[Duo69]

I'm a new poster and just making my rounds in my quest for five (post 4/5)

Had a question/ thought:

If I suspect that I have bipolar and want to be formally diagnosed how long will that realistically take? Also, is it even worth getting diagnosed because of all of the stigmas that are attached to it? Finally, any thoughts on handling this situation if this diagnosis may potentially apply to both me and my husband- how much more complex will all of this be for two people dealing instead of one?

Just throwing this out there.

[Duo69]

Haven't been diagnosed with bipolar yet but there's strong reason to believe that I am. Have lived with it in different ways through my entire life with my mom (she was formally diagnosed when I was young), my best friend in elementary school (found out she was diagnosed 12 years later), my mother-in-law (also formal diagnoses), and now possibly my husband...

I literally cried when it dawned on me that I might be part of the club, but I really shouldn't have been surprised. I'm starting to recognize patterns of emotions in myself and when those clash with my husband's patterns. It's exhilarating to see how much I can accomplish when I'm up, but dread the downs.

Here's my question: is it worth knowing for sure (especially at 29), or will having to accept that label just slow me down in the long run?

[Blueberrybook]

Definitely it's worth knowing

It can have a genetic component, but that's not always the main cause. I think it just pre-disposes us to being bipolar. I had a lot of trauma in my life, and so have a lot of the people on this forum; I believe environmental factors too play a role in being bipolar.

If you think you have bipolar or a mental illness, you should see a psychiatrist and get a formal opinion. Bipolar pretty much needs lifelong medication, but I'm sure the doctors tinker with it should you decide to become pregnant. (When I was pregnant, I had been mis-diagnosed with depression, and they basically I was off meds until the end when they put me on Zoloft & some Klonopin for panic attacks).

[Movingon69]

You definitely need know for sure. I'm newly diagnosed so I can't talk about long term management but I can say I feel so much better after getting on medicine. I was diagnosed after I was manic for a number of months and had allowed my life spin completely out of control and now have to deal with the consequences. With the medicine and regularly seeing a counselor I've "fixed" everything but two things. You don't want to wait until you hit rock bottom or worse yet attempt suicide (which was one of the things I tried)

[Duo69]

Thanks for the advice. I think my hesitation comes from seeing my mom deal with it and the effects meds had on her- she'd sleep all day and sometimes forgot to pick me up from school or nearly burn the house down because she left something on the stove... but she's been on her meds for years and has help down her job at a grocery store for a long time now. I could maybe deal with meds (if I need them) but my husband is a different story. He would want to be on meds if he were diagnosed BUT I think he might need too because his mood swings are so extreme now that our arguments are like TNT explosions that snowball. Trying to lead by example but it's tough.

I'll start by answering your question "Is it even worth getting diagnosed because of all of the stigmas that are attached to it?"

My answer? It definitely can be more than worth it. Keep in mind that all of the years I didn't have a diagnosis and wasn't treated, I suffered consequences for my behavior during episodes. My manic behavior (from outrageous, impulsive, severely irritable) ruined friendships, romantic relationships, and got me fired from jobs, and put me in danger. My depressions made it hard for me to do well in university at times, or manage sufficiently at work. Calling out or not making the grade can be excused if you have a medical reason. It's less often excused without one. Also, it is often the case that the longer you remain untreated, the worse the course of your illness.

By not seeking treatment for a mental illness because of stigma, you are sort of in a sense perpetuating the stigma. I know that facing stigma is difficult, but the more we fight it, the better things will be for people with mental illness.

Do seek help if you feel that you need it. As for the length of time before you are diagnosed (if diagnosed with a mental illness), this can vary. Do tell a therapist or doctor about your family history. Do describe situations/periods in your life that were hard and any ramifications. The doctor/therapist will also ask you questions. Be honest. Be prepared for the appointments.

A lot of people with mental illness complain about medications. Some do have minor to major side effects. We are not stuck on particular medications that make us suffer, but should at least give medications a chance to work. We have to report concerns. We have to sometimes be patient for side effects to pass, which they often do, especially side effects like sedation.

[Unrigged64072835]

I definitely would see a psychiatrist and get a diagnosis, if needed. Have examples of behavior that support your case.

If your husband is bipolar and you're having a lot of arguments, you both may want to see a marriage counselor. That may open his eyes.

[~Christina]

I wasn’t diagnosed until age 43 but looking back in therapy I was showing signs at age 6

I thought everyone had a racing mind and mood swings. What did I know?

Getting the diagnosis isn’t paramount it’s treating the symptoms. Many Pdoc take months to years to hand out the label which I think is good , meanwhile your getting treated anyway.

I really believe Therapy is helpful for anyone struggling with a mental illness of any kind. And in your case I would say you need a separate Therapist and also marriage counselor.

Bipolar often makes life difficult but everyone mental illness or not struggles with life for one problem or another.

I hope you find answers to your questioned.

Also make sure you have a physical with full lab work , thyroid and hormones can mimic Bipolar.

[WishfulThinker66]

I of course have no idea the actual procedures to follow in Colorado but it seems to me the following would be pretty much standard.

See your family doctor. He/she will do a quick assessment and if they feel it is required will make a referral to a professional who can make that diagnosis.

Note there is a difference between Psychologists and Psychiatrists. While both are able to offer you a diagnosis only the psychiatrist can prescribe medication. On the other hand, not a lot of psychiatrists can offer therapy. I am fortunate, mine does. Thus, many people see both (another option is that in some cases a psychologist will work with your family doctor in order to get you prescriptions).

The impact of a diagnosis? Frankly I was relieved. Finally there was an explanation for my whacky and difficult life. Finally too, instead of feeling I was alone, I felt a sense of belonging with the realisation there were others just like me out there. This is especially true as I attend support groups. I am fortunate that my boyfriend has lived with people who have been mentally ill in his past. He recognises the changes in my mood and has been a godsend in helping me when things get difficult. I expect that there would e a similar benefit when two people each with a similar mood disorder reside together. Sure there will be difficulties but an understanding I think would go a long way.

[Moose72]

I want to add that nurse practitioners can also diagnose and prescribe meds.

[Victoria'smom]

My husband, son (getting re-diagnosed) and I all have bipolar. It took years to get diagnosed and properly medicated. If we would only stick to our meds. We've learned with time and therapy when we're overstepping our boundaries of being supportive and being enabling/controlling. If you have a problem get diagnosed and treated. I don't know if it's harder being that both of us are bipolar. We're more understanding. We argue less. If one of us are picking fights the other calls them out on it. The best combination that we have found is each of us have our own therapist. Where they can talk to each other and a psychiatrist.

[Duo69]

Update: my husband and I are going for an intake appointment on Friday, so we'll see how that pans out.