Shani66

[Shani67]

Hi I am new on here and would like to start by saying I have manic depressive disorder and it affects me everyday even though I hide it from people sometimes I do things that have caused me grief and others around me

[MsPurple]

Hi Shani and welcome to the forums. Here at the BB community forums we are all here to support each other. Apart from Dr Kim we are all non-professionals offering each other personal advice and support. Many forum users, like myself, suffer from a mental illness or are carers/loved ones of someone suffering. I thought I should offer you some advice in regards to the forums. Sarcasm is ok, however some people (like me) are like Sheldon from big bang theory so you may need to ensure people know you are being sarcastic (like adding sarcasm in brackets). We don't discuss specifics on medication as we want to leave that to the professionals. And everyone is awesome on here. I have gotten some great advice from many users here.

So welcome and I look forward to seeing you on the forums 🙂

[Zeal]

Hi Shani,

Welcome to the forum! I'm glad MsPurple has already responded to you with support.

Your depressive disorder certainly would complicate daily life and functioning. Mental illness is a pain like that. If you don't mind me asking, do you currently receive help for the manic depressive disorder? What help have you received in the past?

This link provides great online info/worksheets on dealing with depression: http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=37

While your specific diagnosis will have unique symptoms, this link is still worth checking out.

Best wishes,

Zeal

[Guest_322]

Hi Shani,

A warm welcome to you 😊

Managing your manic depression/bipolar sounds like it has been very difficult. There is a lot of care and understanding on these forums so I hope you find some reassurance here.

I don't personally have manic depression but there are many others here who have a lived experience with it. I think that's part of the beauty of these forums- we come from different backgrounds but we all try our best to support each other here.

Dottie x

[Ellu]

Dear Shani67,

You are not alone. Welcome to our community of caring friends. I have had bi-polar disorder since I was 15 (I am 63 now) so I have 47 years of experience living with bi-polar. There have been some really awful times, but there have been good times as well - I have 4 children in their 20's. I can understand that the illness has caused you grief and grief to those around you. Are you seeing a health professional? Your GP can recommend a psychiatrist, as medication for bi-polar disorder can be tricky. It is so important to have a relationship with a health professional you trust and believe in. If the first one doesn't work out, go and see someone else! I trust my doctor unconditionally, and when things go wrong we can work it out together. There is so much that can be done to make your life more meaningful and positive. It is possible to live with bi-polar disorder. Take care of yourself,

Ellu