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.

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blindvertigo11 04/01/2008

I was diagnosed at 17. I'm 18 now and for a while I thought a year was a long time. But now I'm hearing these stories of 11 or more years of having to battle with it. How bad does it get and what kind of hope did you have throughout the experience to keep you going?

deleted_user 04/01/2008

http://www.blessyoumovie.com/

deleted_user 04/01/2008

http://www.johnlennon.com/html/videos.aspx

Shelly4 04/01/2008

I wish I had only had 11 years of it. I was diagnosed at 18 again at 30, I am 51 and still have it. I will have it my entire life. Hope is what you build through the disorder. Explore your gifts and nurture them. Become the best you can and live your best quality of life. I have my good and bad days but I am definately content with who I am. Hugs

deleted_user 04/01/2008

Hey, don't let other peoples
history scare you because we
are all different.
Knowing what I know since diag. I beleive that I've been bipolar all my life so you should feel fortunate, I
know that sounds weird, to be diag. early on in your life. This way you know what's going on in your body and with help can lead a pretty normal life.

deleted_user 04/01/2008

Hope comes from inner contemplation and the attempt to control the mind. It can become very bad delusional psychosis etc. The drugs you are taking should help you greatly, BP is not the end of the world you can be fully functional.

joybells 04/01/2008

It took awhile for me to be diagnosed.I am lucky enough to have a mother who understands that I'm sick and she is my source of support and strength.Even when I have bad times,I never lose hope.

deleted_user 04/01/2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWBdPkWkjkw

People are working on it

deleted_user 04/01/2008

Don't worry hun, with the right medication you can lead a perfectly normal life. I was dx at 21, and have had some hard times, but I still have hope for the future and know that there are good things out there for me, as there are for you too. Keep your chin up, and I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to.
Hugs

Marilyanna 04/01/2008

I was diagnosed at 28 married a wonderful man and had no systoms for 22 years and no meds. My advice is to go and become an electrician or goto some schooling that is a specific trade. Maybe something that you can be your own person. Many of us have wonderful cocktails ofmeds that have us functioning really well. Get a good pdoc and tdoc and always have insurance

deleted_user 04/01/2008

to be honest, you're going to have some bumpy times. especially because you're so young. i was 18 just eith years ago. and i know how hard it can be to be so young and have this dianosis.
but there are plenty of good meds and good therapist that can really help you out.
but some advice, do not become a heavy drinker. when someone with a mental illness drinks it affects us differently than others. i can't even begain to tell you how many times i went out with my friends, had lots of fun, lots of booze, got completly drunk, but then after i got droped off, i would just lay in bed for hours crying ad crying because i was so depressed and wanted to die.

polarbare 04/01/2008

There is hope always.. with the right combination of meds, lifestyle changes ie. stress management this disease can be managed... it doesn't go away but you can have balance... give it time :D

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