Hi Carole, welcome! You are not alone. I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder 20 years ago, when I was 16 years old and have had my share of severe bipolar depression. The depression is real and hard to get through, but there are some things that improve it like mood stabilizers, vitamin D, sunshine, walking/exercise, surrounding yourself with things you love and positive things and positive people, eating healthy, talking to a therapist or supportive friend/family member. It's easier said than done I know because it's hard for us to do some of those things when we are so depressed. I used to push myself to do things even though I really didn't feel like doing anything. Don't worry there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is possible to not have depression or manic episodes for years with the right treatment, support, self-awareness, and determination. We are all here for you!

hi and welcome to the board.

Thank you. All I want to do is sink into nothingness. This depression has lasted like 2 months or more. I’m sick of myself and sorry others have to deal with me

Hi silverfox_pdx,

I have several family members who are bi polar. When you were diagnosed recently, did they suggest what you could do? Such as therapy, and/or medications?

Medications have helped my family members with their depression and it seems to also have stabilized their moods, from what they tell me.

There is help out there. I encourage you to seek help from a psychiatrist... they are medical doctors, and they can offer suggestions for you to try. I am hopeful this will help you to feel better.

I know it is hard. You are not alone.

You will get through this. When we reach the lowest lows, the only way now is up. I believe in you. Don't worry too much about others right now, you need to focus on yourself. Have you tried journaling? Sometimes it helps me to get my thoughts and feeling out on paper so I'm not bottling up all my different emotions. Sometimes the journaling turns into poetry and it becomes a stress reliever. Or maybe you are into art/crafts/reading? Finding something you love to do can be a great stress reliever and can keep your mind occupied for some time.

Welcome to the board silverfox..... I think the only people who can truly 'get it' are people who walk the walk

Your mental health team should be educated and helpful

Hopefully you can find friends who are empathetic.... This is a good place to come.... big hug....xo

Welcome to DS. I have depression now, also. Hugs.

Hello and welcome! Its good to connect to support. Life is still manageable with bipolar, just takes some
Awareness and a network of support. Agree - this is a good place to come.

"You don't look like you're bipolar" Ugh!!! I'm not sure if that's a measure of someone's empathy & understanding or if it's a fine compliment to you! Probably some of both. It's also an opportunity for you to understand your friends better, and to better educate the ones you can.

When people would say that to me, I'd quote the Monty Python parrot sketch. I'll post a link, but if you aren't familiar it's basically a guy that bought a dead parrot from a pet shop and is trying to return it. The clerk keeps arguing that the obviously dead parrot is still alive and says it has "beautiful plumage". The reply, and what I say (in a British accent) when told I don't look bipolar, is "The plumage don't enter into it."

Here's the link - https://vimeo.com/112503950

Hi Silverfox,

Nothing like being back slapped with "You don't look like your Bipolar," what does even mean?

Yes the pit of depression check I think we all have stayed there for longer than any of would have liked....Remind yourself it does stop, it can go away. Depression unfortunately follows it's own time table and doesn't bother to explain when it will be leaving!

Hang in there medication does take away the time one has to be low energy and it helps to cut down on the time of high energy that often gets misdirected.

Patience isn't a quality many of us "bipolar bears" will admit to but it's worth giving it a try that and what ever self compassion you can muster. This is a good place to hang around; unlike others we really understand!

welcome. Just love yourself.