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.
Although I still am unsure if I am bipolar I or if I have depressive breakdowns related to the trauma of incest, I feel that I am well right now and want to have a career or be more active in the community. that being said, I have been under-involved in relationships and have held back for a long time. I do feel like I have dealt with my past and my personality is changed due to psychiatric drugs and I really think it's possible I may not have another breakdown. I have never been this stable in my entire life.
I still feel like I have 'missed the boat' in life. our world doesn't say, "oh, it's okay. we understand that your uncle sexually assaulted you and you had a breakdown when you were 17. here, pick up where you left off and don't worry about it." I still believe that I have more to do and become and I don't want to let my past stand in my way.
Treatment for me made me appreciate that I wasn't as "crazy" as I thought I was. For instance, I was the only one watching television in the psych ward when I was there. I saw many people who were much worse off than me and it made me realize that my life isn't so bad.
I do feel like bipolar folks are too hard on themselves because treatment may make them feel like all of their feelings are crazy. A friend at church said, "oh, I just felt anxious about serving Thanksgiving dinner because I'm bipolar." Well, that sounds normal to me, not bipolar. It's sad if people are beating themselves up with their diagnosis.
I still feel like I have 'missed the boat' in life. our world doesn't say, "oh, it's okay. we understand that your uncle sexually assaulted you and you had a breakdown when you were 17. here, pick up where you left off and don't worry about it." I still believe that I have more to do and become and I don't want to let my past stand in my way.
Treatment for me made me appreciate that I wasn't as "crazy" as I thought I was. For instance, I was the only one watching television in the psych ward when I was there. I saw many people who were much worse off than me and it made me realize that my life isn't so bad.
I do feel like bipolar folks are too hard on themselves because treatment may make them feel like all of their feelings are crazy. A friend at church said, "oh, I just felt anxious about serving Thanksgiving dinner because I'm bipolar." Well, that sounds normal to me, not bipolar. It's sad if people are beating themselves up with their diagnosis.
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I find myself going places in the car and not wanting to get out of the car. I come back home and I don't want to get out of the car. I think it's the only time I spend reflecting. Chronic tiredness from Long Covid plus the immunosupressing meds for my Crohn's is slowing me down but everything just seems a massive effort. I am dealing with the paperwork following my father's death but it's not...
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Wow, it's the middle of the week already!Today is our 11 year anniversary, so we're going out to a nice dinner. I'm losing a lot of sleep these days, hence a wonky schedule and uncomfortable feelings. But I know it will pass, eventually.I hope all of you have a peaceful day, and may good things come your way!
You say you are not sure if you are bipolar, I see from your profile that you have been diagnosed but you are now unsure of that diagnosis.
I'd suggest you get a second opinion, if they say "yes you are bipolar" get them to tell you why and probe and challenge.
To then answer your question, it depends on how serious the bipolar is. How much you stick to the meds and go back if they don't work. How much you are able to live a healthy lifestyle.
Mania seriously messes with life (Bipolar 1). Hypomania (Bipolar 2) less so though for me it screwed an academic career, several promotions, relationships and got me generally into trouble at various points of my life.
But I'm married, have my own house, have a career as a professional so I really cannot complain.
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I don't want to sound cold or uncaring , but If I had terminal cancer I would be so grateful if it was bp instead .
Its my perception that has a great deal to do with how much is enough or how limited I am .
I also have to learn what my own personal limits are and respect them , everyone is different .
It is a mood disorder so anxious my be exadurated even more so for a beepr . I have meds for that so I would be prepared .
Living with Bipolar 1 is extremely challenging. In the past year it has caused me to shoplift, get arrested twice, be promiscuous to the point of real danger, (DUI), jail time, left my prestigious job, trouble at my new job,,,, divorce,,,, Of course other factors also played a part in this, but i have come to realize this is a disease that cannot be taken lightly and needs to be closely managed. Staying on top of meds, going to see Pdoc and Tdoc regularly, being very consious about treatment and recovery (doing all my therapy homework) and also exercising, SAD light, blah blah blah. It gets tiring -- but if i let it slip,,,,I could end up in real trouble.
Thank you for this post. I feel very fortunate to be so functional and successful. I have dealt with this since i was 13, and have had many successes. it takes a strong woman and hard work tho.
i feel my issues may not fit a simple diagnosis because they include incest, and being a child of hoarders. I personally am not convinced of the bipolar I label because I am not sure if I ever been manic. ..... if I begin exhibiting signs of a breakdown, I would start with counseling and see what else I needed to do. I will try to be respectful on this board even though my experiences have not always been positive.
Welcome, wishing you peace and comfort ASAP!
It took time because so many disorders can piggyback other disorders.
With that said I believe it is possible to have whatever life you want. Is it an easy road? No but I have a really wonderful life with a great support system.
Hard work and growing and learning is what life is no matter what our personal experiences are. Some days are easier than others but accepting I can not change all the yesterdays I do know I can change my tomorrows by recognizing my todays!! Make sense??? idk I babble so I apologize.
Not all of life's issues are related to being bipolar. Its just life. Get a second opinion and however you decide to manage the bipolar I wish you well.