Hi and welcome to the board.

Don't have too much advice I'm afraid. I wasn't diagnosed until late in life but looking back while I was at University my bipolar showed for the first time. There were other factors involved but it wrecked what would have probably been an academic career so bear that in mind when you refelect on the problems the meds are currently causing you.

I don't know what you are on but it is natural with alot of meds to sort of zone out for a month or so while you get used to them. This is something you need to discuss with your doctor if you can.

Hi! I am in the same exact position: 19, sophomore in college, recently diagnosed. I am struggling to find a medication, but I still have some hope for that. When I was first diagnosed I was in the midst of a depressive episode and was getting literally no work done, and I accidentally missed classes, which is something I have never done in my 19 years. My therapist told me to take a deep breath and forgive myself. We are going through something right now, and we have to be kinder to ourselves. My therapist also told me to look into taking a leave of absence. Even if it is only for a week or two, a leave of absence would help give some time to reset. I know it's scary, but it is important to practice some self care.

Whenever I am in a low point, I want to do nothing, but when I am at a high point, I want to do everything except for school work. I am not sure if you relate to that, but that's how school has been going for me this semester. I try to take advantage of the in between periods, where my mind is confused and unsure of how it feels. I do a lot of work when I feel able, and then when my mood fluctuates again, I take it slow, reading and coloring to calm myself down.

I wish I could be more helpful, but I think I need the same advice that you do. In a silly way, I feel incredibly validated that someone else is going through the same thing, and I hope you do as well.

Welcome to the board Lil.... I was diagnosed later in life as well however I did have to take time off of work to find some stability

If you find that it's to hard I would consider talking to your college and see about taking a semester or two off to find a stable place.... That's the only thing that I can think of

Unless you stabilize very quickly it may simply be too hard ....I hope that it's not but know that there are options that you can do both ... Stablize and get your degree it may just take a little time

I am pretty flat as well.... I have accepted that as my way of being ... If it's something you're struggling with you'll have to work with your psych on meds and dosages

Most of us have had to do that.... Finding other coping tools is important as well

Journaling.... therapy if you can manage it.... exercise.... gratitude if one of my most important.... grounding techniques etc.....

There are a lot of things that can help you.... Big hug....xo

My comments are very much like a curious fish above. Diagnosed later in life but in hindsight significant mental health issues affecting my university studies. Took me 10 years to get my bachelors. I got my Masters in a private university. If I went to a public one in Canada, I probably would've failed. I'm just starting on BP 2 meds, so I'm hoping for improvement finally at the age of 52. So I am very glad you have been diagnosed young enough so you don't make all the mistakes some of us have. Go down to 2 courses if you have to. Once the medications stabilize and you feel stable, you can try taking 3 again. I wish you the best!

Sounds like you are taking all the right steps and on a good path...kudos to you for recognizing what your needs are! It’s going to be a long road, so have patience in yourself and the process. Also, I’m happy you are listening to your body and not taking full course load. Looking back at my college years, I probably would have benefitted from scaling back the workload slightly.