How do you find having Bipolar?
@redhailstone
For me, having bipolar is very overwhelming. It affects my everyday life including my relationship with my boyfriend. On some days, the highs and the lows seem impossible to manage. I am trying to find coping mechanisms and am writing down tips. I'm looking forward to connecting with other individuals that have bipolar so we can support each other and off tips and advice to help us manage of lives.
I can relate to you, I struggle in my relationship even when things are great. I have a lot of anxiety around my diagnosis and things I did and said when I was manic. I’m managing a lot better now but I still have regrets and they weigh on me. DBT has helped me tremendously, I got the DBT workbook for Bipolar and it has helped me find those coping skills. I really like opposite action, where if you’re feeling fear/anxiety and it leads you to turn away or hide instead try to do the opposite. Thanks for sharing 😊
@redhailstone I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016. There was a bit of substance abuse before that. I remember going through a long depressive episode that put a great strain on my ability to study at uni. I would regularly have violent panic attacks that would leave me completely drained and in need of lots of rest. Then there was the big manic episode with delusions and inability to sleep and it prompted me to ask my mom (I lived with her back then) to take me to the hospital. I got taken into urgent care and they gave me something that made me sleep. I was put on a heap of different medications and spent 1 month in the hospital. When I got out I had regular appointments with a psychiatrist, a psychologist and steadily put on about 45 lbs (+20kg). The weight gain made it hard for me to want to stay on medication and I stopped taking my meds, which is a big no-no. At the end of 2017 I ended up in the hospital again. I've been in and out for varying lengths of time. What I'd consider to be the major issues would be the suicide attempts and alcoholism. To this day I'm terrified that I could one day end my own life. But I'm happily 1 year 1 month and 10 days sober. I'm currently taking Risperidone and Laroxyl (small enough dosages) and recently started having panic attacks again, although they are rare. The suicidal thoughts are back and so are the times when my brain "runs out of happy".
I find solace in thinking that I'm the only one in my family who struggles with mental health issues, hopefully I've hogged all the insanity and my sisters and other relatives can go on to live fulfilled lives ☺️
Thank you for asking this question :) This quick overview of my sanitary situation has been very freeing
Having bipolar disorder is rough, but it's manageable. Mood swings are challenging for me. It makes it difficult for me to spend long periods of time with people. The hypomania is also hard, but it can be productive during certain situations. I just try to remind myself that everything will be okay.
It's really tough. I had psychosis last year and had to stay in hospital, I've been home about 3 months but now I'm in a very depressed mood. I've had bipolar for over 20 years and I go through depressive moods then I can be stable for months, then I can go through a high mood and it seems to cycle every 4 years where I have psychosis so I've had many hospital stays. My psychosis comes on really fast and severe and I don't recognise just how unwell I am. I've lost many friends and a marriage because of this illness, I live on my own now and life is very lonely to be honest.
@turquoiseSkies9545
Do you see a counselor and when you say every 4 years and really fast, is that taking meds religiously every day? No judge. Just trying to help
@redhailstone Hi. It's like being on a broken wooden boat in the middle of the ocean.
Thank you for all the help and suopoer , i have biploar ,bpd and MDD
I got diagnosed in my 40s (pretty late lol) but now the past 25 years have started to make sense and I am happy about that. I knew that it wasn’t just depression (like some doctors have tried to tell me). I guess I feel vindicated now and happy that the medicine I take puts me to sleep for 7 hours. I haven’t slept so good until now.
hello frendo, …got the diagnoses 2021
I've had a steady partner for 6 months now. And guess what she is struggling with?
Who would like to talk about this?
Speaking for myself, the biggest problem is constant self-control. She controls almost every moment of my life
I feel you.What helps me sometimes is to remember the time before the diagnosis and the severe episodes.Since then, l've also been able to experience so many wonderful moments. It grounds me a little when I'm not enough for myself again.The fact that people on the outside can't see inside our heads and minds can also be very demotivating.That's why I want to share more with people with this "disorder" (or "talent").In my country ( Germany ) I still feel very stigmatized and problematic. Whereas in Switzerland or the USA, I have the feeling that people also recognize the opportunities of a bipolar life. And i think that a bit of Humor can be helpful as well. For example a Portion Self-Ironie or black Humor. When that takes Place in a forum like this than i think i can handle it …and smile or laugh honestly.
@redhailstone
I've learned to see my bipolar disorder as a-kin to having a sleeping disorder that can affect my emotional stability. I am always medication compliant and I try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. I try to avoid other substances such as alcohol and drugs. I found that this approach can compensate for about 80% of my symptoms and help me achieve relative stability. For the remaining 20% of symptoms, I practice Dialectal Behavior Therapy on myself. I found that mindfulness, staying in the present, and distress tolerance very relevant to my bipolar stability.
