Living with Bipolar

[Sthaussiemale]

Hi,

I am in the middle of what someone described as a breakdown. Things have just gotten too much to handle and I’m struggling. I have seen a dr who has put me on anti-depressants and recommended a psychologist. The dr has mentioned a diagnosis of Bipolar.

Just interested to hear from anyone who has been diagnosed with bipolar, how do you manage it personally and how do you cope with it?

its all a bit scary to be honest. Usually I’m always on the go and doing things but since this episode I just find myself sitting there sort of like a goldfish, not being able to remember what I’m doing. I guess I’m just hoping that it does get better and I’ll be back to “normal”

[white knight]

Hi Sthaussiemale, welcome

I'm bipolar2, depression, anxiety (mostly gone) and dysthymia which is a constant low mood depression.

So one issue I have is that sometimes I don't know which illness is causing which event.

Anyway there have been times when I know I'm having a bipolar period. It wouldn't matter the environment is at the time. My last major event was when on holidays driving my vintage car and towing a caravan I built through NSW and QLD. No reason at all to be down heavily. But it happened for 10 long days. During that time I never felt I would survive it. I'm glad you mention otherwise for you. Indeed you do come out of it and all gets back to normal- for us.

There are some personal guidelines you can take. EG Always make it very clear to a partner or some close friends that you are not 100% and you would appreciate their patience. This in turn means you should also return the favour when they need support. Too often its one way and friends get fed up because our needs are more needy. To them they aren't.

Other symptoms like loss of memory, impatience, moods, sadness and anger all take their toll. It results in more apologies but that's the way it is, you have to own your imperfections more often than normally.

A few threads below you can google

Topic: fortress of survival- beyondblue

Topic: be radical- beyondblue

Topic: they just wont understand,why?

Topic: depression and the timing of motivation- beyondblue

repost anytime

TonyWK

[quirkywords]

Sthaussiemale,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for posting. This is a friendly caring and supportive place.

Tony has given some helpful advice.

I have lived with a diagnosis of bipolar for over 40 years and everyone has a different experience but also some things in common.

I was in denial for may years because back then there was a lack of information and a lot of stigma.

I found that learning as much about my mood swings and reading widely and listening to people I trusted lik the doctor and psych was helpful.

I found that learning what starts a mood and looking after my health is important.

I also feel that being honest with myself my dr and my loved ones about my health is importnat. So I don't pretend I am ok when I am not.

I can see you are probably a bit overwhelmed at the moment with information so I wont write anymore but feel free to ask any questions or post here when you want to.

I have no idea what 'normal' is but things will change as you learn more and don't feel so scared. Knowledge is very helpful.

Take care

Quirky

[Sthaussiemale]

Thanks Tony and Quirky,

It’s just a bit daunting at the moment, feel a bit like a goldfish at the moment. I stood in the kitchen for 15 minutes this morning before I remembered what I was intending to do.

the whole adjusting to life thing is probably my biggest thing at the moment, I’ve taken a few days off of work to gather myself and start taking the anti-depressants. I just don’t know how I’m going to go heading back to work and dealing with stress, I don’t want to crack like I did earlier.

long term I just want to be able to manage it all without crumbling again. I long for the days where I was happy and carefree.....

[quirkywords]

Sthaussiemale,

Thanks for replying.

It is hard adjusting and t does take time. Is there any one at work who is understanding who would be able to help you. I assume your work knows about your health issues. Is there an HR worker at your work?

Also can your doctor give you some help to.

I think take small steps and dont put any more pressure on yourself.

You will be able to cope and you you will be happy again but things will change.

If you don't feel up to going back to work is it possible to take more time off.

Do you have support from your family or friends?

Quirky

[Sthaussiemale]

Thanks Quirky,

I have someone at work who is a great support. I think it’s more letting HR and management know really. I just don’t want it to be held against me.

my close friends know because they live with me and saw me hit rock bottom at the start of the week. I haven’t bothered to tell family because I think it will be a bad conversation to have.

i know I’m going to need to have the conversation with work on Monday, I rarely call in sick and this time I didn’t even call. Work rang me to see where I was because I didn’t turn up.

i think I’ll just bite the bullet and see

[velvetfaerie]

Tony and Quirky are cool. I popped in to say his because I understand this cycle too! I think My diagnosis was a decade or so a go. Heheh Goldfish. I feel the same at the moment. Just wanted you to know you are definitely not alone.

Managing without crumbling comes with guidance, treatment and a good support system. Also working out what works for you.

We have our own bipolar niche - this bipolar life.

V.

[Hannah_S]

Hi there, I hope life has got better for you. I just wanted to let you know that I have a similar story and that a very lovely GP put me on antidepressants (before I knew I had bipolar). But the antidepressant sent me into a manic state (apparently this can be common for people with bipolar) - I'd never experienced it before, and it was scary in hindsight. So I'd just double check that if you get diagnosed with bipolar that antidepressants are ok. My doctor wasn't aware of the connection and it was my clinical psychologist who later said I should never have been on medication or anything similar. Hope this helps. I wouldn't want you to have more problems down the track...