At what age does it get easier

[Allboys]

I’m 50 years old and have been working at managing my bi polar ( type 1) since first episode at 22 I had the hard time to start with but from say 35 to 45 had it managed reasonably well but it has got harder to manage as I’m getting older is this a common thing this is my first time on this site would like to know if this is the normal progression with it because it’s just really grinding me down thankyou

[james1]

Hello Allboys,

Welcome to the forums. It is nice to meet you.

I am really sad to hear that your bipolar has become harder to manage as you have gotten older. I do not know much about bipolar, but there are many people on the forums here who suffer from bipolar, both type 1 and 2. You might be able to look around on the relevant sub-forums for any threads about bipolar or even ones that you would associate with anyway - I personally find that speaking on other people's threads is one of the best ways to strike up a meaningful conversation and share experiences.

Still, to your question about at what age does it get easier...I'm only 29 but in seeing the many people on these forums and speaking to people of all ages and with all different experiences, the best I can surmise is that mental health is just like our regular health - it gets better and worse over time, and the main thing is to make sure you have the right doctors and the right friends around you to help get through the bad times. Do you have any health professionals you still see to help you manage your bipolar, and could perhaps offer some insight about the regular 'course' of bipolar over time?

James

[white knight]

Hi All boys, welcome

I'm 64yo, diagnosed bipolar 2 in 2009 but if course I've had it lifelong.

I rarely fiddle with my meds that consist of mood stabilizers and anti depressants but lately a few instances occurred that forced my hand so upped them. That's the first time in 7 years.

I've found person really that 60yo thereabouts onwards I found my illness much easier to cope with. It's almost like my maturity caught up with my age emotionally. I hope that makes sense.

However, most of my tolerance for life and general satisfaction has been from major directional shifts. E.g., removal of toxic person's from my life, career change to be my own boss, a better more compatible partner, a dog, recreation (we own a vintage car and built our own caravan), stop joining committees, spiritual peace, filter potential friends better -

Google
Beyondblue topic fortress of survival (also part 2 and 3)

Beyondblue topic mefitation- he helped me for 25years - maharaji

So having fine tuned my life I'm more at peace.

Reply anytime
TonyWK

[quirkywords]

All boys Welcome to the forum.
I am over 60 and was diagnosed with manic depression as it was called then in the 1970s.

I know for sone people it gets harder with age and not for others.
Have you spoken to your doctor about this?
I find as I get older I get more tired and impatient and way more sensitive than I was.

There is a thread called This bipolar Life where people who have bipolar share experiences. You are most welcome to come and have a look.

I know a friend in her 50s whose medication worked for her mania but her depression has come back quite strongly.

Just seen Tony has given you some suggestions.
Please feel free to chat here or on This Bipolar life.