I am bipolar! Help. Its been a while since the diagnosis, but I still feel in uncharted territory.?
411821
Plenty try abook and group called emotions anonymous i did and it helped me a lot its a place to vent and get suggestions for living hers one now carry a note[ad and write down thoughts or a to do list it helps to focus when on or off meds  also make one small goal a day and feel good if thats all you get done  thats enough but if you get more done thats gravy and a tasty result to a boring or long day  good luck Im sure theres a site for emotions Anonymous  an olde dude with ,,,,,,,Borderline personality disorder,
89231
With the utmost respect, I want to let you know that it sounds important for you to see a professional. It need not be a medical "doctor." It could be a professional counselor or psychologist. These individuals are trained to make diagnoses, and it would be inappropriate for anyone to make such a diagnosis of bipolar or any other without enough information. Overall, it sounds as if you are going through a very difficult time. It concerns me greatly that you mention suicide attempts...please ask for help if you feel the need to hurt yourself or someone else. I urge you to seek a professional to answer your question in person...I think you will be glad you did. Find someone you can be comfortable talking to and enjoy the healing process.
693454
You're not alone at all. There's lots of people who feel exactly the same way you do. I've destroyed my life countless times and been in the hospital a few times as well. I've been on loads of different meds as well and am now hopefully on the right ones.
195361
Figure out the sources of you stress...like when you realize that you are not relaxed, think about what you are doing at that exact moment...are you worried about your career, boyfriend/girlfriend etc. Finding the source will allow you to focus on your breathing and allow you to control your bipolar disorder.\n\nAdditionally, exercise is also beneficial to your journey.
607115
I agree with what everyone else has said and I'm so happy for you that it works and you feel better.  Don't let the ignorance of other people spoil that feeling.  Well done to you for recognising you had depression and for seeking help, that's a huge thing to do very often.\n  Anyone who makes you feel freaky or odd for taking anti depressants really doesn't know a whole lot about them.  They tend to say rubbish things such as ' you are controlled by the drugs' my reply is that my illness is controlled by the drugs, that in turn takes the edge off those terrible feelings and allows me to concentrate on sorting out how they came about in the first place'.  \nbe proud of who you are, depression and anti depressants are only a tiny fraction of who you are as a three dimensional multi faceted person :)
633312
my mother has the same disorder and she doesnt do much of anything but she is an excellent writer. i am bipolar and im in college to become a registered eeg tech among other things...you can do anything you set your mind to. the most importain thing is to accept your illness and understand your capabilities and limitations, with this in mind you can set goals for your self and take small steps...before you can take on something as major as commiting all of your time to school make sure your medicine is working for you, dont stop taking it no matter how good you feel and learn to cope with the down times...worse case scenario if you do have mental issues you can take a break. You can always go back! if you dont know what your interested in just enroll as a liberal arts major for now and take a few classes to find what your interested in you never know what may come from it.
1063648
Find a friend, if that doesn't work there is always BEN&JERRYS Chunky Monkey, it always makes everything better.\n\nBut honestly, I have felt all of those things, and that is not a good place to be.  I hope that you can realize that you are special and of infinate worth.  It breaks my heart that you feel that way. Feel free to email and we can talk, you don't have to feel so alone and that can be a start.
57053
Please see a psychologist immediately.  You may be suffering from Bi-polar disorder.
551705
That sounds pretty weird that your doctor after only 2 visits would diagnose you with bipolar right away. It's really tricky to diagnose because it's so complex. Bipolar has a lot of similar symptoms as other disorders. The best way to really find out what's wrong with you is to tell your doctor EVERYTHING that you feel. Write stuff down between visits so you don't forget to tell her about some things that may be important. Plus, you might be feeling different when you go see her and not be able to explain how you were feeling inbetween. Communication is SOOO important because there's no other way they can tell what's wrong. As far as meds goes....you've got to be patient because different meds work for different people and the side effects are different from person to person too. It's trial and error and the same thing applies....you HAVE to tell your doctor everything that you're feeling.
515811
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
319848
Asking for help is the first step toward recovery. Yes, find a counselor that is trained to deal with people of your age and diagnosis. But talk to a psychiatrist first so they can find out what is wrong. You could be living with Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder, Manic Depression or something else. Only a Psychiatrist can give you the answers you need to find the right counseling for you. Depending on the cause there are many ways to treat it. I found a great one, it's called W.R.A.P./ Wellness Recovery Action Plans developed by a wonderful lady named Mary-Ellen Copeland.\nAnd don't be afraid or let anyone tell you it's dumb to need and seek help, it's not, it's a very intelligent thing to do.
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.
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 !
612464
you haven't described anything that sounds like a manic episode to me - bipolar is NOT what most people conceive of as 'mood swings'. You haven't described anything that sounds like mania. It's more than just feeling cheerful - if someone is manic, they will talk a mile a minute and might go and do all sorts of crazy things, assuming that they can do it automatically, like go and gamble away their lifes savings because they're certain they've found a 'code' that will win them millions of dollars, or they'll commit crimes because they don't realise that what they're doing is wrong at the time. And then they come down and often feel really terrible about what's happened. You haven't described anything like that.\n\nIf there has been a tragedy, it is quite normal that you could be having problems .\nReally though, you should seek out professional help. Why delay and be in pain for longer than you need to? As both a mental health professional and a sufferer of depression, I can't recommend going and seeing a psychologist enough!\n\nIf your mum isn't a professional, then she doesn't know what is wrong with you most likely. Only a professional can make any sort of diagnoses, but far more important than a diagnosis is helping you to cope better with life. It doesn't matter what you have a potential diagnosis of really.
590755
first you need to seek medical attention asap and tell them what is going on and you may can benefit proper medication accompanied with therapy.the problem may be caused from a chemical imbalance in the brain or from what is going on your life causing you to feel this way. i to suffered from depression and went to see a doctor and found out i suffered from anxiety and panic attacks and medication and therapy has saved my life. i will prey for you. if you really want help please feel free to email me at myloveakcs@yahoo.com i know you don't feel like you have anybody to talk to but you do. please go see your family doctor. if money or no insurance is a problem you can call the united way they should be able to guide you in the right direction.
459224
I think that you need to talk to your doctor and have him change the type of medication or the dosage because it sounds to me that you are still having manic/depressive episodes. My best friend went through this for months and they found out the medication was conflicting with other meds and they were just not effective. If nothing else get a second opinion!
882585
it souns like a very deep depression and i would definately seek help asap. it must be driving you crazy. i know, i have felt the same way. i have manic-depression and am still dealing with myself in thwe mirror