New diagnosis!

[Leisa68]

Good morning.

Yesterday I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder. I have been treated for Chronic Depression and PTSD for many years by my psychiatrist who left for another state at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. I now have a new psychiatrist. I am not new, however, have not posted for many years. This new diagnosis has left me rattled but has explained many feelings I have had over the years and I have accepted it. I have told my partner about it and luckily for me, he has been very supportive. I now feel awful for many of the things people have put up with (my behaviour). I also feel very saddened that I have been unable to explain some of my extreme behaviour and my deep sadness or mood. Can anyone let me know of a support group I can access for people with Bi-Polar Disorder? I live in Queensland. Many Thanks, Leisalou.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Leisalou,

Thank you for your post - I appreciate you sharing this with us. I can imagine that after such a long time it would definitely rattle you. I hope that you can find some support here.

I encourage you to search up the top 'Bipolar' - there has actually been quite a few posts similar to yours; especially having a diagnosis after such a long time and realising that it explains so much but understandably some mixed feelings!

With support groups - I am a bit wary that whatever you find maybe postponed/cancelled for now due to COVID-19, but I'll link to some resources anyway and hopefully you can find something helpful here -

www.bipolaraustralia.org.au/services-directory/wpbdp_category/support-groups/

https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/support-groups/

The other thing you might like to try is 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255). According to the website, they can provide some information and referrals about local mental health services. Here's some more information on that number - https://www.qld.gov.au/health/mental-health/help-lines/1300-mh-call

I hope this is helpful. Best of luck in finding the support that you need.

rt

[Leisa68]

Hi RT,

Thank you very much. I will definitely use these resources.

Kind Regards

Leisalou

[mocha delight]

Hi leisa68 welcome back

[geoff]

Hello Leisa, thanks for coming to the forums and I'm sorry don't live in Queensland nor do I have BPD but hope the links provided by RT have helped you.

Please try and remember that when any of us aren't mentally well, it's not our fault how we behave or say, it's an illness no one would ever wish upon themselves.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Balance]

Hello Leisalou,

I was quite touched by your story and can imagine what you must have gone through.

I would like to encourage you to train your mind giving up living in the past and start living for today only.

You will find great strength focusing on "today", learning helpful thinking patterns and tools you can use to

help you with your diagnosis.

It also occurred to me, although you got a new diagnosis, you will be able to use the insights and knowledge from your life so far in a very beneficial way.

I am thinking of you wishing you courage and patience.

B