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I'm 22 & have just been diagnosed with Bi-polar disorder. Even though I have a long way to recovery, I feel better already knowing what my DEAL is .. I honestly didn't know what the h... was wrong with me. There isnt a whole lot on this message board at all so I'm hoping to catch some people who may read this. so if you do read this and care to express how u feel or felt or whatever then lets go lets get some other people on board
Thank you for sharing your story with all of us - and I can't wait to hear the stories of others in our community. John McManamy, who has dealt with bipolar disorder and writes a blog about his experiences, wrote that it was a huge relief to get a diagnosis - to finally have someone confirm that there was a chemical cause for the way he'd been feeling. I can imagine that your head is swimming with the news, but it sounds like you are on the road to getting everything sorted out.
I am the producer of Bipolar-Connection, and I'm eager to make this an amazing resource for you and the rest of the community, so don't hesitate to send any thoughts or suggestions my way (feedback@bipolar-connection.com).
Hi, CHIQ. I can really appreciate both how relieved and scared you are. I went through something similar seven years ago. On one hand I was relieved at learning what was wrong with me and on the other I was terrified that I would never lead a normal life.
Unlike me, you had the courage to seek out help at a much earlier age. I won't deceive you. You probably have some heartbreak and frustration ahead of you. Getting on the right meds and figuring out the right coping skills takes time.
But now that you know what you're up against, you have an excellent chance of leading a rewarding and productive life.
I strongly suggest learning everything you can, including checking out the blogs and articles on this website, pluw www.mcmanweb.com. Also, I strongly suggest a support network, either your friends or a support group (DBSA's website has a directory of groups).
Keep checking in ...
Check out my bipolar articles and blog on HealthCentral.
CHIQwitcLaSs420: You nailed my feeling. Knowing WHY I am like I am was the biggest step. After that, I started pursuing as much knowledge as possible, about my disorder, treatment of it, and how it affects ME. Having an understanding and knowledgeable wife helps a lot, she can sometimes clue me into things I miss.
Hi CHIQ, I must say that I agree with both Greg & John, knowing what we're up against is 1/2 the battle. Communicating with others who are also bipolar has made such a significant positive change in my life. I hope you experience the same thing. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by sharing things you thought only you did or thought about, only to find out so do so many others. You are right, you're not alone. Sincerely, Jane
Hi, I got my diagnosis of BP when I was 33 and am 63 now. It has been a life of challenges. I was relieved to get the diagnosis because then I knew what was really going on with me. If I continue to take my meds on regular schedule and see my Psychiatrist, I am OK. I am on SS Disability now though and sometimes work part time. I think I am a success story. Married 25 years. First marriage was not good. Husband had no understanding of illness and we got divorced after 14 years. The regret of it changed to joy when I found out 5 years later that my present husband and I had so many interests in common and were truly compatible. My best luck to anyone who is newly diagnosed. I always tell the newly diagnosed 'Now you can start to get well.' Barb
bipolar since age 33. Stable now on meds. Interests, making friends, home, family, pets, webbing
Posts: 3 | Location: Indep MO USA | Registered: 06-07-2006
No, you are definitly not alone. There are millions of people with bipolar disorder. I find it really helps to communicate with other people who struggle with bipolar. I have had severe mood swings as long as I can remember, but years ago, most people weren't familiar with bipolar. So I grew up thinking I was defective,knew others were different and didn't understand what I was going through. My parents just yelled at me and spanked me a lot for acting "crazy".So it was a relief when I was diagnosed with bipolar a year ago. This meant it was an illness, not that I was a bad person.I'm not saying it's easy now, because I still haven't gotten the right balance of medication to be stable. But now I don't have to hate myself for something I can't help. I hope you get stable quickly and get your life back. I've seen it happen for many other people. Lots of luck. Caileigh
