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I can't believe this..

I can't believe a Bipolar Diagnosis has basically ruined my future... I can't get a job in any career I would enjoy; and my Bachelor's degree in criminal justice was just a waste.

I never had any symptoms, I was diagnosed at 14 and put on meds. How? I carved my girlfriend's name in arm, teenage shenanigans... and an "expert" suddenly decided I was mentally defective and with the flick of a pen ruined my future.
I took the medication and they turned me into a zombie. I brought up the issue and their solution was to put me on more medication. The additional medication gave me involuntary muscle movements, their solution was to drug me ever further. I gained about 60 pounds in a 5 month period due to Seroquel. The medication is what took away all the energy and ambition out of me, before then I never had a problem (just an attitude like any teenager.)
I was on medication for less than a year, I stopped taking them and immediately got better. I have no criminal record and worked my way through a Bachelor's degree... All without taking any medication or seeing any doctors.

There are no tests to diagnose someone with Bipolar Disorder; or a definite way of knowing anybody has it... This upsets me so much.. I can't join the Air Force, I can't even be a DEA agent for god's sake.... I am labeled a psycho for life.
There are people out there who clearly show sadistic behavior yet they've never gone to a psychiatrist and thus deemed "stable." People who meet me would never imagine me being "Bipolar." I am always full of energy and stable..

This turned more into a rant.. I am just really upset because I can't do much with my degree...
This label is ruining my life. As it is it was hard getting through High School-not because of the disorder-But due to the diagnosis I was treated differently by many people. After High School I thought that was all behind me now... But now every employment application I have filled out requires me to release my medical records.
Is there ANY way I can get a second opinion from a professional? If there is how will I go about doing it?

I have never felt so apathetic to my own situation in my life :((((((
14 Responses
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1541952 tn?1317816629
You absolutely can go see another doctor to get them to revisit the diagnosis - I struggle with bipolar disorder too and I absolutely get how you can feel like the diagnosis can ruin your life

Ive still been able to get a job despite having bipolar. It wasnt easy but you can check with people you know about it to see what works - I worked as a secretary for a while and they didnt do any background check or otherwise have any way to know that I was bipolar
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Avatar universal
I agree with saraww33

I am a female who has had Bipolar I (always manic) since I was a teen but was finally medicated at 23 yrs. old. I was hospitalized twice since my diagnosis.  I've been an uncooperative patient and got off my meds when I felt good and when the meds had bad side effects. It took several years to get my psychotropics just right and in sync with my individual brain chemistry.  At 40 yrs. old I applied for a position as an entry-level corrections officer with my State's Department of Corrections. I passed the background check (fingerprints and all), psych evaluation, and an oral board review. After the three month process, I was accepted into the corrections academy. All cadets spent time on the range using AR-15's and shotguns. I passed the academy, graduated, and was posted in an all-male open population correctional facility that had a custody level that ranged from medium to close supervision.

The subject of my mental illness was never broached and I never gave the hiring board a reason to question my mental stability. I have been faithful to my meds, still see a psychiatrist for med checks, and a cognitive therapist if I feel that stress is making me feel hypomanic.

My point is that our reality is a result of what we believe to be true about ourselves. Bipolar or not - what you believe is what you'll achieve.  

Hold on tight to your dream!
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1 Comments
Oh my gosh, I love this post.  I hope you come back to offer encouragement and help.  You have great insight and I appreciate where you have been in life!  Hope you come back to the forum more often to help others!
Avatar universal
I have done hours and hours of research about bipolar disorder and law agencies. I have always wanted to become an FBI agent. I learned that it's okay if you have bipolar disorder and work for the FBI or any law agency as long as you pass the psychology examination and are continually stable. I understand how frustrating it must be to be misdiagnosed. I have been before and I hate my meds so much too but I think your best bet is to get re diagnosed. good luck :)
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Avatar universal
I was honorably discharged from the service because it was too risky for me to work nights for fear I would go manic. The government can do anything they want. They don't have to abide by the rules they make. Hell, I had to take anti-discrimination classes every year to show me that everyone was protected and then they kicked me out and in every other aspect my performance was exemplary.
I understand your frustration. I did know for federal work, they have to be given access to all your medical records. It *****. I don't know what to tell you man.  Try to get another diagnoses like the other people here were saying and maybe that would counter the other paper trail you've got.
I would keep on putting in applications like a wild man. I wish you all the best, don't lose hope, things could all change for the better tomorrow,,or for that matter in the next 5 minutes!
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Avatar universal
She first wants to find a job and she doesn't want a mental illness on her record if there is no mental illness to begin with. Reading her records from when she was 14 is a great idea and she'll have them in her hands. Your right, each dr has their own opinion. Chances are this was so long ago that the second opinion dr probably won't even access her records, so he is starting from a clean slate. If I truly believed I didn't have a mental illness or any symptoms to back it up, I wouldn't be worried. If there were to be a problem with the second opinion I would go to as many dr's as I had to until I found one that said I didn't have a mental illness. Remember each dr has their own opinion .
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Avatar universal
And here is even the link the the official website for the ADA website to file a complaint.
http://www.ada.gov/fact_on_complaint.htmhttp://www.medhelp.org/posts/Bipolar-Disorder/I-cant-believe-this/show/2007475#
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Avatar universal
YES I DO ! Ok. First off This is completely illegal since 2008 to discriminant against anyone with mental disorder under the ADA( Americans with Disabilities Act) Act. As long as you are able to preform the job at hand as required, they have no legal reasoning to fire you. Especially because you stated that you have no criminal record and you do have a college education you meet most requirements for entry level positions. There is the link to the website I got the information from. Really hope it helps !

http://************.com/lib/bipolar-disorder-and-the-americans-with-disabilities-act/0004295
http://bipolar.about.com/od/ada/a/080502_adabpI.htm
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Avatar universal
In hindsight, I chose the wrong word, boring, although investigative work requiring shifting through alot of chatter and clutter can be mindnumbing. I really meant tedious and long hours before getting to the meat of things.
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Avatar universal
Sorry about typos and missed words, I have  a serious eye condition, and I can't type well on a small touchscreen keyboard. Yes, A second opinion usually wants to see what your doctor, but they like to form their own opinions on their own assesssments.Sometimes, they agree with the previous doctor, but they form their opinion on a 2 hour intense interview with you. When I get hospitalized, I will get an inhospital opinion that is totally different from the bipolar disorder I have been treated for every time I get admitted and seen by a different doctor, but they don't dare touch my medications without my physicians' knowledge or insight because I'm so complicated. I've received second opinions that confirmed the diagnosis, but I've also gotten second opinions that challenged the previous diagnosis on the condition and treatment I am questioning. When 2nd opinions are done, they not only are used for diagnoses challenges  but also on the treatment you received or propsed, and they give their suggestions on treatment for you and supporting research, assessment and knowledge. This happens all the time in hospitals and programs when there are multiple doctors, other health care experts and consultnts on a patient's case. I suggest you ask to read ypur own medical records, which is your right, so you know exactly what's in it nd you don't go on assumptions. Yes, there are times when diagnoses get overturned. Health conditions, knowledge, medical treatment,  technology, and people evolves and changes all the time...just like everything else.
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Avatar universal
I wrote you a message how to get a second opinion and what a second opinion means in your message center.Also,  I suggest that when you apply for these jobs that scrutinize your mental status like the military, police, DEA, CIA, FBI or whatever, that you attach a letter telling them why you would be a good for their organization so that you can get to the next level, testing, then interview by person or panel. You're going to have to show maturity, grit and "thinking out of the box" to prove yourself and show that you are a fighter and demonstrate good presence of mind. They aren't  to want to give the job to a sick person because it's mostly boring, then demanding,requires stamina, and being able to think and be aware of others in your team. If you had a professor or instructor who took a liking to you and mentor you, I wpuld suggest you use that influence. You're gong to have to help yourself. Even among applicants who are without a mental illness diagnosis, the screening is rigorous and, yes, they are picky. So, you are going to have to  think clearer and move on over being upset and fight for your career. They are looking for people with presence of mind to stay above adverse and dangerous situations and not put anyone, yourself or the mission in jeopardy. Think above the application paperwork and push yourself to be noticed fhat you would be a good officer. With a college degree at 18 years of age, you would be an officer in the military, but you would have to show you got what it takes. What it takes is not to fold under the weight of fears and assumptions, because there is no room for mistakes in the career path you chose for yourself. If you think a bipolar doagnosis means the end of your dreams, then it is likely you are not cut out for this career path.
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Avatar universal
If your life has been 'normal', everything fine than I see no reason for you to get the dx reversed. Your story and the fact that you have not been on any med for a mental illness since you were 15 yrs old and doing fine including putting yourself thru college and did fine, you shouldn't have any problem. One would think a dr wouldn't just make stuff up. Don't worry. Things should work in your favor. I do understand why you are so upset about this. Maybe that dr who dx you with bipolar at 14 for no reason other than what you stated (which is not a reason by the way) should have his license pulled. Good luck with your new assesment. If need be, go to another doc  until you get the answer you rightly deserve.
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Avatar universal
Does anyone else have anything that might help me out?
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Avatar universal
If I were to go to get a second opinion would the psychiatrist put me under scrutiny and bring up every little note the previous psychiatrist has about me? I'm confident he will find me stable I just don't want to have to dictate my life to another shrink.
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Avatar universal
Go to another psychiatric facility, ask for an intake appointment, see if they diagnose you with anything.  If you can get a second opinion that says you're sound, then I would seriously hope things would start looking up for you.  It's kind of silly you can't get your dream job over something like this.  I mean, a diagnosis alone shouldn't hold you back.  That's discrimination.  If you've had a 5150 hold, maybe I could understand if weapons were involved, but...this?
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