I was just diagnosed with Bi Polar syndrome... I'm really scared... Should I be?
352500
Not as long as you are taking your meds. My hubby has it and so does my best friend. It takes a while to get on the right medication but once you get it figured out you can live a normal life. I can tell you it can be just as hard on your loved ones as it is on you (more so in some cases). The problem is, most people stop taking their pills. That's when the problems start. Ultimately you are still in control and that thought should be comforting. There are also some great support groups that are very helpful.\nGood luck! You are in my prayers.
711564
Yeah you should check with your doctor.  Bipolar is a very severe illness and you shouldn't ingest anything without knowing what affect it will have on your mood
514895
It depends on the severity of the Bi-polarism. Some are ok as long as they are aware of it and keep it "in check." Some become un-hirable liabilities.\nSome become homeless staticstics.\nSome just argue and fight with their loved ones all the time.\nSome, like myself have to constatly keep myself in check. I'm alergic to many bi-polar meds and have taken to a more natural approach. I do "biorhythms", take calcium suppliments, camomile and St. Johns Wort. I see a "congnative" therapist and have a loving and understanding partner who's seen all the crap I've been through just to get the proper diagnosys.
1084330
I read both of your questions, Rosey. It is too bad that you were not diagnosed correctly to begin with. A good psychiatrist would not have put you on antidepressants without a mood stabilizer if your diagnosis was Manic Depression (Bi-Polar Disorder). \nI think the drug you are inquiring about is LAMICTAL, an anti-seizure medication. You can read about it at : http://www.lamictal.com/epilepsy/hcp/indications/faq.html\nI don't think this medication will cause bloating, and most people have no problems with it. You have had a bad reaction in the past and it is causing some anxiety, I think. What I know for certain is that if you are Bi-Polar you need a medication. Living without the meds is miserable. You won't know if Lamictal is a good medication for you or not unless you try it. The Depakote you were on does not usually cause serious stomach problems, so maybe you have a sensitive stomach. \nYou have discovered a lot about yourself : 1.you cannot take antidepressants without a mood stabilizer because it triggers the mania, 2. you have a sensitive stomach, 3. you are currently anxious. .......  Start keeping a daily diary about how you feel after you start on the Lamictal. If you have adverse reactions, call your doctor. Take your diary to your doctor on your next appointment. It will help the doctor assess your progress. There are other anti-convulsants that are available if this one doesn't work, and as a responsible adult you will be able to help your doctor make informed decisions. ...... Good Luck ! I understand EXACTLY how you feel !
1091696
I can honestly say it will get better...I am on the same meds plus Mirtazpine(seems to help me eat more)...There were days I felt the same way, heck, I aint gonna lie, I still have days that way, everybody does. But, fortunately for me I have a doctor who didnt give up on me. We had to try a lot of different combinations of meds before we found the right one. And yes, some days I hate having to take all these meds, but for me I know I have to. Being Bipolar isnt easy to understand,and its not always easy to live with, but it could always be worse... Hang in there and take it one day at a time....
1173065
It can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to really see a noticable change - and even then, you may not "notice."  It's like you wake up one day, and say..."hey...I'm not so nervous now."  Lots of things can trigger your bipolar disorder. Have you had a recent upset or something that changed your life?  I was diagnosed shortly after I started my current job - 10 yrs ago.  I went from being a single, unemployed mother with no money and barely enough to live on...to someone who could support herself.  But I didn't know what to "do."  And I was afraid I would fail.  I was lost...I had not worked in 2 yrs, had not had a life other than going to the grocery store and doctors offices. But after a couple of months of being on the medication, I felt better, and it was a welcomed change. I actually wanted to go to bed at night so I could get up the next day, go to work, and make a life for myself.  It took about 2 months for it to really take effect though.  It'll be ok.  I think you've just not given it enough time yet.  Good luck, and I hope you feel better soon.
825783
talk to her each day to make sure she took her medication and that she makes the Dr. appointments, now more than ever.  If you really want to help, go with her to see the mental health professional and ask with her what you should/can do and what you should avoid/report.  And just be there, even if she can't see you sometimes. Bi-polar is hard enough with out something so horrible happening on top of it all. She is lucky to have you care so much for her. Most bi-polar people have few close/long term relationships even with family. God bless you and your family in this painful time.
1040300
You need to talk to your mom and tell her that the problems are back and you want some real help. I know it's tough, but you won't get medical treatment at your age without parental consent. Tell her and get yourself some good help. Yes, it does sound like Bipolar disorder but you should be checked for Aspergers Syndrome as well. Good luck to you.
45490
kytrailman gave some good advice.\nAny relationship is unique.  My wife was diagnosed as being bi-polar over 25 years ago.  We have been together for over 22 years.  Treatment is usually effective, but human support is also helpful.\nI do not know who told you that people with bi-polar condition  can not last in a relationship, but older studies of the condition (manic-depressives) usually listed this as one effect FOR UNTREATED patients.\nIf you love the person and the person is under treatment, then do not worry.  Just read something like the book mentioned above so you know what you are getting into.\nHey, and give kytrailman the points.
319099
I died when I was 9, just for 2 minutes and then I came back. It was not scarey at all. Stop being so morbid and enjoy life while you have it. You are not feeling death, you are depressed or bi polar, you need to see a therapist.
489257
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.
692462
First off, if someone divorced you over a medical disorder, they have much bigger problems than you ever will. \n\nSecond, bi-polar disorder is not great, but hardly a life-ending tragedy.  It can be controlled with medicine and therapy. Take a real interest in your own health.  Start a mood journal so that you and your doctor can get an idea of the cycles of your disorder.\n\nThird, join a support group.  There are many in real life and on the web.  Always keep in mind that you are not alone and not at fault.
386184
I'm not a mental health provider but I've had bipolar disordar for 15 years. There's help out there. Medicines, therapist. Get to a phone book, now! Look up mental health providers and call!  I hope you get a chance to re-read this answer, I've been thinking about you all night. Last week I felt "weird" and ended up talking to a caseworker at my insurance company for thirty minutes until my husband could get home from work. He stayed home for a week to keep me out of the psychiatric ward.  Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. e-mail me at mybilbrey@yahoo.com if you need to.  I've been on Social Security for 15 years because I get confused and can't work.  I understand! CJB
1118124
I was diagnosed with MS May 4, 2005.  It started in Nov. 2002 with optic neuritis (i didn't know that's what it was at the time).  Then in August 2004 I developed a headache that lasted for about 5 months, followed with dizziness/vertigo.  I had a check-up, an MRI, heart echo, 1,001 blood tests, and finally a spinal tap (LP).  It's funny, I thought by now I would have accepted it, but it is still the first thing on my mind when I wake up, and the last thing on my mind when I go to sleep.  It's a big blow to get a diagnosis like this one.  I was 30 when I was dx'd, like most people.  There's too much to type here.  My e-mail is: multiplesclerosissux@yahoo.com if you wanna talk!  My name is Brian.
1140554
Drugs for people suffering from bi-polar disorder are as individual as the person.  It usually requires trying out different medications - trial and error.  There are some medications that are known for being better and your psychiatrist should know about those.  I would see a mental health professional and not a family doctor about this.  They have much more experience in finding the right medication or combination of medication.  Someone mentioned Wellbutrin on the list - stay away - they've shown that it can cause suicidal episodes in people with bi-polar disorder.  Your best bet is to look on the web and read up and then talk to your mental health caregiver.  One web site to start with is www.whatmeds.com\nThis illness is nothing to screw around with so get proper educated advice.
995724
Best to visit a good psychiatrist. I was diagnosed Bi-Polar about 6 years ago- I'm not sure that the diagnosis is/was correct, but I do very often resemble a person that is bi-polar. I dont have many down (depression) episodes at all, I'm up and more up mostly. There are many drugs available for every condition out there. My personal opinion is that mental and emotional disorders or maladies are very hard to pinpoint. I feel that I'm Mildly Autistic or have aspergeurs Syndrome, NOT Bi-Polar Disorder. The truth may be that I have several overlapping conditions, who knows? There are many web sites to check out also NAMI is an organization that caters to this subject. Good Luck!
437449
I too suffer from Bipolar disorder and I feel for you right now. I am in the USA and I don't know your rights but, it seems that you should be able to go to court and contest your x. I would call child protective service if I were you to find out if they can help you. You are making great progress. The doctors and social services have often explained bipolar to me as a disease like Diabetes. It is not something you can help, it is an illness. No body should keep your children away from you because, you are ill as long as you don't hurt the children. Good luck!