Sorry to hear about your problems, as well as no responses to your previous post. Sounds like you are in drastic need of a med. change. Don't spend so long in bed, get to your doc.

I'm sorry you are having so much problems. Can you withdraw from classes to avoid failing grades while you get this illness under control? See your pdoc about medication. I had a similar problem when I was in college only I waited too long to withdraw and failed one semester. The next semester I withdrew from the university until I was more stable.

I'm sorry you are going through this. It happened to me in college too, I guess it was all the stress. I spoke to my instructors about it and they were astonishingly understanding. Don't be afraid to speak up. Also when I was in grad school I went to the dean of students with disabilities and was able to get extra time for assignments, note takers, etc. Can't hurt to give it a try. Feel better sweetie, *hugs*.

I agree your are not working - pain is inevitable, suffering - we have t fight and try and adjust, not accept this is the rest of your life...

Depression is powerful, if you've been down months - then that is where you start.

Feeling sad and useless is text book depression, WE ALL have been there - thats how I know they are lies - how can all of us, all over the world have the same thoughts, for no reason? It's because our brains our sick, making the wrong chemicals in the wrong amounts - depression, sleep and doom chemicals
(((BIG HUG)))

calling those thoughts liars, venting on here, making friends and commenting on their post, trying to smile, try to laugh....but definitely time to try new medications....

You are not a loser or pitiful - your sick, and need to try something different! Besides medications, do you work on coping skills? Do you read any self help shit? : ) Try any support groups available? Our illness wants us alone and isolated (another thing we have to fight!!!)

Feeling horrible today - is NOT the rest of your life, its just right now - it sucks, and you have found US! You are not alone...

IT will get better, and the It is YOU!!!!!

(the main board has more people, above in the sub-categories, and advice, are just SLOW! Keep posting on the main board - which has also been slow! LOL But we are here, for you : )

This struggle is one that many of us have. The thing that you have to watch out for, Zeinna is the average Joe doesn't understand mental illness at all--even educated ones. Some have some understanding of it, but most just can't wrap their heads around it. Symptoms of bipolar are misinterpreted amongst all lines-academic, genetic and religious.

You are not weak nor stupid.

The objective is to have a proper self image, an image of yourself as a good and strong persom who must manage certain aspects of your being which require special care.

All of us must present a certain face to the public and certain skills or ways of dealing with or interfacing socially with others. This takes practice and time.

One danger is that depending upon the approval or disapproval of others can lead on into indecisiveness, to dangerous and toxic people and situations, and also to a state of perpetual self doubt.

If you can learn what triggers you and how to cope with it, how to ground yourself and know yourself well enough, then you can function and do okay.

As for college, may I reccomend 9-12 hours only, with three easy course and one difficult or 4 courses of moderate difficulty. Keep good friends by your side and good mentors. Plan ahead for all living arrangements and be financially literate with your money. Stay away as much as possible from predatory males or females.

You are not a loser. You are a human being with feelings. You obviously function quite well. The feelings of inadquacy are often found with many young people just starting out in the world. Do not allow people who are apathetic or rude to affect your goal of success or happiness.

Seeing yourself in a balanced light, one that is neither super duper egotistical nor as awful but just as a regular human being who is taking care of themselves is the best way to go.

IF you flunk, you can always take a breather and not feel guilty about it. College has with it arrogant professors, rude people, the rich, and predatory individuals. Therefore, taking a break and listening to your heart, your intution is best and to follow the guidance of a compassionate and gentle therapist and the auspices of a good psychiatrist who gives out quality medicine that does not hurt you but helps you is best.

A good lifestyle, good hobbies, good exersising routines and the like will assist you to find a pleasant lifestyle which will help you to feel a bit more fulfilled.

This life is serendipetus and therefore we are all going towards a perfected state, rather like the Platonic forms. Therefore, take things slowly, take things logically, take things rationally and have good, positive, and safe fun besides.

Big Hugs,

4My

I think Gina and 4my have wrapped it all up nicely and I couldn't have said it any better. Hope you get to feeling better soon. You are a person with feelings, hopes, dreams, and passions just like any other person and you can get through this. If sitting out a semester or two is necessary, it is not forever and you can always pick up where you left off. Right now, focus on feeling better about yourself. You are not the illness, Big Hugs of support coming your way!!

lots of good advice here. i hope you feel better soon.

I'm sorry you're in a dark place.

But remember, if you truly were a loser, you never would've been successful and in a good one, right? Don't berate yourself. Unfortunately, this is part of our cycle. Sometimes it can knock you on your ass. It's an illness. A major illness. Berating yourself will add to your depression and make you feel helpless. Try not to align your identity with your problems or accomplishments; you are not one and the same with the external things.

You have to take care of yourself first. And I think you can do that and return later and do what you need to do at a slower pace. I think burnout is common in BP because we often bite off more than we can chew and then get frazzeled. Your mind & body need to recuperate. That's not a fatal flaw. It's a temporary state, and it doesn't have to last forever. Be patient with yourself as you heal.

TLC is going to be your best friend. My tdoc told me that I need to do the opposite of what I wanna do. If all I wanna do is sleep then I need to get up and do something. If I was over stimulated then I needed to do relaxing things. This has been awesome advice tho not always easy to follow. Hang in there honey

you.are.never.a.loser.be.gentle.with.yourself.and.don,t,,,overdo.it.
all.above.advice..good.

Precious 97 : ur advice is great , really great , all ur advice is great guys , but precious , u hit the nail on the head , but how does one know that she is depressed and that her thoughts r skewed from the episode .

Get help for your depression. I take an anti-depressant along with my mood stabilizer and other meds.

Once you are out of your depression life will get much better.