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.

8,884 Members
129,554 Posts
2 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

will i ever get better?

fallreins
fallreins

i'm currently undergoing a diagnosis of bipolar, along with potentially emotionally unstable personality disorder, too. my psychiatrist says i have 'a little bit of both' at present, so i'm not even 100% sure what's going on with me right now.



all i know is that every single day i feel like i'm at war. i've been put on olanzapine but the doctors won't increase it until i have an 100% clear cut diagnosis. i don't want to do this anymore. i feel lost, alone, and afraid. i don't feel like i'll ever get better. i miss my hypomanic phases because i've been in a depressive one for a while now. i know they aren't 'good', but at least i don't feel so low.


i broke up with my long-term girlfriend 2 weeks ago and i miss her. i can't work at the moment and my employer wants medical reports from my gp and my psychiatrist. i'm really frightened i am going to lose my job and be unable to afford my rent or bills anymore.



i feel totally lost and i don't know what to do. i feel suicidal so much at the moment and i genuinely can't see another way out of having to live this way. :( please help.

irishwriter
irishwriter
welcome, you have found the right place for help and support. it is difficult to get your head around your diagnosis particularly when yours is not really clear cut at the moment. the important thing is to address the symptoms regardless of what they are called. when do you see your pdoc again to work with you on your meds? there's a book by kay redfield jameson called 'an unquiet mind' and also by other authors one called 'the mindful way through depression'. both are excellent reads and you may be able to download them. have you any family support? our fears become magnified when depression hits so try not to worry about your job so much. you are getting through each day and that is a good thing. baby steps and there is usually someone here to listen. hugs.
fallreins
fallreins
i see my psychiatrist in another month or so - she wants me to keep a mood diary before she will increase my meds. i'm on half of what they usually treat bipolar with - 5mg. i have the mindful way through depression somewhere in my house :) i went on a mindfulness coursea few months back. my mum is very supportive. i'm trying to just focus on getting myself better. i keep having to cancel plans because i'm just so physically and mentally tired. thank you <3
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
the meds are likely to make life alot easier - but these things take time to diagnose and it's important to get that right as different conditions require totally different treatments.

are you in the UK by any chance?
rubyblue
rubyblue
I agree with Irish. I know sometimes we need to know the diagnosis as it helps us understand ourselves more, but the important part is dealing with symptoms regardless of the label. And we are all here to share our experiences with you in the hope that you feel you are heard. You can get advice, information and support from people feeling the way you do, either in the here and now or in the past. This is supportive and sharing community and I hope you can feel the benefits of that. For me personally it also makes me feel less alone and misunderstood.

Fish is right on the nail. I hope you can get a definitive diagnosis so you know where to go from here. Unfortunately patience is needed to find the right medication too. Again most of us have gone through that.

Does the olanzapine help at all?
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Hi and Welcome fall..... I'm glad you've found us... This is a great board..... I agree with what the others have said.... Educate yourself..... Work with your doctors.... Acceptance is huge for our wellbeing.... and it does take time to get stable .... Medication will help over time and once you're stable on meds you'll be referred to therapy.... This is the time for baby steps and one day at a time..... Distress centres or crisis lines can be a good place to call if you feel low and just want someone to talk to..... Big hug for you and a blessing... There is stability to be had sweetie... You just need a little patience....xo
mlr0853
mlr0853
Hi fallreins, welcome and I hope you will find the support of DS community a comfort. I agree with Irish about focus on symptoms, as this will help to form a dx. A certain about of time is needed as Aqua stated for meds to kick in, and the right dosage. Glad you understand the importance of mindfulness, this can help when your brain gets going where/when you want it to stop. If you don't have a specific mood chart to follow, there are many to choose from online. One thing I found helpful in my DBT program was something called please master, https://healthypsych.com/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt-please-mastery-technique/ a daily record of self-care to promote wellness. When I was first dx'd, BP1 after a psychotic episode, I felt BP was "Who I was" and felt like I'd no control over my brain/life. Today, I see my bp as only a 'part of who I am, and I am in charge of my own wellness. Take care, ML
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Community LeaderSunCloudJD

    Hello Monday

    Posted by: SunCloudJD
    Last Reply: SunCloudJD
    4
    Hey All...I hope that you have a lovely, peaceful beginning of your weekI have a bunch of chores that need doing but may put them off til tomorrow and just hang out with my landlord/roomie todayWhat about you?...Anything special going on?Have a great day and take good care of you!!..Xo
  • Sunshinegirl0228

    Dr. Appointment

    Posted by: Sunshinegirl0228
    Last Reply: Sunshinegirl0228
    3
    Once again I've had a fever today. I'm not going to the hospital because that's a huge waste of time but I did schedule a dr appointment for Wednesday afternoon.