Can anyone relate?

[webber]

Hello, I have been struggling with mental health for a long long time, and finally after being sick and tired of my out of control bizarre actions and behaviors I decided to seek help. I was diagnosed with bipolar last week. I'm not to sure how to feel abouf it. And I have a billion questions! If you are a young person with bipolar, how do you control yourself at work, in social situations, and when your by yourself?! Feeling crazy and out of control all the time is very exhausting and takes a toll on how others and most of all how you see yourself... Please if your in the same boat as I am, tell me how you got on the path to self development and control.

[geoff]

Hi Webber, I don't have BP but what I know is that people have highs and lows, and you have all of the negative
feelings that come with depression, but they also feel agitated, restless, and activated.

These are some of the symptoms:

- Sad, empty, irritable, or tearful mood nearly
every day

-No interest in or pleasure from activities once enjoyed

-Major changes in appetite or body weight

-Insomnia or sleeping too much

-Feelings of restlessness or agitation

-Fatigue, exhaustion, or lack of energy

-Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

-Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

There are a couple of BP 1 and BP 2

None of this is your fault so please don't blame yourself and I hope others can reply, especially someone with BP.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[civilpla]

Hi,

Everyone's experience is different, so this is my own. I found the most helpful thing was having a support network of people I trust. I wouldn't suggest trying to find new people who don't know you well enough to understand. Unfortunately in my case my family was a little disjointed, but interacting with them still helped a lot. I was lucky to have a partner who understood. He may not have understood absolutely everything that was going on, but it just helped that I had someone to talk to and be with, when I was good and when I was bad. I usually didn't even tell him when I was bad, but it was just good to be with and talk with someone I cared about and someone who cared about me, and work toward things such as building up our career, saving up to travel, getting fit together, rather than feeling hopeless and life meaningless. I can say some days I felt like I needed to be alone, but being alone for too long caused me to overthink, and it was eventually better when I was interacting with people I trust which really got me in a better mood most times. Don't be afraid to reach out to people close to you - don't wholly rely on them but don't isolate yourself at the same time. Stay positive and also consider meditation/yoga, it really works!

[webber]

Thank you 🙂

[startingnew]

hello Webber and welcome

i dont have BP but i do have a personality disorder that gives me highs lows and much more to and like you i am young. With help and support you can learnt o control yourself and sometimes it requires medication too.

I would suggest that you speak to your gp and let them know whats going on for you, they can refer you to psychaiatrists and psychologists to help you get more under control. theres no shame in seeking help and coming here is a great first step so well done!

[LavenderTea]

Hey webber,

I odn't have BP or much experience with people with BP, but I just thought I'd add that there are support groups around Australia for individuals with BP. This might help you form some connections, and understand yourself a bit better.

A quick Google search of "bipolar search groups" gave me a few links, http://www.bipolaraustralia.org.au is nationwide and lists some support groups across Australia. If you just add the state you live in as well, you're more likely to find some more.

I can understand that this can be a tricky time, and being told you have BP is different to accepting that you have BP, so it's important to be patient with yourself, and give yourself time.

LT.