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.
Hi my name is Amber I’m 36, live in the southern part of the US, married, and no kids. I was diagnosed in 2006 initially with PTSD abd Major Depressive Disorder abd then in 2008 with Bipolar Disorder. I take Lamictal because my primary problem is depression. I’ve had full blown mania though. In the past couple years it was just hypomania. I also as of right now have partially treated depression. Can’t take Zoloft (makes me hallucinate), can’t take Prozac (severe insomnia), can’t take lexapro (gained 30 pounds in it within 3 months), can’t take Wellbutrin (makes my hand on my right side go numb plus I get delusions on it.) I have tried all the antipsychotics (atypical mostly and one first generation.) The one I started two years ago was Vraylar and it was absolutely wonderful. Well a month ago I was taken off because I started having shaking involuntarily in my head and hands. I’ve been on lithium, depakote, and Zyprexa (gained 115 pounds.) Most of those antipsychotics gave me akathisia and that was a nightmare. I have had some extreme mood shifts since going off Vraylar and since I’ve tried everything they can not put me on another AP. I’ve been doing okay considering. I do a lot of journaling for my mood shifts and use essential oils. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga,etc. has never worked for me. I was supposed to go to the doctor today but didn’t have the $110 to go so I had to cancel my appointment for today on Monday. I know I know long intro but I wanted to see if any of you could relate and give you a feel of what I’ve experienced and where I’m at right now. I haven’t put up an avatar yet or a pic of myself because I can’t figure out on my IPhone how to do it so I’m gonna have to use a desktop computer somewhere. Okay so what about y’all? I want to know you guys too
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Life has been really hard this past year. I'm really feeling down and alone. I can't talk to my family about my depression and anxiety their not very understanding about it. It's really hitting me since my mother passed a few months ago, plus stress from having to eventually move. Also having my niece coming around who suffers bipolar and refuses to take medication for it. Its been...
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When i was in the ER February 16th 2025, i was being admitted to ICU where i was for 3 weeks, then had to relearn to walk for 3 weeks in another hospital rehab floor, the nurse told me something that made me feel for over 18 months now that i was finally *safe*. She told me that the guy who raped and beat me 21 years ago now almost 20 years at that time, was in prison as of a month before that...
Glad you found us. Thanks for sharing.
But I have also decided to tackle the problem with psychotherapy in hope that I can reduce my reliance on medication. CBT is supposed to work well for Bipolar. I don't know why but my psychologist calls it DBT now.
Getting the meds right is such a horrible and long trial and error process. I am struggling with depression right now because like I said I can't take anti-depressants. I joined the forum for a little support because I have very little friends and I cry a lot.
This is a good board with some great people.... I'm glad that you've found us... Big hug....xo