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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College and BP

mistyeyr
mistyeyr
I was wondering if there was anyone that is in college and not taking any medication for BP. Im starting school on the 21st and im so nervous. Its my first time back since I was diagnosed and im worried that I wont do as well because im not on meds. Will these mood swings affect my ability to study or pay attention to my instructor? I know before I was diagnosed, I had a really hard time with the homework aspect. There are 5 people who live here and my son is 2, so having time to think in quiet was hard to find. And when I would get frustrated I would have some crazy episodes and freak out on everyone and I would retreat into a shell. I just dont want to have an episode in class and end up making a scene and everyone think im crazy. So does anyone have any tips or suggestions about the BP and being in an environment like college?
Voltaire64
Voltaire64
When I was your age I did a 2 year diploma Social Services program and found it hard. Ended up being hospitalized twice. I was away from home and being very shy I didn't have any type of support network, so if you have any type of support available that will definitely be beneficial for you. Perhaps you may want to consider doing a reduced course load if possible in the beginning just to ease into things and not become overly stressed. Best of luck to you.
vickybea
vickybea
keep a mood journal to track your mood swings if you don't already have one start it today if you can. See a therapist too if you don't have one see if the college has a councellor who can help you find a cheap one if cost is an issue.

l was unmedicated through college and uni l was fine when stable at college but once the pressure of uni hit l was all over the place, its true l was unaware but deadlines are deadlines so l think it would have been better to have someone in authority who knew and was on my side who could talk to my tutors so l could have had some leeway when unwell.

good luck l managed it without meds, but it was such hard work and l seriously crashed afterwards because l tried to keep up the pace, mine was a f/t course too.
deleted_user
deleted_user
How come you are not on meds? College is very stressful, you might find you'll have better success if you were on meds. I am in graduate school, and am barely getting by, and I am no meds.
ivybelle
ivybelle
Your college should have a disability resource office. You don't have to be on SSI, you just have to have a diagnosis as bp. They will give you accommodations like you can leave class if you need to, extra time for assignments, etc. While I am on meds, they haven't been working all that well and I've definitely needed this resource. Good luck! And congrats on going to school!