Newcomer (HELP?)

My name is Destini, Im 18 years old and a senior in highschool. Yesterday I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder by a professional and although I tried to make it seem like I was taking it lightly I'm not. I mean thinking back on the 18 years of my life I can finally see the symptoms of my frequent high and low changes clearly, but thinking about that frightens me a bit. When I finally looked into the packet she gave me with the information on my illness, it was a hard pill to swallow. When I seen there isn't a cure I got quite discouraged and she has already set up an appointment for me to get my medication. I'm going away for college and I'm afraid that I might ruin my experience.
Idk I'm probably ranting,but I just feel alone especially finding out that I have it and no one in my life has had this disorder . On top of that my mother and I aren't on speaking terms and being the only child with no father I just feel horrible
& I'm scared, what will the medication do to me?

Hi Reaching,

When your Dr finds the right meds for you, it will relieve your symptoms and stop the progression of bipolar disorder. Bipolar gets worse over the years without treatment so I am happy for you that you were able to get help right away. Too many parents and professionals attribute severe mood symptoms to "hormones" "puberty" and a "phase". It took 19 years for me to get diagnosis and another 2 years to get stable. But on the other side, life is good.

You can do things to help stay stable and help the medication be more effective. They are usually hard for teens but get easier with age and practice.

Your sleep schedule is important! Losing sleep risks elevated mood while excessive sleep can cause depression. (You can use this to your advantage by cutting back your sleep by an hour when you feel depressed and making sure you take a nap every day that you feel elevated.)

Caffeine can destroy stability for a person with bipolar disorder. I learned this the hard way. No one told me about it and I ended up in the hospital 2 years ago! No caffeine. No "decaff" coffee which does have caffiene in it. No tea. No energy drinks. No weight loss pills. And if you're sensitive, no chocolate.

No stimulant medications like cold meds containing psuedoephedrine. (Bummer, this one sucks)

No drinking. I mean total abstinence since having bipolar puts a person at great risk for alcohol or drug dependence.

And with these changes comes dumping toxic "friends" that can't love and accept you with the limitations you need to stay healthy.

I'm sorry I'm in a rush now, I will check back later. :)