Does anyone have Bipolar?How do you cope?

Question

I was diagnosed last May and since then have started Lithium.I was just wondering how you might be feeling

Answer 1

I've been treated for Bipolar for over 20 years now. One of the things I've learned is that each person is unique. One person will react differently to any particular medication than another person. Each medicated person responds in their own way to the med's they are given. I think it is a real bad idea to listen to other people tell you how you are going to feel or react because of their own limited experience.

Work with your care providers. They have more education and experience than the people on the internet. For me (maybe for somebody else, maybe not) the hardest part has been accepting the situation and the diagnosis.

Remember that there are different degrees of the illness and people all are affected in a unique way. Some people can go it without med's. At the other end of the spectrum are people who seem untreatable and people who can't "function" in our society.

Be encouraged by the fact that there has been more scientific advancement in the study of mental illness in the past 10 years than in the previous 200 years. Good luck to you. I wish you the best.

Answer 2

I am bipolar and cope without medication. When I was very young (about 23 years old) I tried Lithium. The effects soon wore off after 6 months. I swore thereafter that I would not take any medication ever again. Decades later I look back and am glad I made this decision.

The problem with taking medication is that you eventually cannot live without it and you end up moving to more potent medication such as Depakote, Wellbutrin and even Seroquel. Besides, medication is not the solution. In the long term it is far more destructive and often deadly.

So how do I cope? Well, it's a combination of meditation, diet, sleep and exercise. It requires a lot of discipline and is a daily struggle. I know because I am a rapid cycler. However, it can be done. So what do I do when I feel my mood begins to swing in the opposite direction? I am constantly reminding myself to think at least twice before I respond to questions or contribute to a conversation. I carefully think about my word choice and how it might be interpreted. I remind myself that my chemicals are whacky and that I won't always be feeling this way (sooner or later you pass through the equator and get a taste of some normality even if it's fleeting). In a situation where I am angry, I will think at least five times before responding or I will try to leave as quickly as possible without causing any offense or stir. See, you need to think of a plan for every eventuality. You will make some mistakes along the way until you develop a fine art of masking your bipolar disorder(B.P). Eventually most people who don't know you personally will never know that you suffer from B.P. My greatest challenges took place at work where I had to deal with very stupid people.

There is a lot more I can say about my experiences but this might give you a small insight and encourage you to try and live with your affliction as best you can. Drugs are not the answer. And you don't need luck as one poster suggested. All you need is determination and a positive attitude helps.

Answer 3

I have bipolar disorder (along with a couple other diagnoses). I am a rapid-cycler. It's been pretty hard on me. I was diagnosed about 13 years ago but I've only had medicine for the last 8 years. I'm 32 years old. I've tried lots of different drugs along the years. I've been in the psych hospital 14 times. It's not an easy illness by far. But you're not alone. There are lots of message boards out there that can give you some information and support too. I take quite a few meds (7 for psych alone) but I'm still quite unstable. I cannot work (I'm on disability), but there are other things I can do. You have to realize that you can't just ignore it and pretend it'll go away. It requires daily attention. I cannot just "turn it off" and pretend it doesn't exist. There's no vacation from it. You have to deal with it head-on. Therapy helps me cope with it. I try to keep busy around the house and around town too. I tend to hibernate so I "force" myself to go out of the house every day. There are lots of volunteer opportunities out there too. If you're able to work, that's wonderful! I worked for a while but finally had a major meltdown and that was it. I certainly wish I could be "normal" and work, live on my own, have children and a husband and take care of them all. With me, it's just not feasible. Sometimes I feel like a failure and I get down on myself. That's what my therapist is for.

Answer 4

Hi, I got diagnosed with bipolar disorder a little over a year ago, at the age of 24. My only regret is not doing something about it earlier. I have found that taking an antidepressant and antipsychotic work really well to keep me feeling normal. I still get mood swings sometimes, but I just remind myself that it won't kill me and they pass. I think the best way to deal is to surround yourself with people you love and try to go out and enjoy life as much as you can. I've been able to work, luckily my job is pretty low key and I enjoy the company of my coworkers. I also find it helpful to keep a journal. Be really open and honest with people, including your doctor and therapist, and remember that your happiness is up to you.

Answer 5

I don't have bipolar, but I have a family member who does. I can tell you to keep taking your meds and don't stop. You might get to a point where you "think" you're doing better and you don't need the meds. This is common with bi-polar disorder. You won't notice the difference, but others will. If you want to be well and have a good relationship with those in your life, stay on your meds and discuss any changes with your doc. Good luck to you and godloveya.

Answer 6

I have been bipolar for over 25 years, but only diagnosed about 18 months ago. I'm doing well, but it's a matter of getting on the right meds.

Come over to http://z9.invisionfree.com/Bipolar_Haven and see how the rest of us are getting on.