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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Sorry if this gets long... I am a little nutty right now. I got diagnosed bi-polar this winter after a hospitalization-- the first one I'd had in years. I am overwhelmed, sad about it, relieved because it means that I am NOT crazy, there is a reason why I've done things that I've done. But also the sinking realization that this will not go away. I have a family history if bipolar so it shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. I hate it when people say that it's no different than diabetes, because it is! If it is my BRAIN, if people tell me that I lack insight at times, then it's different. I don't talk to anyone about this, because I don't want anyone to know. As a result, I am so isolated.
I hate psych meds. I am so done with them. That said, I am compliant. I was first on Seroquel which made me sleep constantly (I cannot sleep that stuff off as well as others I guess), Neurontin which is like speed for my system, and now Lithium, which has some really unfortunate side-effects. Does anyone know ANYONE who has maintained without medication? It seems to cause as many problems as it solves for me. I am $30K in debt because my insurance company of nailing me with pre-existings on everything. I am not in therapy, I went weekly for 8 years and don't have much to say. I am somewhat "in the field" so I am great at talking to others, but am so bad at supporting myself in the same way.
So... hoping to find some help or direction here. Anonymous helps. I know that if I don't start learning about this I will later be controlled by it.
I hate psych meds. I am so done with them. That said, I am compliant. I was first on Seroquel which made me sleep constantly (I cannot sleep that stuff off as well as others I guess), Neurontin which is like speed for my system, and now Lithium, which has some really unfortunate side-effects. Does anyone know ANYONE who has maintained without medication? It seems to cause as many problems as it solves for me. I am $30K in debt because my insurance company of nailing me with pre-existings on everything. I am not in therapy, I went weekly for 8 years and don't have much to say. I am somewhat "in the field" so I am great at talking to others, but am so bad at supporting myself in the same way.
So... hoping to find some help or direction here. Anonymous helps. I know that if I don't start learning about this I will later be controlled by it.
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I fell out of my routine when my mother died, so I am back on meds until I feel well enough to get with the program again...it has been almost 2 years.
There is a book that has charts of symptoms with the vitamins and minerals to alleviate the symptoms. The author does not encourage people to go off meds, but simply offers information.
It is called Bipolar Disorder Demystified & you can get it on amazon. It is by far the most informative book about BP I have read.
With all of that said, I think we will all have times that we do better than others...sort of the fall & get back up scenario.
Most people think I am very stable right now because I am in grad school & maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Couldn't be further from the truth. I don't know what is going to happen from one day to the next. I do know that I need to get back on the nutrition & exercise regimen to make progress. Feeling well enough to start exercising daily again is a challenge...
Good luck & blessings to you.
thanks!
Plus the fact,if you stay off meds ,and have your crash,it may be difficult to reestablish a good meds schedual.
If you were DXed Diabetic,and needed insulin to survive,would you ignore modern medicine ,and try a wholistic approach?NO,because that would result in death.
Meds sux,but living w/o them is worse.
Do some reasearch on BP,try Google bipolar..the Mayo Clinic has very good info.
Therapy is great for learning copeing skills etc..
But you need a Phyciatrist to RX meds.
Try contacting the Pharm companies,they often give samples.Also your Pdoc,will have samples for most BP meds.
Don't give up,bipolar means cycles of moods,this will pass.With the right treatment.
I am, if anything, quite the failure at life. I have reclused to a room in my mothers home, I have lost my job, I have major life issues I am not doing well with currently, but i am not suicidal, nor do I have those thoughts.
What's quite amazing is, I am thinking I am seeing some of my fatal flaws for the first time ever. Problem is, I have no idea how to fix them.
So if i thought i could be medicated, on disability, and be able to live out my life in peace, I would, but i have a feeling that is not gonnaa happen either.
So I have to learn to cope... which I never have, and at 38 that is a monumental task
There are (I believe) certain types of therapy and alternative healing methods that focus on freeing the mind of it's wounds. There's a guy back east somewhere working with beepers and having success using mindfulness meditation in conjuction with other methods. Can't remember his name but he wrote a book called "Full Catastrophy Living".
Of course all of this stuff costs $$$ and that is why I'm not more enthused about a possible recovery. I'm broke. But there is alot going on out there that your doc might not know about, or care to believe.
I agree about excersise and nutrition. It really helps me alot. Have you heard of Chi Gong? It is a kind of "moving meditation" that helps to quiet the mind and balance "Chi" (Energy). It can be done at home using a DVD. Amazon has them. It is very gentle and surprisingly powerful.
About the stigma problem. It used to bother me no end. But I have discovered over the years certain advantages to this illness. I have learned from it. 'Sides- look around-it's 2008, who can say anymore that they ain't nuts? ( - :
lot,
This site helps a great deal because you get real life experiences to look at on a daily basis.Also people to share yours with and ask advice...
Keep coming back...LA
My grandma (who was bipolar) died one year before I was diagnosed, and so many times I have just thought, if only she was here she could tell me. Books are great but they aren't as candid, and it is also so good to hear varying thoughts.