I want to hear from other people with bipolar disorder?

Question

I've just been diagnosed, but I'm not sure I agree. It seems awfully popular to diagnose people with bipolar these days. Having said that, I DO have many of the symptoms. My doctor wants me to take antipsychotics and I'm not sure that's best for me. I've suffered with the symptoms for a long time, and I'd certainly like to feel better, but in your experience, is the treatment worse than the cure?

My previous diagnoses were anxiety disorder and depression. I'm already on Lexapro, and I have a very healthy lifestyle in terms of exercise, vitamins, therapy, etc. I am in control of my behavior. I'm still struggling with thoughts of self harm, motivation, and cyclic shifts in behavior and thoughts.

Answer 1

I am. I say stay away from meds. They have horrible side effects. They basically make you insensitive....doped up...

I say get proper therapy and learn to cope with it. It never goes away but there are things you can do to make it better. For example;

Eat better
Exercise (releases endorphines in the brain)
Start a hobby
Go out with people
Get a pet - It's proven that having a cat/dog reduces stress and in general it will make you happier knowing that you are loved and needed.
Do some charity work.

The less time you spend alone/bored...the less depressed you'll be. Just try to go out and do things...it's worked for me. I've been off the meds for 8 years now.

Give this a genuine chance, put some effort into it, and if it doesn't work for you then try meds.

Also, stay away from sad movies, sad songs, or anything that gets you depressed.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I'm not sure about how popular it is to diagnose people with BipolarDisorder, You may be in denial. I was in denial for many years, before accepting the condition and taking meds.

It is true that Medication can have many side effects but if you find the correct Meds for you, The side effects are minimal.

I've been on a certain Antiphycotic med for the past 3 years and these meds don't have any bad side effects. Mind you the dose I'm on is very small.

Don't be afraid of meds, just report negative side effects, Also, If you are functional as is, the dose you need is very small.

If you have never had a Major Episode try to resist the meds. If you are in danger of having an episode, I suggest you get on meds. It's less disruptive to your system.

Lastly, If you do go on Meds, I suggest you look for recent antiphycotic drugs. Stay away from cheap older drugs, especially Kemidrin and Haldol (I may have spelled that wrong).


Good Luck and Be Well!

Answer 3

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in second grade and put on three different kinds of meds at one point that made me unhapy, gain weight, and worse off than before. I stoppe taking them on my own in fith grade and then convinced my Dr. I didnt need them any more by sixth grade and I've never been better now at age 20.

I've found that mental illness is all mental and you have complete power over your mind. You can let some dr. and some pills warp your mind, or you can figure out the truth for yourself! Good luck, email me if you have any other questions, friend!

lots of love

Answer 4

I am still trying to learn as much as I can about Bi polar disorder.My ex (who I have a daughter with) was diagnosed with this disease.My life was hell I never knew what to expect from him.My heart was broken on daily basis,however after he was diagnosed he was put on all sorts of meds he said it made him feel a thousand times worse.Sadly he never really gave them a chance to work.We still remain really good friends but it is sad to see him struggle.Most people diagnosed with this are in denial at first.Bipolar pretty much covers every mental illness.There are so many symptoms that it is so hard to correctly diagnose.I would not just have one opinion I would recommend at least 3.Good luck on your journey,only you will know if meds can help.

Answer 5

My daughter sure has been on a bumpy road for 5 years now... higher dosage lower dosage .Take her off one thing try something new.... Some times she is worst than before... I'm not sure .. I think the doctors are just guessing at it. She has good days and bad days THEN really BAD DAYS. Make sure you read up on every thing they give you ask questions over & over if ya have to. Check with other Doctors if you can to be sure of meds. & all... Wishing you the best ...Thanks

Answer 6

funny you asked this question! im manic/bipolar you got to try some type of medication if you wanna get better! you just have to work closely with your doctor. tell you wanna start with a mild amount of the meds n work up from there! some of these doctors will have you walking around like a fuking zombie. take care of your body to take vitamins! good luck n god bless you.

Answer 7

Sometimes my husband makes me think he's bipolar......when he was younger (20ties) he was very hype, one moment we would be laughing and another second he would be extremely angry! He's an impulse shopper he buys a lot of things he doesn't need......he's not on medication but I do pray for him a lot....as the years pass by he gets better and he is not on medication.....II see less symptoms in him except the impulse shopping but i don't complain because he's responsible.......I wouldn't take medicine because these days you are cured with one thing and plagued with another........your mind and prayer is powerful....My husband would act out (crazy) in front of us but had total control around others.....so I knew he could control his symptoms.......

Answer 8

I personally feel the treatment sucks...having to take all those pills...I was diagnosed when I was 17 it ruined my life...Make sure they take a blood test to make sure your lithum level is off....If not your symptoms maybe something else....Before you start anything get a blood test.. email me @ [e-mail] if you want some more info..

Answer 9

theres not a cure for it it something that you have to learn to control and deal with, ive taken lexapro very good drug that had helped me and talkng with a psychiatrist or counselor helps to, you can always try the drug , if you dont like the way it makes you feel tell you doc.

Answer 10

My brother is bi-polar and I can tell you that when he is on his meds he is a happy normal human being, but when he is not on his meds he gets into trouble a lot and makes a lot of bad decisions and then later wonders why.