Bipolar Depression

I was diagnosed BP 2 in March though I knew for several years something wasn't right. The Pdocs I went to for years kept trying me on meds that didn't work or had bad effects - no BP meds. I was finally diagnosed during a hospitalization (not my first). This site and others keeps talking about "your support person" but I find I have none. My family is of the old school of thought regarding mental health, I have no friends I feel comfortable with talking to (one noted that others had it much worse and I should just change my way of thinking and I'd feel better- you know "snap"), and the only support group in my area doesn't always meet regularly. I just feel so lost in the abyss of all of this. I'm not even sure anyone here can assist but would welcome any comments anyone has.

Hi Marie,

I feel for you. I can remember when I was a teenager and depressed, my mother would make me a cup of tea and that was supposed to solve the problem. I wasn't diagnosed as bipolar until my forties, so I just thought all the messes I'd made in my life were my fault.

Right now I'd say your doctor is your first support--make sure you communicate what's happening with the meds until you get the right regimen for you. This may take some time.

Secondly, meds alone are usually not enough to deal with bipolar issues. Are you seeing a therapist? It may take some trial and error to find the right one for you, but this is very important. The therapist should be helping you to work out a healthy lifestyle and also how to deal with unsupportive family.

Next, if there isn't a support group in your area that meets regularly, consider starting one. There are sure to be other people like you who would welcome such a group. This may be too much to tackle right now, but one thing you could do is be a more active participant in the group that does meet. I started helping to facilitate and manage the group I'm a member of, and that allowed me to have input into how we run things.

Finally, you've got our online support group--these message boards and blogs. There is even a doctor on this site who will answer your medical quedstions.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

Lynne
Read my blog at Lynne's Bipolar Blog

Lynne

Thank you for your sound advice. I have a good therapist I feel. We just sort of started but with my health insurance I only have about 6 visits left and can't get anymore until January.
The meds I am on are continuing to be switched around and I feel like a guinea pig. I've got a long PHistory (since childhood & I am approaching 40) of intolerance to meds so it is taking longer.
I do find some comfort in this site and read yours and the other's blogs daily. I am just feeling as if I am drowning once more.
I will see my therapist in a couple of days though.
Thank you so much.

Marie

Marie-
Im in the same boat. I was dx' in June.. I have told one friend, and my Aunt and Cousin. My own family told me while I was in the "looney bin" that they knew I had a problem. The only thing that gets me by, is the quote I heard a while ago,

We are well, because we got help.

Good luck,
Laurie

Marie,
I do not think it is unusual for folks like us to find ourselves in this situation; without a support system.

The trick now is building one. This might consist of a therapist/pschologist (work hard until you find the one you like), perhaps clergy or a church group (even if you are not talking about your BP openly), online support such as this. Just maybe one friend or family member will eventually arise through it all at their ignorance will be filled with education and compassion.

Until then, it sounds like you are taking the right steps to find more than what you have.

www.mercurialmindbipolarblog.blogspot.com