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.

8,884 Members
129,556 Posts
1 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Hello, I'm new here

Catlady10
Catlady10

Hello everyone,


I was diagnosed 10 years ago, but don't really talk about it too much.  Although I am in healthcare, I  still feel the stigma attached to a diagnosis. 


Currently, I am trying to cope with coming off a hypomanic episode. I couldn't work today because of it, but I didn't my boss that,although I do have some physical issues that are ( maybe/ probably) related.


I don't have hypomanic episodes often, but am terribly embarrassed when they do happen.


Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself.  I've been reading posts and feel this is a safe place to be. 

Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
hi and welcome to the board.
Catlady10
Catlady10
Thank you acuriousfish!
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Welcome to the board.... This is a good place to come anytime that you do want to talk about it... Big hug.....xo
gumbyiam
gumbyiam
I also work in healthcare and have been in a mixed state or depressed state for months and I have not revealed diagnosis and that increases my sense of embarrassment and isolation. Hang in there!
Catlady10
Catlady10
Healthcare is tricky, isn't it? We're supposed to be empathetic and understanding, but don't always get it in return.
SensitiveHoboLady
SensitiveHoboLady
Welcome! It’s so much more of a struggle when you ALSO feel you have to hide it.
Catlady10
Catlady10
Very true.
Keda1088
Keda1088
Welcome to the board! I'm new to this as well. I hope that things get better for you.
Catlady10
Catlady10
Thank you Keda1088!
I hope the same for you.
It's a struggle, but I think we can get through it.
Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
Welcome
beckyp
beckyp
Welcome to the group.

I, too, don't tell anyone about my diagnosis. Only my close family members and best friends know about it. I just don't feel the need to tell others. At first it was because of the stigma, now it's just none of their business.
Maui1992
Maui1992
Welcome to the group!

I have care aides who come into my home a few times a day. If I'm doing badly, I just say it's not a good day or it's a bad pain day or I didn't get much sleep last night or I have depression – but I don't say bipolar. In fact, I was in denial for years about the diagnosis because I didn't see it at the time and because of the stigma.
Sayrah0315
Sayrah0315
Hi I am new to the group too and I understand that I am a direct care staff for children with mental disabilities and sometimes even I still feel a stigma over it.
MarieEternal
MarieEternal
It is nice to meet you. I felt stigmatized also, and it hurts if you let it get to you. Remember, we are masters of our own future, and you can be whatever you want to be. That is a great job to help children with mental disabilities. I am sure that the children appreciate it. Good Luck.
elbea
elbea
Completely understand the sentiment around the stigma. I feel it's an easily misunderstood disorder.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Community LeaderSunCloudJD

    The wee small hours of Thursday!

    Posted by: SunCloudJD
    Last Reply: malibumark
    6
    Good Thursday to you!I've been watching a really long trial on Youtube these last couple of nights and will finish tomorrowHopefully I'll be in the land of nod soon and I hope my peeps are having sweet dreams followed by a great daySending hugs...xo
  • AngelaJo

    PTSD/anxiety plus life its been awhile

    Posted by: AngelaJo
    Last Reply: arfie
    3
    Hey all, i know its been quite awhile since i posted on here. Its been a summer all right. Its been something else........... You know how they say not to open the can of worms? Well a few months ago i decided to find out what my due date would have been for my first baby, the one conceived by r***. My baby would have been due on March 4th of 2006. They would be 20 years old. I was R**** on June...