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Does BiPolar get worse with age?

I have seemed to get worse through the years, even though, I was just diagnosed (20 years as depression before now at BP1), it does seem that the episodes got worse and worse through the years.

As my father got older, he seemed to get worse, and worse (he wasn't diagnosed or medicated), and I just wonder what it's going to be like as I get older.  What does my family and friends have to "look forward to"?

I know we can get "stable", but does it continue to get worse?  Also, I have a history of dimentia in my family - I wonder if it's linked?

Thoughts???
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Avatar universal
To the readers,

This is a blog where posts are made by people who are not doctors.  I notice there is an urban legend growing here with Rach as leader that the disorder gets worse with age, but there is no relevant age range mentioned.  My experience of 45 years is that as my body has aged, my ability to sustain mania has diminished.  My first psychotic episode was at age 24 and the last at age 50.  I am 63.  It is important to follow a medication schedule, but also to learn and then avoid your triggers.  Mine was sexual affairs outside of marriage.  It also helps to avoid alcohol and drug abuse.
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Avatar universal
hi almost30, I am 34 and I am having the same trouble as u, I was diagnosed at 18 and I havent taking any meds since 21.... I thought I could handle it too.... but now more than ever I think I need help .... I have been on the edge of a breakdown for 3 years now... and I am scared and dont know what to do... please msg me and we will talk more
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Avatar universal
hi almost30, I am 34 and I am having the same trouble as u, I was diagnosed at 18 and I havent taking any meds since 21.... I thought I could handle it too.... but now more than ever I think I need help .... I have been on the edge of a breakdown for 3 years now... and I am scared and dont know what to do... please msg me and we will talk more
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
In my opinion, he ejected because he's bipolar.  Deep down, he knows who or what he is and thinks you will have a better chance on your own, especially with a child.  I am 51 years old, and was diagnosed with BP2 last week but I've had suspicions for years. At age 30 I was diagnosed with depression.  Your ex-boyfriend's behavior sounds identical to mine.  That's the biggest frustration.  We can fake it most of the time, especially at work, but not all the time and we take it out on the people we love most.  It burns up energy and we're only human.  I hope you can forgive him and yourself.  I want to be "normal", just realizing it probably won't happen.  And the worst is that I have a son and I'm learning I may have passed this on to him.

I don't know if you'll read this or if it helps but I wish you the best.  Thanks for listening, or if you don't read, then thank you, Universe, for letting me say this somewhere, somehow to someone.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
In my opinion, he ejected because he's bipolar.  Deep down, he knows who or what he is and thinks you will have a better chance on your own, especially with a child.  I am 51 years old, and was diagnosed with BP2 last week but I've had suspicions for years. At age 30 I was diagnosed with depression.  Your ex-boyfriend's behavior sounds identical to mine.  That's the biggest frustration.  We can fake it most of the time, especially at work, but not all the time and we take it out on the people we love most.  It burns up energy and we're only human.  I hope you can forgive him and yourself.  I want to be "normal", just realizing it probably won't happen.  And the worst is that I have a son and I'm learning I may have passed this on to him.

I don't know if you'll read this or if it helps but I wish you the best.  Thanks for listening, or if you don't read, then thank you, Universe, for letting me say this somewhere, somehow to someone.
Helpful - 0
585414 tn?1288941302
    There are still options as regards coverage for medications. If you dont work you might be Medicaid eligible. ff you do work and your state has it you could be eligible for the Medicaid Buy in for Working People with Disabilities. Also there is the Patient Assistance Program where the specific pharmaceutical company can provide the medication without cost dependent on eligibility factors. There are other insurance options as well. There are agencies that could help in this regard. It is worth finding out about. When a person experiences the depressive aspect of bipolar a sense of hopelessness and sleep disruption are common concerns. There should be a way you could get the help you need.
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