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.
My therapist suggested I join a support group and this one looked the best. I have cyclothymia and ADHD. Cyclothymia is a milder version of Bipolar disorder. I have a family history of Bipolar and I was sexually abused from age 13-15 by a cousin. I also have been raped twice. My father was verbally and mentally abusive. I have worked through my PTSD through therapy. I was just recently diagnosed with ADHD and Cyclothymia. I have had symptoms for a long time. I used to call my manic days "OCD days", because I would get really OCD about cleaning everything. I would laugh at the stupidest stuff and be happy even though I felt no reason to be happy. My lows I always thought were just normal depression since I was a teenager. When I have my lows I feel like I can't get out of bed, very fatigued, don't see the point of living, and can't function well. I don't know what I am going to get out of this support group exactly, but I hope it helps.
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Well, good morning to you!Today is National Roller Coaster Day. Are any of you going?It's also National Tell-A-Joke Day! Come up with some and share!I'm not bright with jokes these days, but I'll start:"Today I ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon...I'll let you know." :D
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The weeks seem to fly by!Happy Saturday to everyoneI hope that the weekend brings some chill time and barbecuesDoes it take others what seems like forever to add a comment on the boards?I'm okay everywhere else except boards..Everywhere else adds normally but it's annoyingly slow!Have a great Saturday and do something nice for you!!Big hug...xo
It is unusual to have a 'dual diagnosis' of Cyclothemia and ADHD, accept for the fact that Lack of Focus, Bad Time Management Skills and Rage issues tend to be always present, as opposed to just being worse when you're in a Depressive or Hypomanic phase. People with Cyclothemia generally don't have full Manic Episodes, and to get that Diagnosis you can't have had a Severe Depressive Issue.
You mention being OCD at times, that in itself is its own problem and is not part of Cyclothemia or BiPolar Disorder.
There's a lot to unpack when you have multiple issues, and learning how to manage all of the symptoms takes time. Medications are the most important of course, but learning the right Coping Skills is very important.
Welcome to the Board.
Kat
I've been BiPolar for 31 years...and I still have my days where my head is a Hamster Wheel that just spins at a 100 mph or trying to get my head out of a fog so I can organize my day to get in a mindset of working is not a challenge.
I've found over the years that using as many tools and coping skills and therapies as you can, tends to make managing the symptoms easier, and you feel a little more prepared for what's coming, even though you don't exactly know when it's coming.
There are a lot of good people around here, that will have a good idea of what you're going through, when you're going through it.
Kat