Recently Bipolar Diagnosed

[OberonX]

Currently 26.

The more research I have done on Bipolar; the more it all makes sense.

For years I was medicated with antidepressants for an anxiety disorder.. Mainly because the psychologist wouldn't listen to my full story and ignored the fact that I have alot of mental illness in my family tree.

Been on mood stabilizers for almost 2 weeks. Feeling alot better then I was! But I still have a long way to go before I am completely stable.

Just looking for people in the same situation who are looking to make their life as healthy as possible.

[Zeal]

Hey Oberon,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm glad you are now getting the right treatment. Did your doctor (GP) prescribe the mood stabilisers? Hopefully your doctor continues to be helpful. Do you have family or close friends who offer support, even if it's just a friendly ear? I can't offer personal advice on Bipolar, but I'd like to link you to relevant forum threads so you can see the stories of others and read advice. Others with Bipolar may also reply to you here.

Here are some relevant thread links:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/depression/bipolar-diagnosis#qhOfgnHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/bipolar-support-groups#qk7my3HzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/bipolar#qjGlonHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

I hope you find this forum helpful 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[OberonX]

Hi Zeal,

I actually asked my doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist because i have always had the suspicion that I had some sort of personality disorder or a mood disorder. I just felt that it wasn't fair for my family members to have to deal with my instability.

I have alot of mental illness throughout my family tree so we have all had plenty of experience with dealing with mental health issues.

My brother has Bipolar type 2, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD as well as Aspergers Syndrome. He actually is quite understanding and provides some insight. (Even though he refuses to take his medication: He is still one of the most intelligent people I have known)

My mum is a pillar of support. I actually would be alot worse if I didn't have her support. And would have gotten into alot of mischief and trouble over the years if I didn't have her support.

All of the men on my fathers side have a personality similar to his and have substance abuse issues unfortunately. I do not have anything to do with that side of the family though.

Mid last year I was studying a Bachelor in Behavioural Studies: Psychology via correspondance. I found that I wasn't able to dedicate the time I needed to for the course with juggling my work hours and family life as well so I withdrew from the course. Later this year though I am looking into transferring onto campus and reenrolling as it is something I really want to pursue.

Thankyou so much for your reply and for the links to other threads.

Hope you have a great day 😊

X

[Doolhof]

Hi OberonX,

Thank you so much for sharing your story here. I just want to applaud you, congratulate you, acknowledge all you are trying to do to improve your understanding of your illness and wanting to make your life better.

It does sound like your family has multiple mental health conditions to contend with. It is wonderful your Mum has been supportive. Knowing people care and understand is immensely encouraging to a person suffering from any kind of illness or ailment.

My mental health has taken a beating lately. One thing that is important for me is to remember that I am more than just the titles given to me for the illnesses I have. I am still me.

Thanks again for sharing your story and your determination to keep going.

Cheers from Mrs. Dools

[Zeal]

Dear Oberon,

Thanks for your reply!

I'm glad that you decided to get a referral to a psychiatrist - these professionals really are experts in prescribing medication for complex mental illnesses. GP's can be great, but these complex prescriptions are not their specialty. Meds for anxiety and depression are more often prescribed by GP's, such as antidepressants.

Your brother sounds like an amazing person. Despite having a complex array of conditions, he is still as supportive of you as he can be. My Mum is also incredibly supportive, and she has made a huge difference to my life. I would not be as happy as I am now without her.

The degree you were studying sounds great, and I'm glad you would like to go back to resume the course.
Late last year I finished a Bachelor of Psychological Science (on campus), and this year I'm studying Postgraduate Counselling and Psychotherapy at the same uni. I had my first orientation day yesterday, and I'm honestly so keen for classes to start! Psychology and the behavioural sciences are fascinating, especially when elements of learning can be applied to your own life.

Thanks! Have a great day too 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[OberonX]

Thankyou for your kind words.

As with illness does not make you who you are. It is just something you have to live with unfortunately.

You seem to have insight into yourself so that is definitely a positive. It'll help you remedy any symptoms and be aware of what is happening in your head.

Hope you have a good day 😊

X

[Sophie_M]

Hi OberonX, welcome to the forums.  You might want to check out our long-running thread This Bipolar Life:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/long-term-support-over-the-journey/this-bipolar-life

There are also many other threads from members with a bipolar diagnosis in the Depression section.

[OberonX]

For some reason,

My response to your post was posted down further down the page... some sort of technical glitch?? Haha

[OberonX]

Hi Zeal,

You seem like an interesting individual and highly educated.

It is really good that your keen for your new course to start. I am excited for you! I know exactly what it is like to look forward to something you not only have wanted to do for so long, but also something that will leave you feeling fulfilled and accomplished.

I wish you all the best with your future endeavours and studies.

X

[Doolhof]

Hi OreronX,

No need to apologise for where a reply shows up. I believe that computers have a mind of their own anyway! There are so many times I have to ask my husband to please fix something up on the computer.

I attended some computer courses a few years back. Something very strange came up on the screen. I asked the instructor to please help. He asked how I managed to get that up on the screen. I told him I had been following his notes.

To cut a long story a bit shorter, he could not fix that computer, so I had to log onto a different one.

This morning I am going to see a new psychologist. I am going to do a bit of raking in the garden first to get rid of some of my nervous energy. It is amazing how much mess one chook can make in the garden. She scratches all the mulch away from the bushes instead of back towards them!

I'm just rambling! Hope you have a goodish kind of day!

Cheers from Mrs. Dools