Newly Diagnosed - Bipolar

[Maine Mama Doula]

It's so relieving to have a diagnosis I feel is right. I just needed to tell somebody. My doc just started me on Lamictal and some antihistamine (other than Benadryl) to help me sleep at night. I had a breakdown a couple of weeks ago and couldn't stop thinking about how everybody would just be better off if I wasn't around. I've never planned or attempted suicide, but I've often thought how things would be easier for everyone else if I just disappeared. So I knew something was wrong...obviously.

I quit my depression meds months ago because they were not working. I controlled my mood through diet and exercise, but looking back now, I think I just went from depressed to manic. I hope I can finally start to stabilize. I've practically quit my masters when I'm only a few credits shy of completing it. I can't handle it anymore. And most days I'm so overwhelmed with the number of things that I want to accomplish that I just shut down and do absolutely nothing...lie around and make my husband do everything because I. can't. handle. it.

So, I just needed to vent. I hope I can finally get through this.

[abbylotus]

I was diagnosed with having Bipolar 1 about five years ago. I take a load of medication which helps me to maintain sanity. I take a mood stabilzer, two anti-depressants (for anxiety) and an anti-pyschotic. There were a couple of years when I was very out of control but now I am able to go to school full time, work outside the home part time and balance my family stuff. I haven't had a day when I feel so overwhelmed I shut down in quite awhile but I definately know the feeling. It will get better, Mama! The diagnosis is only part of the battle. I can't reccomend enough to be open and honest with your therapist and shrink. There were a couple of years when I only told my support the good things and what they wanted to hear. I finally realized it wasn't getting me anywhere and I needed to be truthful. It's no fun telling someone you were so overwhelmed you couldn't get out of bed or you think of killing yourself. It's unpleasant certainly, but they need to know.

Best wishes!

[Surfacing]

It sounds encouraging to have a diagnosis that feels like it fits. I hope the meds work for you, keep us posted with how things are going.

[circle vortex]

I feel ya. I was diagnosed about a year ago when i totally lost it. an looking back on my life the patterns of emotions were right on. I am currently flipped out now. I need to get into therapy and I have to wait 3 weeks cause it is the busy season. I am going to the psych doc and midwife to find a better control of my mood swings.   We just bought a house and moved, I got the worst cold in the world and my playgroup friends are dissing me cause they "don't have time for new friends" and " doesn't want drama" ...sorry there is a mental gal in your group. 

I am just on the bottom of the bottom under the bottom of the cycle now. I do like to swings...but if I can get a handle on them I would be a happy camper

I hope you feel great

[awallrising]

I was diagnosed with Bipolar a little over a year ago & it is not under control & I just found out I'm pregnant.  The depression is the worst thing for me right now.  Good luck!