Bipolarbears

[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.