A newly-diagnosed bipolar young man arrived at my support group a couple of weeks ago. I wasn’t really ready for that as one of only two bipolar in the group. I suppose this will happen again.

This has me thinking—what one thing would you tell a newly diagnosed (dx) bipolar person?

I think next time I should say that bipolar disorder gets worse if left untreated.

What would you say?

[BeyondtheRainbow]

PsychEducation | Treating the Mood Spectrum is the best place to learn about bipolar from a pdoc who specializes in it and is very comprehensive but not overwhelming.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

And never be afraid to change pdocs if the first one doesn't work out

[cool09]

bipolar disorder gets worse if left untreated.

It gets worse if it's not treated? If you are treatment resistant you will become non-functional? There are different types of BP. I'm agitated depression, a form of BP. I guess rapid cyclers or mixed states have it the worst?

It’s what my pdoc told me, probably to make sure I would take/stick with the medicine. I was told the more unchecked manic events you have, the more deterioration there will be.

I have what I’ve recently learned is the classic bipolar disorder pattern. I realize bipolar is probably many different types and with so many co dx plus some with substance abuse, generalities are probably hard to make.

I don’t know what type has it the worst.

[eye2797]

for me it would be it can take time to find the meds and that it can be a roller coaster. I tend to stay to in depression more and have struggled through the years.

[wildflowerchild25]

If you choose to try meds, the first one may not work. It may even make you worse. That doesn’t mean that you should give up on meds entirely.

However, the other thing is meds aren’t the sole solution. You need to learn healthy coping skills as well.

[Wander]

That there is nothing wrong with you as a person. You are loved and of equal value as anyone else. Do all you can to boost your self-esteem as it helps you fight this horrible disorder. Get as much support as you can and never give up. Stable times are possible.

[SorryShaped]

Stay the course

Listen to your pdoc. Never, ever make med changes on your own. (I'm guilty of this though.)

[cool09]

I have mixed states of agitation and depression and treatment resistant. Been on +40 meds, ECT.

I wouldn't know what to say to someone newly dx'd. Take your meds, keep negative thoughts out.

[Nammu]

You can have good days and bad days without it meaning your manic or depressed.

[Row Jimmy]

-First and foremost - it is what it is. There's no changing it. Acceptance is step 1.
-It doesn't go away - many clinicians actually believe it gets worse if untreated.
-Keep it to yourself and select group of people you trust.
-One needs to be vigilant but not overbearing.
-Lifestyle changes help - diet, exercise, sleep, hobbies.
-Don't rely on medication - use it as an additive to other things you do.
-Knowledge is power - understand what BP is and how it functions.
-Getting better is work but helpful work, like being on a quest for goodness.
-Learn to factor BP into your day - it helps to manage it and not to fight it.
-Finally, you will fall down here and there but stay positive.

[Blueberrybook]

When you start having issues with mania or depression or anxiety, reach out to your pdoc and tdoc as soon as possible. Don't wait for things to get worse.

As someone who has been incorrectly diagnosed with BP, and seen others be incorrectly diagnosed, I would say to get a second opinion to ensure that it is in fact Bipolar Disorder, and not something else (I actually just have depression and anxiety).

It is very much an overdiagnosed illness in my opinion, which is sad because it can negatively affect treatment by giving the individual the -wrong- type of treatment.

Aside from that, I would echo what an above poster said: A bad day does not mean a depressive episode, nor does a good day mean a manic/hypomanic episode.

[Unrigged64072835]

I would say keep track of your moods to see if there are any patterns.

And be honest with pdoc and T. You're paying these people to help you, but they can't help you if you're not being honest.

[Under*Over]

Its not hopeless. And it isnt your fault.

You arent a freak. It is NOT your fault, it IS your responsibility to do the best you can for yourself- but there are going to be times when your best doesnt feel good enough and you DO question yourself. You DO question whether you are tryig hard enough. You will feel bad about yourself.

But dont. Dont get down on yourself. Life is hard enough without hating youtself for things you cant control.

So really, what I would say is- push yourself to do the best you can... but know when to stop pushing so you dont push yourself off a cliff. Know that you are bipolar, but it ISNT all you are. And that again, it doesnt mean anything bad about YOU as a person. You arent defective. And just- its... its something Id want to make clear to anyone after diagnosis. That things will be hard but... you CAN do it. You are stronger then you know

[Guiness187055]

Take your meds don't think you can just quit taking them it never ends well.