What symptoms did you have before you were diagnosed?
Depression and anxiety
What events led to your being diagnosed bipolar?
I was treated for years with depression medicine. I would do well, then after a while it was like it just quit working. My depression started getting worse. My best friend was telling me how I was like a roller coaster with my emotions. Of course I had no clue to what she was referring to.
Lessons Learned
- Go to a professional psychiatrist or nurse practitioner psychiatrist.
- I went years to my family doctor. They're not as skilled in diagnosing people with these disorders. If you have depression that doesn't go away, you need to see someone in that field. You wouldn't go to a vet if you were sick!
- I also saw multiple counselors who never picked up on it. Once again, a counselor is not a psychiatrist. One time I was in a very dangerous time in my life and the counselor still didn't see it.
- Bipolar disorder is a chemical imbalance. You need medicine for it just as you would for asthma or diabetes.
- It's hard to believe sometimes, especially when you feel so well. You think, "How can anything be wrong with me when I'm feeling this good vs the bad?" You've got to realize it's the meds that are helping along with external factors such as the weather and seasons. Don't ever give up. You'll want to, but don't. There are always bumps, and you've got to weather them like anything else in life.
- These help me:
* Keep my faith in the Lord. I need this to sustain me.
* Take your medicine, even if you feel better. Let your doctor know if you start wavering in your thoughts. Medication sometimes needs to be adjusted.
* Make sure I have routine with my sleep. I go to bed at 10pm and wake up at 7 or 8am. Very important, you MUST have your rest.
* Exercise
* Don't eat too many carbs, they'll make you even more tired.
* Have a support system.
* Learn to deal with stress as best you can.
* Know your limit. Don't push yourself into more than you can do.
* LEARN, yes, learn to enjoy life. Find a hobby of reading, fishing, etc.
What Is Your Current Diagnosis?
I have bipolar 2 disorder. It is inherited. My daughter has it as well. Families need to be aware of this disorder as it mimics other things. It's not something to be ashamed of. The only shame is those who use it against us.
Do You Agree With the Diagnosis? Why or Why Not?
I do agree with my diagnosis. My family and friends do as well.
Additional Thoughts
Bipolar is like being on drugs and you don't know it. For me, I'm not just happy, I'm REALLY happy - or sad. There's no middle. Once you get on the meds it's not a cure. It helps. You need to have a support network to help you through the ups and downs.
