Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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sossie 03/13/2012

I think I know the answer to that question, but I want some other feedback.

Yes I have been diagnosed with BP II but I have more or less refused to acknowledge it for a host of reason, none of which I truly want to discuss at this time.

I work a full time job which I have been at for the past 7 years. I go to school taking two difficult classes at a time. People who don't know that I have BP are amazed that I can do all this and maintain sanity.

So in the "normal" mentally healthy world am I unusual because I can do all this.

Am I?

deleted_user 03/13/2012

I am not sure.

If your taking meds maybe you have the right mix.

How often do you cycle? Maybe your one of those that doesn't cycle often. Maybe you have been taught effective coping skills and you can use them.

Whatever the case it is wonderful that you can be effective in your life a lot of the time. Take care

SwordDancer 03/13/2012

I maintained for several years too under high amounts of stress. Worked a job part-time, went to school full-time and raised two kids by myself. My initial diagnosis was at the age of 25 (cyclothymia..a lesser form of BP) then another diagnosis a the age of 28 (major depression). After graduation I had my first professional job for 7 years in child protection before moving to another job in a jail doing drug/alcohol counseling which I held for two years in hopes of going for my master's. It wasn't until my late 30's that things began getting difficult for me. I had a psychotic break at the jail at the age of 38 and my whole life changed. Guess you could say I reached my breaking point and was not on the appropriate meds for BiPolar disorder at the time which led to my break.

Today, I am working full-time but my goals are different. BP maintenance is my first priority. I do not want to go back in the hospital from another psychotic break!! I have to really watch my stress levels. My highs are getting higher. My doc says due to my body changing (age).

People with BP, depending on the severity of the BP can and do have normal, productive lives. But no matter what, the BP maintenance has to come first, imho.

aprilraven 03/13/2012

I don't know if I'm 1 or 2, but I've been in the same job for 6.5 years. I also have 2 step boys that I am the major caregiver to. Once upon a time I had a full-time job, a part-time job and went to school full-time and maintained that level for about 3 years. So it's not impossible, but from what I've seen it's rare. I also wasn't as symptomatic then. I'm not doing too well at what I have atm so who knows how long it will last now.

sossie 03/13/2012

Oh I am not medicated and haven't been for years. I cycle about every 4-6 weeks but I just deal with the symptoms and push my self out the door because I have to. I am glad to know that I am not the only person doing all this, it just seems to me that people think I am super woman and I am not really...

Halterbroke 03/13/2012

Many, many people are high functioning with BP. Enjoy it!!!

CarlaBent 03/13/2012

I think that there's plenty of other beepers who do just about as good as you do and I consider you guys to be the really lucky ones!!!

And not JUST lucky!! I think you're also really well-skilled at dealing with this illness. You consistently make an effort and that diligence pays off!!!

I think you've got excellent coping skills!! (((((Hugs)))))

deleted_user 03/13/2012

In my early 20's I worked weekend nights as a CNA which was full time and then went to nursing school full time with a 3.8 GPA and a full time single mom. I literally had no time to look after myself and I was unmedicated. Once I hit my late 20's and early 30's I just couldn't do it anymore and filed for disability. I am hoping to get stable enough to go back to nursing part time. I have no idea when that will be. But, I am patient and I am on the right combo of meds So, hang in there Sossie, you are doing a great job! Keep doing what your doing. How is that sweet baby of yours?

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