[Sonofrah]

About a week ago I was told that the severe depression I had is actually more likely a form of bipolar. In all honesty, it makes a lot of sense, and the thought was always in the back of my head. But I'm terrified by the thought of being bipolar, and that I won't be able to change the things I'm going to need to change in my life because of it. I really want to talk to someone who's been through it before, I think it would help.

[niecy440]

It took years for me to finally be diagnosed with bipolar. It was always depression that I was diagnosed with. Bipolar is scary but there are meds to help. I am on abilify and have been really helped by this. It makes you gain weight though. Don't be scared there are many people with this disease that function well. Most of the artist and entertainers have bipolar so i've read. Most are very artistic. I'm like you and had depression mostly and very little highs just irritablility and anger. If you like to talk i'm here everyday for a little while so please feel free to ask me anything maybe I can help.

[Michah]

Hi sonofrah!! Welcome.........we all react the same way when given the bipolar news........we may feel some immediate relief at the dx because it gives us a reason.......but not a solution.

You are definitely not alone........I was dx in 2007 with a lovely stint in my favourite psych hospital at the age of 35 and I had to give up everything.......my job, my degree and my freedom. I had much grief and sadness........and oh so tired.

I had already battled for 15 years with Borderline Personality disorder and Schizoeffective and, gosh, I just wanted a break!!! Much anger.......

It DOES get easier........or maybe more accepting.......I have good shrinks and am on good meds.....although took some adjusting.........it can be done.

Bipolar is not a life sentence.........its just a part of you that reminds you to look after yourself, love yourself unconditionally and roll with the punches......leave the rest to the professionals to help you nut out the pathology of it........You WILL come out alright......

You can do it!!!

[Jessika_Smile]

It took me years as well to finally be diagnosed with biploar disorder. First they were thinking Seasonal Affective Disorder, then it was depression, and now it's bipolar disorder.
It kind of came as a relief, almost like closure. Like okay, I knew there was something going on with me and now we can progress and try and manage this. I see a therapist every other week, and I'm going to a pill doctor. She has me on Serequil, Lamictal, and Lexapro. And the great thing is that there are so many options and support. If at first your meds don't succeed, try some getting on different meds. Go through psychotherapy, it really does help to get things off your chest, not be judged, and get ways to cope. Check and see if there are bipolar groups you can be apart of, or other groups. I just found out a really good group that I'm going to check out this Tuesday called "Coping Skills."
So yes, it's pretty scary. Especially if your friends and family don't understand it. But there is A LOT of help out there. Just do some research and see what routes are best for you. You're not alone, there are a lot of helpful people here!!
Good luck!

[gravyyy]

I always thought I was a little depressed and almost 2 years ago I decided to go to the Dr to get treatment. What happened in the following 6 months was a mess. I had bad reactions to antidepressants and was told last February that I was Bipolar. That day turned my world upside down. I was overwhelmed by the diagnosis because I never thought I was that severe. In my perception I figured people who are bipolar can't work, can't function in the world in general. I thought I was doomed. This has turned out to not be the case. I am a nurse and while I did have to make changes to my job to something less stressful, I'm still a nurse, working on my Master's degree, living on my own, supporting myself. There absolutely were changes I had to make and changes that I still continue to make in trying to gain stable ground. There are days when I feel horrible and days when I feel great.

I guess the biggest thing is listen to the treatment team. I think this can absolutely spiral out of control if you're not an active participant in treatment. Take the meds, go to therapy, be honest with the docs, be honest with yourself. Eventually things will even out but know that it can take a long time. It's a rough road but it's survivable. Good Luck!!! Take care!

[DaveyJones]

I'm like the rest of this thread, I was treated for depression for nearly ten years. Then I wound up in the hospital. The pdoc said he would treat me the same whether I was bp or depressed. I noticed he gave me lithium though, and they don't give that for depression.

SO... by the time someone said "you're bipolar", I pretty much had it figured out, so I didn't have a big shock or anything. The are many, many bp sufferers who lead highly productive lives. Bipolar people tend to be highly intelligent and many do adapt to their circumstances. Others cannot. If it were not for my mom I would be out on the streets. As it is I have been able to arrange for SSDI and decent health care, but I guess I'm fortunate in that regard.

So, things are what they are. BP is not the end of your life. It does mean that you will change parts of your life to adapt the best you can.