New and nervous I hope this works out...

[Frangipanni]

I decided to join today in the hopes that connecting with others will help me to dig my way out of this.

Long time sufferer of recurrent depression and recently diagnosed bipolar (still questioning that one)

Spent most of last year pulling myself out of episodes of depression only to fall back in.

Exhausted from fighting this all the time and I hope that joining in these forums is the little thing today that will keep me going

[SubduedBlues]

Hi frangipanni

Hope is a wonderful thing, for so long as we have hope we are never really out of the game. And, when all hope is lost, we cannot help but hope that hope will return. (being that we a hoping for hope, proves that hope isn't gone after-all, it is merely hiding from our consciousness).

The best part of these forums, for me anyhow, is knowing that I can always find hope in other threads, hope that so-and-so will do better, joy when I see an improvement (which boosts my hope for me), and start to help others by commenting on their threads and giving of my experiences.

I found that doing all this, is what 1) gave me the courage to face another day, 2) taught me that I can overcome my ails, and 3) helped me tame my black dog.

Stick around, read and post, and soon you too will find yourself.

SB

[Frangipanni]

Thanks subduedblues, I appreciate your post

[Boo1986]

hi Frangipani, welcome 🙂 hehe Frangipanis are my favourite flower!

I think that coming here is a good decision. It certainly has been for me. I hope you find it as helpful and supportive as I have.

If you have received a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and you don't feel this is correct, I would get a second opinion. All psychological disorders can be very difficult to diagnose correctly and misdiagnosis can result in the wrong treatments being tried. Some treatments (like CBT) won't do you any harm so it is worth a try, but sometimes the wrong treatment (like the wrong medication) can be a nightmare, so be cautious. Really, a diagnosis is just a guess. If your psych has known you for a long time I think they are more likely to correctly diagnose, but if you have received this diagnosis after only meeting a couple of times, I am not really sure it is accurate.

For me (suffering with depression and anxiety) is a constant and exhausting battle, but every so often something happens that gives me a little bit of hope. Here on these forums, I have found people helping each other and caring for each other. People reaching out in desperate need and hundreds of hands grasping onto that person and not letting them go. These people give me hope and remind me that there are some good people left.

Welcome, and never be afraid to ask for help.

Keep in touch xo