dreamrunner]

Hi and welcome
Im bp2 and the answer to your question of manic vs depression........Im depressed more than hypo for sure.

Next question,yes Ive got a history of substance/alcohol abuse...still have issues.

Hope that helps and again welcome.

[mydarlin]

I am with ya...generally I lean more toward the depressed side of things...my glass is generally half empty.

Sorry for rambling earlier on my post....I can't keep a single thought for more than a second so I ramble.

[Direction]

As I look back I experienced the ups and downs when I was 11-13...so I went undiagnosed for about 25 years...don't worry so much about the time...just focus on what you will do next...

[skinnyJ]

Hi, it is scarry. But you now have a community for support. I have not been on disability for over 20 years but I am now because I had to go off a med that was wrong for me and am now getting adjusted to new meds. These things take a little time, but keep the hope. There are a lot of us out there to help!

[MyBestKids2]

hi desilva,

welcome to a great community with lots of supportive people. I have bi polar too.

TC,
Dee

[Direction]

Just wanted to get back to you about the functioning queston...not sure exactly what you meant...but in general...functioning at work has gone really well...it is one of those things I do well and enjoy...

So inspite of all the chaos around you...you can still function whether at work or at home...you have for 20 years...now with some help you will probably gain more control...

I have a theory about those people with the golden touch or the Entrepreneur type person...I think most of them are in hypomania if not even a little higher...the thoughts and plans they can come up with...amazing...

I've been in the up mode and extremely successful getting some work done...on top of the world!

[undertheradar]

Yes, I used illegal drugs and alcohol for 14 years to keep my bipolar at bay. I have been in recovery for 17 years now and had a major episode starting last Dec. I have a good combo of meds now and am doing ok for now. Good luck with the med combo search

Radar

[Gigglicious]

i ahve been on disability 2 years now and just got a diagnosis in may...and now we are playing which cocktail will get me back to work, i have been told to be patient it will be a long haul....

Welcome to PC, wanted to say hope you get what you like all here are searching for....


T/C,

Tucker