Oh honey, it's a journey. But being involved here you will learn a lot, get support, and see that we have lives too, they're just a little different than other people. Good luck. I hope you'll stick around.

I have taken Seroquel for years and it is the only thing that has really worked for me. I take other things as well, but that is the main one. As Sadie said, it is a journey. Even on meds, things can fluctuate. It is hard, I won't lie. But it CAN be managed. U just have to make sure that you take good care of yourself, get enough sleep, exercise and have lots of coping mechanisms for dealing with stress. And also a good support system of friends and/or family. I don't have the world's greatest support system so it is rough for me. sending you hugs x

It is a journey like everyone has said. Support groups help, they really do. You're not alone. (((Hugs)))

HI and Welcome Meagan ... I'm glad you found us... DS is a great site

You are going to have to try and be patient ..It takes time to find the right meds for you but you will... Bipolar Disorder is a very controllable disorder.. There are many tools to help you to cope and get stable that your doctor will work with you on and there are a lot of good posts on here...I have gotten a ton of great advise on DS over the years

I would start to educate yourself.. Knowledge is power.... Acceptance is a huge first step... Once you accept you have the disorder you start to work on working with it and not against it... Big hug..x

Greetings and salutations, princess! Welcome to the group!

Yes Sun Cloud is right it does take time to find the right med. I had to go on meds when my life spun out of control and couldn't work any longer. Without meds I would not even be here. The Health Clinic and meds saved my life. Each drug works different for people cause of side effects the key is to find the right drug with the least side effects that start to work for you. so it takes a while to find the right balance. For me Lamictal the mood stabilizer works well. Seroquel works too. Cymbalta works well.

Hi Megan welcome to our group. You are in the right place as far as finding awesome support and great advice on what it is like to live with BP. I have made great friends here. when you feel alone with this disease remember the people here on DS walk in your shoes and most likely understand what you are going thru. I know you may feel overwelmed having only just been diagnosed. But like some of the other peeps posted here, find a pdoc, I waited to long to do this and it wasnt good, and find which meds work best for you. I have always taken lithium and it works well for me for now. And again always remember that you can come here to vent, to cry, to give advice, or to have fun. Hugs

I got diagnosed in lat January of this year and I was going through a lot of the same emotions you're going through right now. When I first go diagnosed I was adament that I didn't need medication, but then I finally got onto medication that works for me and it's made a world of differance. But like Sadie said, it's indeed a journey and even with meds, your moods do fluctuate, but (in my case, it's differant for everyone) the mood swings are not as intense. Like Sunny mentioned, I've also learned a lot about this illness from being on the board. I hope that being on this board helps you feel a little more at ease and I hope that you find the right meds that work for you.

Welcome..Finding a dr you like and trust is key..Took me awhile to find one but I am happy with him now..Getting you on the right meds you need and talking with your dr should help. Hopefully that wont take to long and you can lead a productive life,,,best of luck

Welcome and I wish you well on this journey. I agree that educating yourself on the disorder and having a good support team is so important.

Be proactive in your treatment. ask questions and be clear on what it is the docs are putting you on and why.

Try not to get discouraged if you hit any bumps in the road.

I found in the beginning I found keeping a journal or keeping track of my moods as well as how I was feeling on whatever med I was put on....

Good luck- one minute at a time....