Do you have bipolar disorder? How are you coping?!
Question: How long have you been diagnosed? What has helped you the most?
Answers: How long have you been diagnosed? What has helped you the most?
I have rapid-cycling bipolar disorder, and to be honest, cpoing has been a very long and difficult journey for me..... For a very long time, I just let the emotions fly.... refused to seek help or medication because I didn't think I was manic, just thought I was "the life of the party". Basically coped by self-medicating by snorting lots of cocaine and drinking alot. I realized eventually that I went on serious party binges when I was manic because manic episodes cause VERY irrational behavior (excess spending sprees, gambling, risky sex, drug use....) THEN it dawned on me that I went on party sprees during episodes of depression as well, because I wanted to igest ANYTHING that would bring the maina back..... let's face it.... those of us who are bipolar know that when you are manic, it feels wayyyyy better than the extreme low of depression. All of this drug use only worsened my symptoms, and I was truly out of control. I did things that truly still horrify me to this day. I hurt EVERYONE who loved me, caused alot of damage to other people who refused to turn their backs on me, even though I acted with ZERO regard to their feelings and pretty much screwed them over every chance I could. Finally, the people who loved me were courageous enough to confront me with my own behavior..... they actually sat me down and showed me video footage of myself acting in ways I was not even remotely aware of, and it scared the hell out of me, so I agreed to seek help. VERY long story short..... eventually I ended up seeking professional help and got on medication. The meds help alot, but don't be disillusioned..... your symptoms will never DISAPPEAR, they just are minimized, allowing you to function as an acting member of society. So now I cope by continuing with therapy, staying on my medication, and, when things do get tough, I talk to people who understand what I am going through. I was 25 when I was diagnosed, and I am 37 now. It is a long road to wellness, but sooooo worth it!!!! If you are bipolar and unsure of the path to take, please feel free to contact me whenever......... Sometimes, even talking to a complete stranger helps so much when you know that they truly "get it". Don't give up on yourself, and just know that u r not alone.... I am in your corner!!!!! Check out these links... couldn't hurt, might help.....
Yes, and not well. I've been diagnosed for about four years, and just within the last year I finally stabilized on medication. However, I didn't like the side effects, so I lowered the dose of one and now I'm spiraling down again. I should be in therapy, but I got new insurance and haven't bothered to figure out how it all works.
i personally do not have bipolar disorder, but my older cousin has been diagnosed with it.
she used to see a psychologist and take medication.
but she didn't like the effects of the medication and hasnt taken it for years.
she still has bipolar disorder, but it seems with age she is able to handle it better.
I have been diagnosed. I am on 20 mg of paxil and 60 mg of geodon. I just broke up with my boyfriend and started a new job...my anxiety level just shot up. I am a single mom of 2 teens and a 21 yr old...no support. Now, am I bipolar or is my life just a pain in the ***?