New to bi polar

[Jolly873]

I've initially been diagnosed with bpd and since then it has turned into bi polar disorder and I could never figure out why I was more compulsive depressed doing stuff that I hadn't think of doing to extremes also thinking I was living the life the suddenly I crash down to suicid ideation and stuck in that mood for so long many days hrs weeks and I'm still trying to figure out what is the best way to tell my family esp my parents how do I even myself comes to terms accept and work on stabilizing myself it's all so much to read about these days I just don't know what to read at this stage so a little support would be great thanks All :)

[Jolly873]

Departed causes weight gain & sedation whereas lithium doesn't affect me in those ways in fact I've lost 4lbs...my weekend has been the best ever I'm working again without mental abnormalilities I've mood stabilisers with me in case I get I'll or unstable to stabilise things again for a few days im back to normal doesn't happen that much but not it's a constant happiness I experience on a daily basis I intend to stick to the dosage I'm currently on for lithium and hoping that it'll never come to it being ever increased

This is to everyone I've responded in one message lol hope all are keeping well and thanks for your support and friendship :) always appreciate it

[Graskeyliz]

Have you tried depakote? If you have how does it compare to lithium?  I also take Wellbutrin. Thanks

[CRSeaside]

How is your Sunday? Sending strength & confidence.

[weaver71]

Lithium is the gold standard of BP1 treatment. It seems to work well. I posted earlier and had hope, now I actually feel good. I'm making jokes, playing with kids, going to the gym and swimming. I am actually amazed how different I feel since I posted on the 13th above. When I upped my dosage the side effects came back, but they are fading and I feel pretty good. Just wanted to give you some  hope. Keep us posted on. I am hoping this works for you too.

[CRSeaside]

Thanks. I'm on a mood stabilizer too. Been thru tons of med changes too.
Side effects get to me, then I have to change meds again. Pamela

[Jolly873]

I feel somewhat more in control than I've been in such a long while and less determined to face consequences or my OTT actions I've had so much med changes it's unbelievable how many drugs I've tried and to no avail until lithium was started a week ago I will certainly take you on a support person we are here to support and offer help to anyone and I'm one of them :)

[Jolly873]

I'll certainly hang In there and give lithium all the chances I can get it seems starting it you'd never know that bi polar was my diagnosis ao like you I'm hoping for the best that it remains like this at least for a while anyways

[CRSeaside]

Hi Jolly. Think of me as part of your support team for now cuz there will be days when I reach out to you for support.
How do you feel?  Have you had more med changes? I can stay on same meds, but if I suffer an episode the PDoc changes things for awhile.
  Stay strong. You are right,not everyone understands BP, but the members of this forum get it. Let us know how you are doing! Pamela

[weaver71]

It takes awhile for sure. I have been on lithium for a little over 5 weeks and am finally getting used to it. It was real weird at first. I was wondering if it was worth it, then my wife said I haven't taken off since I started it. I haven't even talked about hopping a plane and heading to the amazon or a tropical island. For me, I am holding onto any bit of progress I can. I actually have hope for the first time in a long time that I will be stable enough to not have any major consequences. Hang in there.

[Jolly873]

Thanks so much it's good to know that there's support while I'm adjusting to this I'm doing ok so far taking lithium  and I feel somewhat more in control than I was two weeks ago the change is noticeable and for me that downy happen to often don't worry ill touch base in progress etc thanks once again

[Bubulous]

I worried a lot in the beginning that they were going to keep throwing meds at me until they got me to where I never went manic again....they tried and failed.  I can say that the meds they have me on now do help and mania is not as often or doesn't last as long.  Coping skills will go a long way learn as many as you can  :)
Keep coming back and let us know of any concerns or if you just want to talk.  I will be on here at least every evening but sometimes throughout the day.

[Jolly873]

Thank you ever so much I'm hope in time it'll be manageable for me too I'm currently on lithium so it's helping so far so good side effects are minimal at the momet but I hope I don't need increasing of meds when I go manic etc I'm not going to let BI polar take over but easier said than done hopefully I work with my psychotherapist and he/she can educate me in coping strategies and all

[Jolly873]

Now I'm ok but when things go awry it hits a number 10 My psych dr just diagnosed doesn't even give me time of day to talk I'll be attending psychotherapy in new yr I'm looking forward to that I can't tell family yet until I'm stable a lite bit more. My. Dr never reviews my meds nothing so I just go with the flow like I said earlier on he just diagnosed it in conjunction with bpd ill see what happens in new yr hope it'll benefit me thanks for your support Pamela :)

[Bubulous]

You will let your family know when you are ready.  The most important thing you can do right now is work with your dr to find the medicines that work best for you.  Anyway I deal with a lot of the things you deal with and I have been for a while but I promise it is possible to feel somewhat normal in time.  I do good most days as long as I take my medications.  It hasn't gone away yet and it likely never will but I do consider mine manageable. Welcome and I hope you find a lot of support here.

[CRSeaside]

Hi Jolly! How are you on a scale of 1-10. 1 is so low you are in a hospital. 10 is so Manic you are out of control,probably spending way too much,never sleeping , & going to the hospital too.      5 is steady on your medication. Mood stabilizers anti psychotic drugs,and what ever combo your psychiatrist puts you on to keep you from getting into trouble.
     Bipolar can be dealt with & you will lead a normal life. You need help though. Who gave you the diagnosis ? Are you already in a treatment program?  N a m I  the national alliance for mental illness has support groups. Look on their web site, for one near you.        I go every Wed evening.     Pay attention to your doctors! We are here for support. Pamela