Hello,  I am 45 years old and would love to here from anyone who suffers with bipolar or anyone that has had a family/friend with this illness. I suffer with bipolar and would like to know how you are coping.Please send me an email if you would like to chat with me about it. kimberly6013@hotmail.com
202133
Hi Kim, my former boyfriend was bipolar.  It was an interesting relationship.  You can email me if you'd like, tinabuddesmail@yahoo.com
626441
Like all the others that answered yes and gave reason! I agree with all of them!! I have the experience! My boyfriend is bipolar and suffers from depression anxiety, anger,and he also has a sleeping disorder! Me on the other hand haven't been diagnosed for any of that except that i have a mental illness called epilepsy! My son is 2yrs old! Were all healthy and happy!! It just takes support like everyone has said!!! Don't stereotype us!!!
220778
Could be. I was the same way and I have been diaged with bi-polar. Bi-polar 2 though. There's a differance. A lot of people with bipolar have those syptoms, but for alot longer..say you're completly depressed for over 2 weeks, then feel over happy for awhile. That's bipolar..as where I have BP 2. The syptoms are more common through-out the day. I have been taking Depekote for awhile now and my bipolar has been more under control. That and my Paxil for panic...It helped me..maybe it could help you too...see your Dr. They are familar with this stuff. They will led you in the right direction. :) Good Luck
624805
I just wanted to say I am very sorry this happened to you. BIPOLAR disorder is a very serious and sad condition. I suffered with it for several years, and i Know how tuff it is. When you have bipolar disorder, you attach to people very easily because they are one of the only things that make you feel important. be proud of yourself because you were the light in his life for a period of time. Its not your fault he took his life, he had a disorder that made it hard for him to make good decisions. You where what made him happy, remember that, cause you gave him hope. You made his life happy while he was here. God Bless you, hope i have helped.
288660
I have suffered from depression since I can remember. I dealt with it by punching walls until my knuckles were bleeding, binge drinking when I was 14, smoking weed at an early age, and cutting myself. My depression would come and go, I'd feel good for a while then go through stints of depression. They'd last anywhere from a couple weeks to a few months. I probably was not eating as much because I'd sleep about 10-12 hours a day, so I wouldn't be awake to suffer. I was eventually put on Prozac, but I had to start seeing a psychologist to get the meds. I was on that treatment for about a year, then decided that I could deal with it on my own. I'm 23 now and even though I've stopped most of the self destructive behavior, I know that it's always there. For me it kind of feels like being a recovering alcoholic; you're never really get over it, but you gain the knowledge on how to cope with it. I just have to remind myself that there's bad days and good days; a rainbow comes out after the storm has passed. I'm a health fanatic now, I go to the gym and lift weights. It's my release... a lot of my depression manifested itself as anger, so instead of punching things and cutting myself I bench press and do curls.
583300
Being a severe bipolar myself - It one of the most interesting, but one of most terrible disease to live with!\nUnless people are considerate enough to research it they will never understand it!\nEven understanding SOME of it - It cannot be controlled. Medication helps with SOME stability, but being bipolar the medication being immuned very quickly.\nShe is doing great by taking care of herself, eating right, hygiene, etc.\nWith bipolar it is a mood that can come and go throughout the Moment, Day, or situation!\nPlease don't take too much upon yourself as it is a draining condition - especially from the person with it!\nBut I must Tell You Thank you for being understanding. It's very rare that people are there for ones like this! It is so trying! People cannot handle it - They want to deny it exists...\nMy grown children went through heck when I raised them (I didn't have a diagnosis's then)\nNow, they also live in other states, when we have contact they only want to, can only handle that I'M FINE, I'M DOING WELL - we don't discuss who I really am or what I'm going through!\nWhen I am out of sorts, I say I don't feel well! Some know what I'm talking about, most don't care = I don't care that they care or not!\nI've learned to accept this is who I am, I do my best to maintain!\nIf you'd like to keep in contact please email me!\nAgain, thank you for being someone who's taking the time to understand the disease!
281023
Bipolar Disease runs in my family, so I always get a little concerned when my moods shift suddenly.  In your case, I would definately suggest talking to someone...doctor, friend, family...its always best to let someone know where your mind and heart are at.  Hormones can also play a big part in your emotions, especially if your menstruating or are pregnant.  I dont know where your from, but Im from MA., and its been raining here for weeks on end.  The weather can also have a strong effect on your moods.  Be well sister!
673322
i am also bipolar .. have been on medication for almost 4 years now.. There's lots to say...\nAll 3 of those above are great answers :) .. the only thing I can add is that as individuals you do all the research you can on the subject and know that being bipolar is different for everyone that has it. With knowledge we can overcome the denial.. and empower ourselves to a better understanding of this affliction and end the negative stigmas associated with it..\nStay on the meds in good times and bad.. and always keep the lines of communication open.. Try to keep track of the moods and the things that may trigger episodes in them. Do what you can to avoid adding unnecessary stress to their life. And, by this, I am not saying keep secrets. Try to understand things from their perspective as much as you can. It is a very very frustrating affliction to live with.. especially trying to get those around you to understand what the bipolar person might be going through. They do things they can rationalize in their minds that make no sense to the outside world.. and the opposite is also true.. there are times when everything around them is going very well and they can see nothing good to take from it all. Be patient.. the swings in moods and emotions are temporary. Learn to give the person space when they need it and hugs when they need them as well. Know that nobody with this affliction has made achoice to be this way.. It is all beyond their control. And it is a very difficult thing to have to watch, and have to stand by helpless while a person is flying through the clouds of euphoria or sinking faster than a overturned ship in a hurricane.. it will pass.. and it will become easier with knowledge.. learn all you can about it. Offer to help as much as you can.. and make sure they stay on their meds at all times... even when things are going good.. The meds will not stop the cycles from happening, but, with the right mix and dosages, they are very effective at keeping them from getting too extreme. \nEncouragement, understanding and flexibility is needed by all of those around them. \nGood Luck :P
223261
Bi Polar disorder is characterised by 'mood swings'. In my case I did not sleep well for about a year then I stopped sleeping completely for about 8 days and I began to lose 'insight' - I began exercising in the middle of the night, had loads of energy. Didn't eat much either and started getting some strong 'notions' that people around me couldn't relate to. I talked a lot more than usual and it was hard to follow me, so I am told. This was my 'manic' phase. It was pretty scary. I then became severely depressed. It took me along time to find 'normal' moods again. It takes patience and a good deal of getting to know yourself better. (foods and drink that help/hinder - )\nI struggled with anxiety for years before this occurred. I have been on both Lithium and depakote. Am on (epilim) which is very similar to depakote now (it is easier on my stomach than Dep- but not licensed for BiPolar like Depakote- They are both Valproic acid essentially). It is hard to say how efective it is. You will put on a little weight but it can really help if you are prone to getting 'manic'.\nGood luck. If you want to chat further feel free to contact me and I would be happy to share any relevant experiences with you.
121474
I've done a lot of research about exactly what you're asking because I'm bipolar too. From what I've found out, people are born with bipolar but it often takes a traumatic experience to trigger it. Once bipoar is triggered it's very important to find the right medication because bipolar is with you for life and without treatment will only get worse. There are many different medications that help with the symptoms so it's equally as important to find a doctor you can discuss all your options with. Finding a proper diet helps too as well as staying away from street drugs and alcohol.
238145
I had problems much like you describe. I was also depressed a lot of the time. After years of anger and depression I found out that I was bipolar. I am taking medication now for the last 3 months. Things are going very well for me now. I'm not saying you are bipolar, but it is something to consider. If you are bipolar the anger management or behavioral therapy will do little good because bipolar disorder is not a behavioral problem. It is a medical problem caused by an imbalance of chemicals used by the brain. There are many good medications that can be used to treat it but it is a life long disorder that will take treatment your entire life. The good news is that it is well managed with the meds and you can expect to live a fulfilling and productive life. Check the website I link to below for more info on bipolar disorder. Good luck and contact me if you want or need more info.\n\nSincerely,\nTerry
410065
My heart goes out to you and your family. I've been married to the same wonderful man for thirty-one years. Twice prior to my knowing him he tried to kill himself. Since we have been together he has made 4 more attempts on his life. I don't know where you are from but most places have mental health assocations. They can help you to understand medications, patiants rights. For my husband I am his health care rep. when he can't speak-up for himself I have the legal right to do this . I got him to give me power of attorney so I can deal with his disabilty money and all the red tape that goes along with it. Your Mom's illness if she does have Bi-polar suicide is attempts can be a part of her illness. It is a long hard road and you need to seek help yourself so you can stay healthy enough to be an assistance in getting her the help she needs. There are support groups for families going thru what we both are. When my husband gets what I call imbalanced with his medicine it takes me giving him his meds. because he gets confused about days and times to take them. As we both turn 50 this year it seems like second nature to us to deal with his illness. His last attempt to take his life was last November. He was missing for 2days before he was found in a coma in our truck at a reststop we use to stop at a lot. It was very sad, I still am seeing a counslor myself to deal with learning who I am outside of his illness. Be careful not to become so involed you stop living like I have at times
626295
I am 22 and unmedicated for Bipolar. I think about or attempt every winter. The happiest time of the year. I live a couple of hrs away from my nearest family member but they have never come to see me. even when they are in town for business they will not call they just pass on thru and keep on going. They know where I live and my cell but they will not call or come by\nThe lonlyness of the holiday sesion, seeing every one happy and in love it is just depressing when you are alone. Feeling like no one cares about you or loves you during thanksgiving & christmas. Lets be thankful for what we have right well what do you have really? what makes it the happiest time of the year? Family they haven't rembered me sence I was 12. Friends they have there own familys and can't come by when needed.\nSo every year I sit and I think and I plan.\nLast year I was about to when I got a call from my sister in law telling me that my mother was in the hospital for emergency heart surgery. I couldn't leave my mom in the hospital possible on her death bed wondering if I was going to come or not. I couldn't break her heart when she might not survive to see the next year.\n\nbut now the summers half over and i wonder what will this year be ike?
597032
That's gotta suck for you - and for him, too, probably.\n\nMedication compliance is not an uncommon problem for bipolars.  You've probably already heard lurid tales of what happens when bipolars go "off the meds."\n\nMy first question back to you is, does your son understand the diagnosis, or does he believe it's all a bunch of mind-control hokum, designed to get him Under the Thumb?  (Paranoia is not an uncommon aspect to just about any mental health issue.)\n\nIf he does understand the diagnosis, you might consider a family contract (see link below to an example.)  The only problem I have with the example contract is the first line, assuming that a bipolar person in the midst of an episode could even begin to "stay calm."  That's just unrealistic.\n\nThe benefit of the contract, though, is that if he agrees to it during a lucid moment, where he sees that his disorder really can threaten his own life and the lives of those he loves, it empowers you - completely - to do what you have to do to protect yourself in the event he's not stable (i.e., not taking his meds or they're not working anymore.)\n\nThere are tons of example contracts out there on the web.\n\nAlso, have you tried family counseling?  As a family, it's critical to determine what your coping mechanisms are/will be for instances of instability or dangerous behavior.\n\nGood luck to you, and to him.\n\nOh and before I forget, there's a great book he might want to read, it's called "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Jamison - it's a memoir of a woman with bipolar disorder, only she's a psychiatrist so she has a special perspective.  Very well-written.  If you kid likes books at all he might dig this one.  Or not.  Hard to tell.\n\n****************\n\nWell, darn it, I thought about this as I was taking my own meds last night and I wonder if maybe the Klonopin makes him feel kind of dumbed-out.  If he likes his sharp manic side (and you said he was pretty smart, or at least got good grades,) feeling dull and doped out might be causing some of his noncompliance issues.  There are lots of meds out there that can be used for bipolar disorder.
646867
I am also bipolar, and very knowledgeable about the illness.. The doctor always knows best but has no real chance of being in a position to help if he has to make guesses at her condition. \nI am thinking that perhaps her bipolar disorder may have morphed into a more serious combination of many different afflictions as a result of her age and the traumatic loss of her life partner..\nFind a way to speak with her doctor or psychiatrist and explain the finer details of her actions.. she may not be honest with him because of the paranoia of how he might try to help.. might be schizophrenia, dementia, post traumatic stress disorder.. or even being bipolar with new tendencies (it gets much worse over time, especially when treatment is abandoned and she stops the meds) \nlook into these possibilities. Doctors know best, always.. but they need your help to be effective, especially in your grandmothers case.. when she isn't being very cooperative and taking a much more proactive approach towards her own wellbeing. She needs her medicine.. and she needs your help to get this under control. It seems that she is in a bad spot with being so mixed up in all of the emotions of what is happening all around her. Powerlessness is a horrible thing.. it seems she desperatly needs a helping hand. \nEducate yourself to whatever the possibilities for her behavior might be in a clinical sense so you can be helpful to the doctors. \nDo your part to get her the help she needs. Good Luck .. :)
135721
I am mentally ill. I can say it. I have had to endure 30 brain surgeries and I suffer, believe me- I SUFFER- some lingering side effects of it. The surgery was for a birth deffect that wasn't detected til I was 19. \n I now suffer from severe bio-polar disorder and, without my meds, I can have mild schitzophrenic tendencies .  Ok, cool. As Long as I knowwww what is wrong with me and how to treat it, I'm ok. I can handle it. \n\n   This person in your house, that might or might not have mental problems, may not even realize they have a problem. I know it took 3 years for us to decide/realize what was wrong with me.  Ever hear of an intervention. or are you the only one who feels this person has a problem? \n    No , you don't have the right to tell someone to 'get off the drugs' when they aren't on any and you KNOW that for a fact. ( Maybe tell them to start taking the RIGHT ones..it took me 8 years to get to the right 'cocktail' of meds I am on now so that I don't talk to the trees and don't cry when they don't answer me. LOL its not thaaat bad,  just kidding  a little But it does take time and cooperation on EVERYONE's part. ) Go to the person , offer what you've observed and offer to HELP said person get the help that they NEED, or to at least see someone and determine if they need anything. It sounds simple, but it isn't. I know. I had to hospitalize my husband twice in the first year we were married before we got him properly diagnosed/medicated for bipoler problems. It stinks and its hard, but up front is the only way to go. Just don't let that person doubt your love and  support for them. \nBy the way... you don't wanna know what all I am on!!
628607
I am so sorry that you are facing intolerance in a time when you need all the support you can get.  It's unfortunate, but some societies aren't used to dealing with mental disorders.  Some bury the disorders or dismiss them as someone trying to get attention.  I don't know much about Taiwan, but here in the USA, Manic/Depressive Disorder (or Bipolar Disorder) is also misunderstood sometimes.  Perhaps there is some kind of support group in your area that would be able to help you deal with all the adversity you are facing.\nGood luck.  I'll pray for you.