Bipolarbears

[Bj990]

I've experienced a warm welcome on the forum thus far so figured I'd try interacting a little more and see if anyone else on here is bipolar. I've had depression run in the family so assumed it's  what I had but at times life was almost scary. Wondering why I felt so good sometimes in the past and thinking I was doing something  right back then and dwelling on why I wasn't wasnt happy anymore.  Or the times I didn't feel myself and was extremely overconfident and impulsive. 

It made me think "this hobby/person/experience is what made me happy". 

Now realizing i didn't lose anything or I'm not missing something and I was just going through an episode and anything would be wonderful during that time helps.  Also preparing for the inevitable come down helps as  well and some coping methods/meds I've discovered.  It's much different than regular depression and my doctor has been great the past year unlike my previous one who just saw me for two minutes and prescribed a random pill and said bye. 

Anyone else have experiences or coping tips?

[Bj990]

Glad you have a good Doc, Bj990, Bipolar is something serious, as I have a friend with the same thing and he found a good Doc and seems to be doing well. I am sure there are great folks who can give you some good advice! Welcome, and Best Wishes! FF

Thank you. She's done more for me in a few months than my old one did in years.   it's good I find a place like this where i might find understanding people who get that even on your most perfect day you can feel like the world is ending and don't just say "get over it".  A sense of comeradery goes a long way!

[durango]

Bj990 i have BiPolar and can relate. in my early 30's my family doc put me on an AD and i took it for years while thinking that along with depression i had a Type A personality as i would go through periods of intense living-work, play (especially), etc. It took 20 more years for me to recognize that i had more challenges than "just" depression. when finally diagnoses with BP sooo many things made sense. my prolonged periods of deep depression, manic mood swings, alcoholism due to self medicating etc. about a year and a half ago i began rapid cycling that was really tough to deal with. i had a pdoc who wasn't afraid of trying different medications as long as i kept to counseling. she has since disappeared on me-changed practices and won't return my messages-idk why. but my family doc has kept me updated on my med regimen so i'm lucky there. but dealing with BP is a daily challenge. my favorite mental tools are CBT, coloring-yes at my age , and walking my 2 black labs. being gainfully employed once again has been a huge help but presents it's own list of challenges. if there's anything i can do/say/recommend that may help you out please just let me know.

[Rafterman]

Hello NJ990,
Type 1 Bipolar disorder remains one of the most difficult disorder's to diagnose correctly and is often over-diagnosed. Any counselor would literally have to spend a good 50 or more hours with a client to have confidence in that diagnosis. At least, that is my opinion. That is unless there are truly hallmark symptoms present...such as hypersexuality (which is rare, outside of bi-polar disorder), delusions of grandeur,and clear and distinct episodes of mania (like painting the house in the middle of the night). It really takes a talented practitioner who is not in a hurry to fit a client into a box.

[cajunbulldog38]

I have Bipolar and have a shrink to manage it. I was inpatient in 2015 at my lowest in hospital. Once I was stable I was sent home under management by shrink.

[Chantilly]

I live with someone with bipolar and it’s tough on everyone. Where I’m from psychological illness is sorta taboo, so when shit hits the fan you can really tell who your true friends are.

Best advice I can give you: Take your meds! Bipolar isn’t like depression where anti depressants are effective about 40-50% of the time. Bipolar treatment is almost always effective, it may feel like it isn’t, especially when you’re down for so Long, but it takes time to titrate the right dose. Be patient. Youlll get there