I have just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder after being treated for anxiety, depression for years. Then I had a traumatic experience after being given the wrong medication. Now I'm taking a low dose of lactimal which is really good for evening out moods, but I think it leaves me really depressed. Does anyone know what pairs well with this medication? I'm not even sure if I have bipolar disorder or PMDD. Doctors diagnose one instead of the other and I feel so confused and alone. Sorry I don't know anything about FMLA in Canada.

Hi. I was diagnosed type I in 2009 and have been on Depakote and clonopin... Can't believe how much time has gone by. A lot of people feel empowered by their diagnosis but for me it has been a source of shame. I feel lucky that I have been able to finish university, but finding a steady job has not been easy. It feels like the whole world runs on a different clock.

The people I meet who understand the bipolar mindset tend to be artistic types, who prize seclusion. Not exactly the networking crowd. What's worse is that I live in a small town that is a 1 hour drive from any city, so I feel extra secluded. My friends, the ones I have managed to hold on to, have grown up and don't want to hear about my problems.

It's strange but I miss the mania sometimes even if it did push me to psychosis, I miss the magical feeling that the whole world is shiny and alive--full of hidden messages.

Welcome. Maybe you can let people know how they can support you. Tell them what you need.
I’ve found this site to be very supportive. I have several family member who have bipolar and my mother suffered depression for years so I have people who understand.
It’s hard when your loved ones don’t understand what you are going through. Sometimes they just don’t know what you need. And sometimes you don’t even know what you need

Hi Mothermoon, I'm glad you made this post. I've been feeling very similar to what you are express but I thought maybe I was just crazy!! I was just diagnosed with bipolar 2 in April and have been struggling to deal with it. I did know a few people growing up who had Bipolar with intermittent rage but I never in a hundred years could imagine that I could be bipolar as well. I always thought that if you don't get angry and rage randomly then you can't be bipolar. I think that concept of bipolar disorder is pretty prevalent because I hear that response from my friends and family... "you can't be bipolar.. you never get angry" "you're not crazy enough to be Bipolar" or "If your bipolar that the rest of us must be insane".... It sucks to hear responses like that, or the funny looks, cause it makes you feel even more like there is something wrong with you or that your defective. Anyway, I can totally appreciate what you are saying here and I'm glad there this site exists so that we don't have to feel alone!!!!!

Hi Everyone

First of all no one should be ashamed of having this dx. I believe it's something you were born with and caused by how your brain functions. I work in a physician's office in a non-medical position and have witnessed a bipolar patient. He was being seen for a totally different reason. I later was told he forgot to take his medication. He became outraged on a visit and caused a seen but then was super nice the following visit and even apologized for his actions. Honestly, sometime I feel I may have a touch of it. If you don't mind my asking how do they determine you have it?

Hello Mothermoon….I know you posted this a long time ago so I'm not sure you'll even see my reply. Today is my first day on this site. I am 55 and was diagnosed with BP when I was 21 but didn't experience mania until I was 30 when they doubled my Prozac without any mood stabilizer. It was a trip to hell. Anyhow, I hid my diagnosis from a lot of people too. This year I finally told my work associates that I have that diagnoses and have been pleasantly surprised by their reactions. Of course, I have worked there for 10 years so they already knew me so I guess they wouldn't be "afraid" of me due to the diagnosis. I hope you get to the point where you can feel enough trust to share your diagnosis and that people will treat you with understanding and dignity.

Hello here if u like to chat

Hello, welcome to DS. I have bipolar 2 also. I won't sugar coat this. It's a rough road. Many in my circle don't understand how bp works. I get criticized for depressed and crying. This is a great support group. Big hugs.

Ok this thread is over a year old.

@Supercoolcat, I'll PM you.

Closed.