Just Bipolar?!

Phil: I was dxed with bipolar 1 about 6 yrs. ago (I'm 52). I wish I had gotten the help I needed earlier. I had my 1st suicide attempt at 15 & didn't get any psychiatric treatment so my life has been very chaotic. Now that I'm on meds I'm doing much better & slowly becoming comfortable in "getting a life." I want the quality of my life to improve so I'm working hard at trying to reduce my symptoms with meds & working on having a healthy environment & better attitude.

My mother committed suicide (she had bp & was alcoholic) & I don't want to follow in her footsteps. I think you are really lucky to be getting help at such a young age. Don't fight the recommendations of the doc. If you really think she/he is not treating you properly find another doc. I went through several until I got one who was willing to listen to my imput about side effects. One doc just wanted to keep me doped up. That's not my idea of living.--Suzy

Re: Rapunzel,

Your post in this thread touched me beyond words. I pray everyday that my son will keep trying and see the Herculean effort that is required to push forward despite this illness.

Take care & God bless.

Rapunzel wow, your post is very profound and good for Phil in terms of what a diagnosis can do to a person.

Hi Phil, I originally didn't post a response because I have zero knowledge with bipolar or schizophrenia.

Trust me when I say this, everyone here is very caring. I'm still sort of new but am not treated that way. Just take it slow it will happen.

I agree that focusing on symptoms rather than a diagnosis is better for most people.

I'm sure autistic kids are told their lives are over too however, did you hear about this autistic boy?

http://www.hannity.com/forum/archive...p/t-11521.html

This is a must read for all of us not just Phil. Just get a tissue, it's a tear-jerker...

Welcome Phil...you are cared for here.

Phil. One of my first posts on this board was about my initial diagnosis or lack of. I was so mad that my pdoc was focusing on depression and possible personality disorders tied to the depression. She didn't really talk about bi-polar at all. Yet she prescribed depakote er (mood stabilizer used for BP) and an anti-depressant. So I didn't quite understand. But I never got a definitive diagnosis out of her. I was very angry. I hated her.

As time went on she learned more about me and we've reached what I think is a good med combo. I'm on effexor, wellbutrin, and depakote. I finally asked her for a dx last month (4th visit) and she said that it's most likely BP II, but still said it can take up to 2 years to give a definitive dx, and even then it may not be accurate. I tend to be much more down than up, and the ups are exciting, but definitely not full-blown mania. BP II fits me pretty well, but I could possibly have GAD, PPD, OCD, and some other things as well.

Once I settled down about the whole dx thing, I realized that I don't really care what it is. All I know is it's chronic, and with medication, therapy (to learn how to cope with it), and a lot of patience...I can live my life however I want to.

Man, I was freaked out and angry though. I had a panic attack over the dx thing. Now I know that it is better to start accepting who you are, no matter what that may be, rather than labeling yourself.

I wish you all the best.

Phil,

I looked up that report, and now I'm not sure there is much in there that goes beyond what I already told you, but here goes. The recommendations included:

Ongoing management of psychiatric medications.

Therapy, including cognitive-behavioral as well as social coaching. Therapy would also include help with coping with the things that are going on in your environment, coping with fear and anxiety, development of appropriate social skills, increase of independence and self-reliance, and understanding of your symptoms and diagnosis.

I don't know if you need it, but you could consider a day program for people your age who have similar symptoms. Or maybe group therapy, so that you can see that you are not alone, and you can help others like you as well as see some of the amazing things that some of them are doing.

Structured social activities with peers, which means activities where there is a specific purpose or plan, as opposed to a party or dance where you just hang out. (How do you do at parties and dances?)

I am glad that my other post meant something to you. You're sensitive enough to pick up on the real experience and feelings of others. I think that is an excellent sign that you can have a successful life. Would you like to tell us any of your plans, hopes, or dreams for your future?

Rap

Those are all good ideas Rapunzel. I'll look into those.