Who knew?
I had no idea I was bipolar until I had a manic episode last August which resulted in me being hospitalized. I've never gone through anything like that in my life up to that point and I was severely detached from reality. Being in the psych ward was such a weird experience for me. When I think back about it, I struggle to remember certain details due to my state of mind at the time. I don't talk with friends or family much about my hospital experience, mostly because they can't relate.
@looneyto0n
I hope you were able to get the right medication and care. The first time I was hospitalized was abort 40 years ago. Things were VERY different back then. It was a very strange experience. At 17 I wasn't a child, but I also wasn't an adult so when it came to group counseling I was out of place. It does take time to adjust to what you have been through. I didn't talk to any of my friends, but I was also lucky it was summer and my father stayed home to care for me.'
I am now pretty successful, have lived a good life and have a family of my own. Both children of course have similar issues, but are doing much better than I did at their age. 7 cups is a pretty good place to share. We get it since we have been there.
Thanks for your response. Im glad you got through the experience and I hope your children are able to learn from what you went through. I wasn't diagnosed bipolar until being admitted to the hospital so the whole idea is very new to me. I have a juvenile understanding of what it is and finding good therapy during the pandemic has been tough. Im working with a psychiatrist now but I'm still new to the medication aspect too. I'm looking forward to using 7cups to learn more about my diagnosis.
@looneyto0n
I understand. It is difficult at first. I beleive they will first try to control the mania and if and when depression sinks in, they will hit that too. They often talk of a "cocktail" to help with symptoms. I was never fond of that term and like others I was very big on less is best. That may not have been the best course, but it was all I had at that time. I will say I am a big believer now is taking the recommended dose of Lamictal or Lithium and when you are stable and perhaps older, you can reduce as needed.
Be kind to yourself. It's not your fault and no matter how and why the hospitalization occurred, I was always told it was going to happen eventually. It's good you are young and have less responsibilities so you can work through this. I was hospitalized at 17. I knew something was wrong and my parents were helpful. Mine started with a psychotic episode that was drug enduced, but later became a manic episode and then settled for a bit in depression.
Come here for help or make sure you have someone you can share with. I think that is one of the most important things. A balance of medication and a counselor with a good understanding.
