Bipolar 2 Newbie

[Midijane]

Hello out there. I am new to this forum and new to a diagnosis of BP 2. Would anyone care to share their experiences with this? Im sure everyone here knows what a long road this has been. I always say that managing my emotions is like a full-time job.

Im currently taking Lamictal and Effexor. I recently stopped Abilify, although it definitely helped, because I had been dealing with dizziness for the better part of this year. Once off the Abilify, the dizziness finally went away. But I recognize  I need to do something else to help control my cycling. Was reading about Seroquel, planning on asking my doc about that one.

I know everyone is different and we all follow our own paths with this. Id just like to hear from others and how they cope with their highs and lows. Personally, I can handle the lows a lot better. I just make the world mad at me when Im on the upward swing... no fun at all.

Its nice to have a place to talk to others. BP has been so isolating.

Thanks :)

[Bunkyburman]

I completely know how you feel.  When I was diagnosed two months ago, I felt the same way.  I was not happy that I was bipolar, I was happy that someone validated how I was feeling and that they could help.  I have since learned a lot and feel that I am on a good path to stability.  Lots of bumps and I am sure there will be more, but I will take it!  Good luck and keep in touch.

[GenK1981]

Hey all.

Been really taking in all the advice and stories that have been going around on these forums and its a huge relief to hear people go through the same things as me. Makes me feel that I am not alone.

Yesterday I was diagnosed with Bipolar type 2 and given lamotrigine at low doses which obviously will lead onto higher dosages carefully monitored. When I was told I had bipolar yesterday I broke down not with sadness....but with happiness.....I finally have an answer to the suffering I have been going through from the age of 13-14 (now 31).

My only regret is that I didn't identify this sooner and at the moment in my low stages at present that eats me up.  Seems like most of us here discover a bipolar as a diagnosis quite late on in our lives.....

To all the above posters thank you for sharing your experiences.

[Bunkyburman]

Knowledge is key and this disease makes you feel so alone!  I just find if helpful!  I am not an expert just been dealing with it for too long!  Thanks for the star!  And oh the mood tracker helps me remember my good days

[Midijane]

Hello Bunky,

I suspect my BP started to show in my early 20s. Ive just always figured I was socially challenged and way too sensitive. Agreed this forum is very helpful in feeling not alone. Ive been reading others posts for a little while. No one I know deals with BP and Im obviously ready to finally talk about it (Ive already posted here a few times since last evening, ha).

Stay in touch and let me know how things are going...

[Midijane]

Lol, somehow gave you the best answer Bunkyburman. No offense meant to ILadvocate... appreciate all responses. Bunky, at least you now have a little star on your home page for being a best answerer :)

[Midijane]

Nice to hear a little of your story ILadvocate, appreciated.

I havent really been able to figure out whether my judgement is off with the maina yet. So far I only recognize when Im having a lot of incredible ideas all at once, then I start to wonder whats going on. At least during those times Im able to stay on top of things that need done and feel like a normal parent. But at some point, the mania goes too far and I get really angry. I have to tell my kids Im not feeling well and to give me lots of space. They are really helpful and ask if they can help me often when that happens.

With the depression, the only thing that makes me feel better is to txt a few close friends or family and ask them to frequently check in on me. Otherwise, the deepest depression, despite how hopeless life feels, is a kind of break from my responsibilities. I give myself permission to just ignore the world and focus on sleeping. Not a good thing I realize but I have learned to accept it rather than struggle to fight against it or beat myself up. At least sleeping is mental peace for awhile.

I like the idea of asking my doc what his opinion is about my visit/behaviors. Hadnt thought of that. Mood tracker... I should start using that again.

Do you think your BP seems to get better in time or worse? I guess it probably just depends on whether or not we are figuring out how to manage our lives... or not. Its in my nature to genuinely be positive/optimistic. I remind myself how beautiful my kids are and of all of the good things in life. When I do get breaks from the highs and lows I love to hang out with my kiddos, travel, be outdoors, and enjoy the days. Dont want to sound like Im completely broken, just working hard to figure this out.

Thanks for listening.

[ILADVOCATE]

  As regards myself one of my main approaches is to have a further understanding of my own treatment and concerns and specifically how they may help. I try to ask my psychiatrist what they are noticing about me that needs follow up and what they believe could be done to help. During times of depression I try to put together things in my life, activities, at times reaching out to others in need that will motivate me. I also am trying to make more of an effort to keep in touch with people in the outside world. During times of mania I try to keep track of whether I am experiencing judgment loss and if so postpone any higher level decisions I must make. I also keep track of the potential consequences of impulsive behavior such as spending too much.
  I try to keep track of my mood shifts and other concerns on a regular basis and I know the mood tracker can be helpful with this. Also while i am changing medications I update my psychiatrist if concerns occur as regards both benefits and side effects and at those time within their professional judgment they often keep appointments more frequent.