I've just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (yet to be confirmed). I've looked at some literature relating to it - googled it, of course, - but now feel more confused and anxious.
The various grading systems aside, is there anyone who has bipolar disorder and is functioning normally? Is it possible to remain productive during episodes of depression? How long does it take to stabalise and can it ever be cured (cured in this instance means no symptoms whether taking prescribed medication or not is immaterial)
Is their any information other people have found particularly helpful?
The offical advice seems so peppered with 'ifs' and 'buts' I'm lost!
Thanks
Ash
2007-10-20 03:29:20 · 9 answers · asked by Bewildered 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
My brother has it and he is doing well with his job and marriage, he is a pretty good father too.
My cousin has it. She is in her 20s and after a bad relationship with an abusive boyfriend she is starting college and a new part time job.
I have two friends who are on Disability, but they appear to be doing well.
I had one friend with Bipolar who kind of messed up his life; but he was into drugs. Last I heard he was living with his parents.
It can't be "cured" so to speak. For most people it seems to be a lifelong condition, but some people eventually stop having symptoms.
The medication can manage the symptoms. I get the impression that when the symptoms completely go away for good it has nothing to do with the meds; it just seems to go away on it's own--maybe it's a matter of luck. I never heard of anyone being able to manage it completely without medication.
How productive someone is really depends a lot on the severity of the symptoms and how well they can be controlled with medication.
2007-10-20 04:33:19 · answer #1 · answered by majnun99 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bipolar Disorder can be dangerous if it goes untreated. You are a danger to yourself. When manic, you do things you normally would not do, you get impulsive and over-confident much like a drunk person would be. You do things you don't remember later. In fact, you are drunk on your own body chemistry. A manic episode or a depressed episode can last a few minutes or for months and anywhere in between. When you're depressed, you lose all interest in life and in yourself. You feel like life just isn't worth living. You withdraw from the world, from friends, and from family. There are medications that help with this chemical imbalance. It may take trying several different medications or combinations of medications to find what is right for you. All medications have side effects, and whether a medication works for an individual depends on his or her chemical makeup. What works or doesn't work for someone else may effect you differently. So it's very important that you cooperate with your doctor until you become stable. I am bipolar. I've been on medication for over 15 years. And yes, you can live a normal life once you get things regulated.
2007-10-20 11:00:55 · answer #2 · answered by lady_gertie02 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My older son is bipolar. He has such deep dark depressions & he cuts on himself I think he may have slowed down on that..................but he is now several states away so I have no way of knowing for sure. He has been married twice. He is divorced. He gets these incredible bursts of energy where he will work on his house all night he once laid down flooring and painted a room then sleep for 2 or 3 hours then wallpapered a room and hung blinds. Then he will crash and not be able to even pull himself out of bed for several days or he will sit in his recliner. He had to despite what he wanted had to go on disability. However I am sure if a person is willing to work hard at it and take their medications and use therapy ( the therapist is trained to watch for signs and can alert their client) They can live a fairly normal life. Most importantly never stop medications!~My son stops taking his medications and that is when he gets into trouble with the depressions reckless behavior, and he also become suicidal.
2007-10-20 11:00:04 · answer #3 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I was diagnosed like 2 months ago and its has been real difficult for me, because i dint accept it. For me its unfair. But I have to understand that this is not my fault and this is just a chemical sibilance in the brain. The doctor gave me Lamictal and it was pretty good but now i feel like before treatment. Then he gave me Abilify and I dint see any difference with that one.
The doctor and my psychologist said that I'm functional, but my mind is driving me crazy with all this thoughts, i have no memory retention and no concentration. I have awful mood swings like during the day.
2007-10-20 12:52:52 · answer #4 · answered by Frances M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, I'm supposed to have it, but in my opinion that's nothing but another one of this age inventions; like stress or restless leg syndrome. Only you can control your mind. Try your best not to take any medications, unless it is really a severe psychological condition; it would only make things worse in the long run. Learn to detect the exact moment when the change occurs; either towards depression or towards anger, and only in that specific moment you will learn to stop it. One of the characteristics of this condition is that once it takes off, it is very difficult to stop it. Also look for ways of releasing that surge of energy, like exercising, but try not to get any other person involved, because that's when things get ugly.
2007-10-20 10:40:32 · answer #5 · answered by naperston 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
first , for a dr to say your bipolar without doing test blows my mind. To truely test if you are bipolar you need blood testing to see if you lith. levels are off. This is what causes bipolar. Its not hard to live with daily once the proper meds are found for you. It can take awile to get the proper dosing, but it will gwet better. Ive lived with it for 22 years and im fine .Some days are bad but you get throught it. try the two links below. Good luck and try not to worry to much about it. youll be fine!!
2007-10-20 10:57:04 · answer #6 · answered by Deidre R 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I learend that i had bipolar the hard way i tried to commit suicide (i dont want attention) so doint go down that path just find the right meds to save you so you feel like a normal kid
2007-10-20 13:02:38 · answer #7 · answered by Marty C(stalker of fear) 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ok. I dont have much expirence, but my doctors though I had Bipolar disorder about 2 months ago, but I dont. It cannot be cured. :[[[ Sorry.
2007-10-20 10:37:37 · answer #8 · answered by fgdfg 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't let them put you on abilify there are way to many side effects trust me i had a really bad experience
2007-10-20 10:34:52 · answer #9 · answered by blueeyegagurl831 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋