Bipolar

[Matt1983]

Hi,

I have been diagnosed with Bi-Polar for 3 years and have been medicated ever since. But lately the struggle of realising that this is something that I am going to have to manage for the rest of my life has really made me tired. I have my good times, but the struggle is real, I don’t know how long I can continue to manage this disorder, it’s becoming more and more tiring by the day. To be honest I am over it and I really can’t see me being able to deal with it any longer.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Matt,

Welcome to our friendly online community. We hear that you're feeling exhausted at the moment and we're sorry to hear that it's been such a struggle lately. Please know that you're not alone in this and that there is support available to you.

It may be worth discussing how you've been feeling with your prescribing doctor or any other mental health supports that you may be accessing. If you are feeling hopeless or distressed at the moment, you may consider reaching out to Lifeline. Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. You can call them 24/7 on 13 11 14, or chat with them online 7pm-midnight AEDT - https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/

You might also be interested in reading about others living with Bipolar on another thread here - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/this-bipolar-life/page/233#qzKIsXHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

Thanks again for reaching out here. Hopefully a few of our members will be by to say hello over the next few days.

[quirkywords]

Matt

Welcome to the forum.

I have been living with a diagnosis of bipolar for over 45 years.
For the first 16 years after getting the label I was in denial and refused help.

I understand the thought of having to carefully manage and cope with ones moods is very tiring.

Once I started taking medication it has stabilised my moods but I get tired and find I have to monitor my health.

I have found the more I learnt about my behaviours and moods the more I could see what works for me, walking, being busy, volunteering,being healthy and what does notwork , ring too tired, alcohol, lack of sleep etc.

I find the 4 Hs help Honesty Health Humour Hope

Honesty with myself and others

Health physical, mental emotional and social health are so Important

Humour , You may not see that now but laughing at myself has helped me cope

Hope a,ways have hope things will improve. Hope has kept e going for 45 years

Matt , Sophie mentioned This bipolar life thread and we are a friendly supportive group who are very welcoming. So have a browse if you want to.

Matt , I am moved by your post as I struggled for years and still coat times.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

Sophie and Quirky have mentioned some helpful ideas.

I'm bp2, I've lived with this my whole life, 65yo, but only diagnosed in 2009.

Bipolar is a very hard illness to tolerate for the sufferer and those around them. Also, our behaviour e.g. anger, is often blamed on the illness when it's our personality and visa versa. That can be confusing.

We have our good days and bad days. Imo best to try to reduce your bad days as much as you can. To do this change your environment often e.g. go out for lunch or coffee, have distractions that focus like hobbies, remove toxic people from your life or limit contact, regular GP chats to get the meds as good as you can get. Sleep, it's soon important to get 8-9 hours of SOUND sleep. A sleep study could be worthwhile.
Google

Beyondblue topic a good night's deep sleep

Beyondblue topic the timing of motivation

And for relaxation-

YouTube maharaji appreciate

YouTube maharaji sunset

TonyWK

[Xanna]

Hi Matt,

I just joined because I’ve been diagnosed with bp2 and am currently having my meds chopped and changed and I feel like I’m never going to get stable and then even when I do I’m still going to have to constantly work on it...

but you know what, that’s ok.. we aren’t supposed to be perfect, I know it feels tiring (I hear you loud and clear right now) but you have done something already that shows that you don’t want to give up, you’ve reached out.

That itself is awesome! This is literally my first “post” so to speak because your post got me... and I wanted you to know that you aren’t alone and it’s ok... nothing stays the same forever. See the good in that, even when it’s a challenge.

keep talking to people, your gp, psych, psychiatrist, friends, us on the forum, whomever...

thanks for reaching out, you helped me realise that I don’t have to do this on my own and that means a lot.

AA.

[quirkywords]

Hello Matt,

how are you going..? Your post has helped Xanna and others who read and don’t post.

Xanna I want to welcome you to the forum and thanks for using your experience to share with Matt.

There is a thread This bipolar Life that you may like go browse. This is a friendly supportive place where new people are very welcome.

Getting the right medication can be frustrating .
You are not alone and there is support and lived experience available here.

[AMG123]

Hi Matt1983

Thanks for your post. I know it can be daunting to be given a bipolar diagnosis, but don’t be overwhelmed.  With time and experience you learn to deal with it and it becomes an everyday part of your life.  I have been living with bipolar disorder for nearly forty years and have been fortunate to receive good psychiatric care and treatment during that time.  While I have not had a manic episode for twenty years, I continue to take my medication daily to manage the illness. I liken it to feeding my brain ‘micro-nutrition’ to keep my mind nourished and well.  Take heart, there is life living with bipolar.  Take care, stay strong.

[quirkywords]

AMG123

Thanks for your supportive post to Matt. I am not sure he is reading but your post will help so many others with your practical suggestions and hope.