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Just Found Out I'm Bipolar

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 3/22/2014 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm Nike. I'm generally in chat, or in the Fibro forum (because that was my first Dx.)

I'm 23 years old, and because of my chronic pain, I'm trying desperately with the help of teachers and doctors to fix my community college transcript so that I can move on to CSU and get a degree in communication studies.

Finding out I'm bipolar on top of everything else was hard. But it made life make a little more sense. Apparently my episodes aren't severe, but I'm still faced with the question I heard all bipolar people have to ask themselves: why am I like this? Is this me? Should I take medication for something that just makes me ME?

I thought about it for a long time. When I go through bouts of mania, when I feel like I need to get everything done at once and do it all perfectly, I don't feel like me. So I want to get my official dx and try medication.

So, I guess I'm asking for newbie help, or newbie advice. What do they start you off on? Who should I talk to first about this (besides my counselor, which I've done.)
Posted 3/22/2014 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Nick,

Welcome to the Bipolar forum :-)!

Do not let your diagnosis make you feel down nono. You seem to be moving in the right direction. Bipolar is usually treated with both meds and therapy. They both work together to help you feel better. There are different meds that can be used for Bipolar. However, you doctor or more specific, your psychiatrist would be the best person to make a recommendation.

I'm glad that you are getting help from your counselor. You can also come here for advice anytime :-).

Communication Studies is a very interesting topic. Good Luck with your studies.

Keep us updated when you get your official dx.

Take Care

UA
Posted 3/22/2014 11:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Nike,

You are not bipolar - you may have a set of symptoms that give you the dx of bipolar, but the dx is only to help you access treatment options which include medication, therapy and healthy lifestyle choices.

Bipolar can impact of consistency. Being level does allow us to get more of the good things out of life. I love having confidence that each day I will have the capacity to meet my responsibilities and not outstretch my reserves. That confidence has been quite battered by bipolar. I don't see it as part of my personality. I see that it distorts my personality and I hate that.

Everyone's journey with bipolar is different and it is more a matter of sharing your experiences when you feel like it. Take things day by day and listen to your body and your intuition.

Hugs
Posted 3/23/2014 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your responses.

I think I am moving in the right direction, then. When I started this semester at school, I decided I wanted to start a support group for people with physical and mental impairments. Just anyone who feels like they aren't up to par, and want to share their experiences. Especially those who have been medically set back. It's hard on college students, and we actually get a lot of older women who are interested and frankly, part of this is selfish: I want a support group for me, too, with women and men with more experience.

I'm waiting until the end of summer to actually start it so I can have some good material to share, and some supportive organizations around town.

Anyway, I'm doing okay so far. When I see my GP, I'll let him know and get a test. My problem is, I also have ADD and it really makes school difficult. I'm afraid of ADD meds and bipolar meds interacting negatively or something.

Any suggestions as to what I should talk to my doctor about?
Posted 3/23/2014 7:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Sweetie,

It's not unusual for people with ADD to later be dx'd with bipolar. There is a large body of research linking the comorbidity (or transition of ADD to bipolar).

You are doing what I do. If I see a need for something, I create it. A lot of people have benefitted from my "selfishness" over the years and I'm sure your group will too.

I've always enjoyed talking to you in chat and think you come from a really lovely place inside.

Well done for continuing to offer hope, constructivity, and connectivity in the management of chronic illnesses.

You rock! cool
Posted 3/23/2014 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Nike, I think the support group is a great idea! idea

Keep working at it. You can make it come true. Good Luck with it!

UA
Posted 3/30/2014 7:14 AM (GMT 0)
Nike,
What's happening for you hun?
Posted 3/30/2014 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
My husband is bipolar. After a few rounds of meds they found that stuff that works right for him. He went through many trials to get it right to control himself.
Posted 3/30/2014 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
welcome blueberry, you would have gone through a bit to get to this point. Hugs xo
Posted 3/31/2014 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Blueberry,

Welcome to the forum :-)!
I'm glad your husband has found something that works for him.

Please note that we encourage new members to introduce themselves in a new thread. This is easily done. Simply click on the "New Topic" button and the program will open a box for you to post your intro. This will help members see your first post and extend a welcome to you :-).

I hope to learn more about you.

UA
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