Recently Diagnosed

I'm new to this forum and recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It came as a real shock to me because I had always believed I was just depressed. I'd been to counseling on and off for several years now, and not a single one of my counselors noticed my mania because I always left therapy abruptly after my mood lifted.

I was diagnosed about a month ago following an attempted suicide. I overdosed and my sister foud me and took me to the hospital where I was stabilized and admitted to the psych ward. I spent about a week there, and the whole experience was very upseting. Bipolar disorder runs very strongly in my family. My uncle and cousin were both diagnosed during hospitalizations, and I believe that my father and brother both have it too, although they haven't been diagnosed yet.

I was a college student before all this, but I'm taking some time off to deal with the disease. My psychiatrist prescribed Effexor and Lamictal for me, but I've really been struggling with taking my meds regularly. The Lamictal makes me really tired and it takes me forever to wake up in the morning because I'm so drowsy. It also makes me really dizzy and disoriented. I've been really forgetful lately too, so it's hard to remember to take my pills. My friends and family have been calling me throughout the day to remind me, which makes me feel like they think I'm too incompetent to look after myself. Since the diagnosis, it seems like everyone around me has been constantly questioning my words and actions.

This whole thing has been very scary for me, especially the hospital. I never in my wildest dreams envisioned this life for myself.

Christina,                                                                                                                      I You have come to the right place for support. The people here are wonderful and supportive. We've all been where you are, maybe not exactly but we can surely identify with what is going on, and be one support system for you.

 You are very fortunate to have a supportive family. So many people do not have that.  And, yes, sometimes we with psychiatric symptoms/bipolar are very misunderstood. It's a shame that more people aren't educated about it. It seems that depression isn't really scary, but the word bipolar strikes a note of fear for so many people, including ourselves. I was dx as depressed for over 20years before I was dx with bipolar 2 disorder.  I'm grateful that I am on the right meds.now. It's like night and day because antidepressants can cause manic symptoms and rapid cycling unless you are on a mood stabilizer with them. And that was the case for me.

There are many resources online and otherwise that your family can access to help know how to best support you. Also, like someone said, tell them what you need. I'm sure you are overwhelmed by all this and most likely you don't even know what you need right now. There is a group called NAMI. It is the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. If you just type in NAMI, you will come up with their website. They have chapters in many cities, esp. large ones. They offer support for you and your family members. It is a great resource.I advise you to stay with your medications. The side effects will pass. I know it is very scary, but give it time. I am on Lamictal and it is a very good medication . I have not taken effexor, but I'm sure the doctors had reasons for putting you on that paticular medication. If one doesn't work, another will. Be brave sweetie, and know that we are here for you.

Blessings and Wellness to you,

Judy

Louisville, KY

P.S. a good link to go to about medications and illnesses is remedyfind.com.  To me, it's always been very helpful in seeing what has worked for others and  how they are dealing biploar illness.