Hi
I'm a lost mum of 3 kids. I've recently been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. I'm not sure how to feel about it. My husband says embrace it and own it but i don't know how to. I don't seem myself as depressed let alone manic. How do i wrap my head around this? Are there support groups out there?. How have others dealt with this diagnosis? I'm feeling like it the end of the world. I've been in the mental health system for years and just when I thought I was getting out this happens...
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder
Posted in:
Mental Health, Anxiety & Depression
7 Replies
Hey Hun, this must be scary for you! I just want to check first cause of your wording, is it a reputable dr who's diagnosed you?
You say you don't feel the symptoms but how about your friends and family? Can they see the symptoms in you? ( it could be that you can't see them in yourself )
There are a lot of support groups for bipolar. Google will be a great help. It's not the end of the world at all and there's so much help and treatments you can utilize.
I'd just make sure it's a genuine diagnosis first if as you say you have been in the system for years and were improving.
Bipolar can present in many different levels it's not always manic depression with obvious highs and lows.
The doctor that diagnosed me is a professor and top of his field. My husband and his family have all seen the signs. I've been in the system for years because I had extremely bad post natal with all three kids which apparently let to a psychotic breakdown.
A diagnosis doesn't change anything, except now you can get more accurate help and support.
I was diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, which has many characteristics similar to bipolar.
And the only thing that changed was that my psychologist could focus on more specific techniques which have helped me get better a lot quicker.
It also allows you to understand a bit better.
Get online, do some research, and don't take the diagnoses as 'label' as to who you are - it's just a word to make it easier for the doctors.
You've got this, IM! You'll be fine.
:)
Good luck!
This just means you have an accurate diagnosis and there for you can get accurate treatment. It is great news, it's not a bad thing, it's answers. It actually probably means spending less time in the mental health system because targeted, appropriate treatment.
Bipolar awareness ~ stop the stigma page on Facebook its mostly just a newsfeed of blogs news and resources dig in :) welcome
Its not the end
I should've mentioned the spectrum of bipolar includes a whole lot more than just depression and mania.
It includes anxiety, mixed states, rapid cycling, hypomania, agitated depression, switching and even psychosis.
It is exceptionally rare for anyone who has ever been prescribed with antidepressants who has bipolar to present with classic symptoms they haven't been seen for decades.
Antidepressants permanantly change the presentation and progression of the disorder. Its fine for every other disorder but antidepressants being a Frontline treatment has long term repurcussions and is outright dangerous for anyone who has bipolar who is misdiagnosed.
I want to thank each and everyone who posted advice and extended help. I'm slowly getting my head around the diagnosis and feeling more positive. It's because of your suggestions i have found 2 wonderful support groups on fb. Now I just need to get the right medication and continue to learn more about myself.
Thank all you wonderful people.