So here I am

[PhilK]

Been meaning to get on here and have a read around for a while. I'm having a "good" day so here I am.

Got diagnosed with depression a few years ago, thanks to a prompt to go and talk to a GP by a BeyondBlue poster in the airport toilet. Looking back, something had been wrong for a long, long time.

I was on some medication that didn't go so well. Following a prolonged spell of mania and then a very worrying near-instantaneous switch to the other end of the scale I was referred to a psychiatrist. He pretty quickly had me sussed as bipolar. A diagnosis that on reflection makes sense of so many periods of my life. With my family history I really shouldn't have been surprised. In fact, I've probably done myself some harm in wanting to be the only strong, "normal" one.

Now I'm starting a journey to become more "normal" and unlock my full potential. Hopefully there's others here on a similar journey and we can help guide each other I guess.

[solabear]

Hi PhilK,

Good on you posting and sharing your story with us. This is a very supportive community and I hope you will find it helpful.

I suffer from BiPolar and I know how hard it is to manage it and stay in the so called "normal" zone. I've been on medication on and off for a long time, and it really helps with staying stable. Sometimes I manage without the meds, when there are no triggers and everything seems to be fine, but life is not always fine. There are challenges and difficulties in life which can be a trigger.

You said you are focusing on being more "normal", perhaps you can tell us about it. I'd love to learn more coping skills as there is always room for improvement.

I'd love to hear from you again

Hugs from Sola

[geoff]

hi Phil, well done for coming onto the site, and what you said 'I've probably done myself some harm in wanting to be the only strong, "normal" one', don't take this as being harmful, but realise that it's something that you needed to do.
Imagine if you did nothing then how confusing would your life be, now you can begin with all the help you need and this also includes the many people struggling with BP here on this site. Geoff.

[PhilK]

Thanks for the messages guys.

[solabear]

How are you feeling? Are you ok?

[PhilK]

All good today. In quite a good place. Now that I understand a bit more about what's happening to me, I recognise changes in myself more quickly. Having had a very bad "switching" experience a couple of weeks ago I knew what was going on when I switched less-severely last week.

Doing lots of reading this week!

[solabear]

Good to hear that you're well today. I had a good day as well, felt "normal".

Are you on meds? or trying to manage without it.

[PhilK]

Yes, one of my meds has caused all sorts of rashes on my face. I look like I've been in a fight! But that doesn't bother me too much - working in getting the inside of my head treated first.

I'm keeping a track of my moods and things like alcohol intake, sleep and exercise. I find that interesting in helping me work out how I'm travelling.

I hope your week continues to go well!

[solabear]

Hi PhilK, I'm a bit concerned about the rash. Does the prescribing doctor know about it? You can always change to a side effect free medication. I personally wouldn't put up with side effects. There are many different meds available.

Well done for keeping a track of your moods and trying to work out how to cope the best way. It's good to have an insight.

Hugs from Sola

[PhilK]

Thanks for the concern. I saw my psychiatrist today and he doesn't seem concerned about that. And to be honest, I'm happy to put up with that for the moment until we've worked together to get my meds where he wants them to be - I'm on an anti-depressant he wants me off, but we need to get some other meds right first.